A skilled climber who has scaled many mountains knows that you have to pause and take step backs to avoid treacherous terrains in many climbs.

Helen Keller had a rough start with her teacher Anne Sullivan. Keller would have outbursts of frustration. It took many tries until one day, Keller had a breakthrough. She figured out that the word water spelled on her hand conveyed her feeling of cool water. 

If Sullivan and Keller had given up in the first few weeks, the world would have missed learning from Keller’s brilliance and Sullivan’s patience.

Failed projects, broken relationships, financial losses—they all hurt. Even a missed flight feels painful. But it helps to believe that these step backs may be move forwards. Often, it plays out over time. 

I know two people who are alive today because they missed their flight. They were very upset when they missed their flight, only to realize two hours later, how lucky they were to be alive.

That experience changed their life. However, we often don’t get to know how adversity prevented a catastrophe. It just helps to keep the faith during difficult times that someone is looking out for us.

So, think of a few ways recent adversity or a step back may have helped you. It will empower you to feel strong and less fearful. 

Excerpted from the book, That Makes Sense: Resilience-insights to lift your day.