Adversity has such a broad connotation. Everyone has to face his or her own form of adversity. It could be a tragedy that has struck thousands of people. It could be the passing of a loved one. Or it could be a diagnosis that will alter a child’s entire life

I was eight years old when I was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy that would put me in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I was faced with adversity, but I was determined not to let that define me. It has taken me a long time to accept that I have this hurdle I have to jump (figuratively, of course).

The reason I like the word ‘adversity’ is because it’s an equalizer. It doesn’t put one person’s suffering above another’s, because the fact is everyone faces adversity. Everyone deals with hardships in their life. It is how we deal with it that really allows our character to shine through. It might not seem like it at the time, but adversity is a necessary part of life. Every challenge and every difficulty we successfully confront in life serves to strengthen our will, our confidence and our ability to conquer future obstacles. Adversity gives you the chance to respond constructively to some of the biggest challenges you may ever face. Your best qualities are able to emerge from deep inside of you.

Of course, it is human nature to get caught up in the ‘why me?’ of it all. The self-pity and unfairness of life can trap you. No matter what adversity you are currently facing, there is a purpose behind it. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that, but how you view adversity can affect every aspect of your life. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

Accept that adversity is part of life.

As has already been pointed out, adversity is inevitable. One day, everything could be on the right track, and the next, everything could be falling apart before your eyes. That’s just the way life works. There is absolutely no way to avoid it. The only thing to do is face it head-on. You can find unmistakable struggles everywhere you look. Adversity comes in all forms, whether it’s external or internal, it’s something everyone has to face.

Decide what you’re going to do.

When faced with adversity, it’s important to remember your goals. What do you want to do? Who do you want to be? Let the answers to those questions drive you. Don’t let whatever it is that’s in your way knock you down. Let this be an opportunity for growth. This is a chance to be resilient and persistent. Make sure you prevail.

Surround yourself with the right people.

Surround yourself with people who will constantly support and comfort you. This is the time to take a look at your life and decide if the people in it make you the best version of yourself.

Have something to lean on.

Look at yourself. What kind of person are you? Faith and courage can get you through some of the toughest obstacles in life. Be strong. Be independent. Be faithful. Be who you have always wanted to be.

Wallow — but don’t live there.

You are allowed to wallow. You can cry. You can feel bad. You can hate the world. Everyone’s entitled to bad days, but that’s the point – bad days. Life sucks sometimes, but we deal with it, and we move on.

Be confident.

Believe in yourself. This probably sounds so cliché, but it’s the most important. You’ve probably experienced setbacks before, so you’re capable of overcoming them. Use that to you advantage and remind yourself that you can do anything you set you’re mind to.