Let's Talk About...Adversity

Ok. Life can bring great joys and great disappointments. In the face of adversity, do you despair or embrace it?

For example, last week, I was wearing sandals and a tank top. This week I was planning to hike Mt. Sanitas but instead found myself bundled in a sweater cuddling my electric blanket.

By the way, it is only in the high thirties. By February the mid-thirties will seem downright balmy. Abrupt changes can be a jolt. But before long, we get used to the change and fluctuations in the weather. We adapt. We go skiing.

Whether it's the weather or well laid plans, at times abrupt changes bring some disappointment like not being outside in the sun as planned.

Think about it. Have you been to a spring outdoor wedding in the mountains? The bride and groom have been planning the event for over a year. The day comes, the venue is beautifully staged with flowers, white draped chairs, and a magnificent view. Friends and family have come from New Jersey for the big day. Grandma has managed to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain without incident.

Then, out of nowhere, the wind kicks up, clouds roll in, the temperature drops, and it begins to rain and snow at the same time. Everyone rushes indoors and the happy couple suddenly aren't looking so happy.

At other times such an event like that goes off without a hitch.

You never know.

It is like the time I competed in a horse show resplendent in my black cowboy hat, fringed chaps, gold-starred shirt and shiny boots. I had prepared and practiced for months. Not more than two minutes into my event, I cued Whiskey to change leads like I had done a thousand times before. This time, he suddenly tripped. I found my face in the dirt with his hoof not more than 6 inches away from my head.

The agony of defeat.

The embarrassment. The disappointment. The surprise.

I was ready to hang up my hat for good.

Like the bride and groom, I had to make the best out of a bad situation. They still got married. I got back on the horse.

They say that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars.

In the case of my personal defeat, the stars weren't just on my shirt. I just worked harder for next time. And got better. And later learned the thrill of victory.

Skiers can't wait for the snow. Brides and grooms have a great story to tell.

So, when winter sets in and the skies darken with the unknown, the sun will actually come out tomorrow. There is always a morning after.

So, keep an extra jacket and gloves in the car.

Get back on the horse, put on a sweater and grab your skis.