“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward.
When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great.
So just focus, and keep aiming.”
Someone facing life-changing adversity recently shared this with me. I was impressed with their ability to keep perspective in the midst of such a difficult time. It’s all very well being able to look back on something with the benefit of hindsight and say “there was a Fabulous Opportunity for Growth” [F.O.G.] but in my experience it takes real courage and determination to be in a FOG and benefit from the experience at the time.
I love the imagery of being the arrow pulled back in the bow, poised and ready for launch. Of course, having to hang in there and manage the waiting is what takes fortitude. Staying in the moment, present for what is happening now, not projecting into what-will-happen-when-we-go is tough territory for most of us. The “keep aiming” seems pretty important here as well. I’m not an archer but having watched them at practice I can imagine that staying focused on the here-and-now as well as the target is what matters. How many of us know what we’re aiming for, especially at challenging times? Is it just to get through, or could it be to emerge stronger, healthier and with an even greater sense of purpose?
Where do you need to aim?