Accept life's twists and turns as part of the journey

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Have you ever walked on The Great Wall of China?

It's truly an amazing experience and one that I was lucky enough to have in my 30s as I raised money for a charity called WhizzKidz in the UK which helps children who need mobility equipment. Although exhilarating, the journey was full of twists and turns, ups and downs which sometimes mirrored my emotions as I struggled on from one guard tower to another carrying my heavy rucksack.

But the undulations in the road, both vertical and horizontal served a purpose - to get me from where I was, to where I wanted to be; from one stunning viewpoint to another, which I would have been unable to do going in straight lines! The twists and turns were a necessity, to help me climb the steep inclines safely, and to find the easiest path, not necessarily the straightest one. And if I'm honest, they were all much more than that too, for around each corner was something new to discover, a different vista with a scent of its own, a view to look back on to see how far I'd come, or an inspiration to spur me on.

Life's twists and turns

Life has its own twists and turns and ups and downs which we can sometimes deride as 'hard times' or 'marking time'. Whether it's a personal goal, a professional achievement, or even a physical journey, we rarely travel in straightforward lines. Even the railway tracks bend and twist with the lie of the land.

It's these very twists and turns that make the journey worthwhile and ultimately shape who we become. Or rather, it's how we view these twists and turns that has the biggest impact.

Embracing the Journey

In an ideal world, many of us would like our paths to be smooth and direct although they rarely are. The shortest way through the mountains is to blast them away or go through a tunnel. However, that is rarely the most entertaining or engaging way. Destroying the mountain destroys your chance to appreciate nature, and a tunnel is often very boring and monotonous.

Winding your way around the nooks and crannies of the natural landscape gives you a far greater chance of seeing new things, learning something new, or just giving you the chance to appreciate the journey you're on. The same is true of life; sometimes you need to stop and appreciate the journey, regardless of the destination. Each step of our life journey is influenced by a myriad of factors—some within our control, others entirely beyond it. The detours, obstacles, and unexpected events we encounter along the way are not just challenges to overcome; they are opportunities for growth and learning - as long as we can view them in that way.

The Importance of Flexibility

One of the most valuable traits to cultivate on any journey is flexibility. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances can make the difference between giving up or finding a new way forward. Flexibility allows us to pivot when faced with obstacles and to reassess our goals and strategies. It teaches us that there is no single "right" path to our destination; instead, there are multiple routes, each with their own set of experiences and lessons. There may be diversions, we may have to retrace our steps or go somewhere we never intended to, but each of these will be opportunities if viewed as such. And remember, there is always a way!

Learning from Setbacks

Setbacks are also an inevitable part of any journey. In a journey through the mountains, it can be a stream we can't cross, a broken bridge or a landslide. In life, it could be a failed business venture, a personal disappointment, or an unforeseen life event. While these setbacks can be disheartening, they also offer invaluable lessons. Each setback provides an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and rebuild with newfound wisdom. My daughter is currently in hospital and we are constantly waiting to hear what the next twist and turn in her recovery will be. But that is OK. I choose to believe that everything will work out in the end, and that these moments are fleeting opportunities to view life from a different perspective. I've met new people, discovered the inner workings (or not) of the NHS, and had the chance to reconnect with old friends who have come to visit.

Embracing setbacks as part of the process can help us develop resilience and perseverance and we must always remember that it is within our power to choose how to regard a setback - as "a stumbling block or a stepping stone", as the famous poem says.

So, whatever you are facing today, be it a twist or turn in the road, a high court order or a family member in hospital, take a deep breath, keep an open mind, and cherish every step of your journey, trusting that it will all work out in the end.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Gail


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Recent Comments

24

That's an interesting analogy, Gail. Some of us expect life to be as simple as getting from point A to point B in a straight line - even in a perfect world.

But instead, it can potentially turn into something like the great Wall of China with ups and downs, twists and turns that can either make us or break us.

Hope your daughter gets well soon!

Appreciate the post!
Isaiah 🙂

Thanks for your insight, Isaiah. Glad you found it relevant and thank also for your good wishes. Fingers crossed! :) Gail

Hi Gail, This is a great example of dealing with various life experiences. It reminded me of some of my Army training being in circumstances we were not sure how to deal with. Learning to deal with challenges helped me develop a spirit that you can't let problems stop you. One of my favorite quotes from Zig Ziglar is, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Thank you for a great post.

Thanks Rick. I love that quote too because I really believe it to be true. We all face difficulties in life but the outcome is dependent on how you deal with the things that happen, not what actually happens. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Thank you.

Thanks is for sharing, Gail!

You're welcome.

Hi Gail,

Your post was inspiring! Comparing life to walking The Great Wall of China beautifully shows how twists and turns teach us valuable lessons.

I appreciate how you shared that challenges offer new perspectives and opportunities. Enjoying the journey instead of focusing solely on the destination really resonated with me.

Your positivity during your daughter’s hospital stay is touching. It’s a powerful reminder to see setbacks as stepping stones to growth.

Thank you for this uplifting message. Wishing you and your daughter a smooth recovery. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Take care,
Boris

Thanks for your time and kind comments here, Boris. I do try to live my life with a very optimistic and positive outlook. I think it is the best way to overcome things. Life is really a beautiful opportunity to experience so much that we need to appreciate everything a little more, even the down times.

I couldn't agree more — life is beautiful, and every challenge helps us appreciate it even more.

You are right set backs and twists and turns life has them for sure. However how we respond to them is key. Good read thanks Positive Vibes

Hi there and thanks for your comments. You very name is positivity which I love. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. All the best, Gail.

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