We have all heard about the Silver Lining to every storm as for most cliches there is a strong truth behind them. This holds true for the silver lining behind obstacles. When looking at the strength and learning behind everything that we have gone through we find that silver lining. I found an author and book that as helped me to remember important learnings that have helped me reach my goals and will continue to help as an inspiration. Thank you, Kathryn Johnson, for your book the Joy of Obstacles: Celebrating the SilverLining in Difficult Days.
Kathryn is a life coach and wonderful person who has been the through much. When I first spoke with Kathryn she mentioned her passion for track and field and I could feel her face light up with passion. In my opinion that her passion and drive has caused her to overtake all the obstacles that life has thrown at her. Kathryn has been blessed with many obstacles giving her the ability to help others. That is her main goal to help others find the way to success.
Kathryn has developed a process to help you find Joy in your obstacles. I said to her early in the conversation that she must believe that obstacle lead us to success and she gleefully told that she believes:
In my view, obstacles are not a cause for success. In fact they are often perceived as exactly the opposite. Obstacles are often perceived as barriers or blocks to success. The key to overcoming the block is to change how you look at your circumstance – to see “The Joy in Obstacles”. The Joy comes from the understanding that everything in the Universe happens to support our growth.
The obstacle is presented to help us grow and is, therefore, a gift. The gift of the obstacle is some form of connection with others. (There is likely other benefits as well. ) Connection may be through, conversation, research, books or by some other form. Through the connection with others everyone involved grows. It creates a win-win and everyone evolves to become a better version of themselves.
Alternatively, if there were no obstacles and everything was easy, there would be no reason to grow or connect with others. The world as a whole would stagnate. A world without obstacles may seem like it would be fun. I disagree.
I now have to agree with her by learning and finding joy in our challenges we grow. Please listen to our conversation and the go find her book be sure to scroll down and select your free gift.