What is Challenging?

This note is to Marsha of Splenderosa who is "challenging" us to write out thoughts for  our monthly "By invitation Only" column

Dear Marsha:

I could write a novel about the challenges that everyone faces in life…. I could keep it light and entertaining by just looking at my own daily challenges. Most importantly my iPhone... had my new one stolen after 3 days... still cannot figure out my replacement one. Speaking of replacement, I am constantly searching for my phone, my glasses, my wallet and found myself at dinner parties with a pen tucked in my hair.

Survival challenges: I trekked across deserts, glaciers, the Himalayas, remote parts of the Borneo jungle, skied off steep ravines but yet could not find my way home, my sense of direction being so poor. My children are blessed with a father that feeds them as I cannot cook for my life and am not allowed near any coffee machines or other apparatus such as a vacuum cleaner.

But the greatest challenge, is the passing of time, the changes one must make in life, accepting the curve ball that life throws at you. I am not very good at this, terrible in fact and that is rather challenging!

A bientôt,

Francine

Life is a challenge...

En route to visit with our Orangutan friends in Kalimatan, Borneo.Magnificent gift of nature.

Marsha, of Splenderosa, our coach of sorts, and inspirational motivator, challenges us every month with topics for discussion.

This month's Bio is: "Our greater challenge, and how it changes us for the better"

Well Marsha, you did pick a timely and on point subject, appropriate during this spiritual and religious time.

One of my favorite Hollywood movies is Forrest Gump and his powerful line: "Life is a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you're gonna get."

Life in itself is a series of challenges, our path is to accept the challenges, have faith in God and ourselves, and embrace the changes ahead. In itself, this is a formidable challenge. I fear change, heights, unknown territories, meeting new people,  and because I suffer those fears I deliberately  throw myself into situations where I am compelled to face those fears, embrace the moment and emerge enriched by the experience. 

However, looking back at my life, my one greatest challenge was acceptance. Acceptance that there is more to this world and life than its obvious physicality and that we must believe in our spiritual being and God's love, would it be the wisdom of Buddha or any religion. In a flash, my life, my small world was shattered in front of my eyes on a crisp pure blue morning on September 11th. Writing these words, I can still hear the screams, the sounds of destruction, breath in the dust, stand in disbelief and horror as the towers crumbled before my eyes, not even thinking of running for cover. My perfect small world was over, friends gone forever, children without fathers or mothers. Instinctively,we all walked in silence... walked away until we reached the train station, and went to find refuge in my church. The core of my being so exposed and raw that the only solace I would accept was from God.

Then, I understood. I understood the meaning of life, the magical moments of life, the gift of being alive and I have never ever taken any day for granted. Every night, I look at the sky and every morning I thank God for his loving gift of life.

A Bientôt,

Francine

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