Although problems appear to be burdens to us in our lives, they are actually opportunities for growth. In the long run, we really should welcome problems and frustrations for only out of the solutions do we find real growth and happiness.

Its very hard to actually put into practice, I know. Its hard to have a hectic day with two or three major things going wrong and actually go This is a great chance for me to grow! Blah!! Now you sound like one of those sunshine people who always see the good side of life. Well, you know theyre probably right even though most of us would rather not admit it.

A lot of us even make a life out of avoiding work, commitments, stress, almost anything that might be painful. You ever had a job where you worked twice as hard at looking busy as you wouldve if you just actually did something? Sounds funny but I know a lot of folks who have. Myself included.

But after awhile, we find ourselves in Nowheresville doing nothing with a bunch of other nobodies who are doing nothing too. And before you know it, your life is just a bunch of coulda, shoulda, woulda

Sooner or later, we all have to take the initiative and try to confront the problem. Face a little pain and find out you actually can live through it. It becomes a habit after awhile. They say successful people all have one thing in common. They are willing to do what the average person is not. They are willing to take a risk, try to solve a problem or face a difficult decision. And they dont give in to fear.

Ill leave you with this little story I remember from awhile ago. In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the Kings wealthiest merchants came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but did nothing about removing the stone from the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant put down his load and tried to move the stone. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After he picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse laying in the road where the stone had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who moved the stone from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand.

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve ones condition.