Tip 42: The Obstacle is the Path

If you find a path with no obstacles,
it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
Frank A. Clark

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 king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about moving the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. When he reached the boulder, he laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After considerable pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.

The peasant learned a valuable lesson: that every obstacle has within it the potential to improve our situation.

Each time we encounter unexpected challenges or drawbacks in our lives we’re presented with a choice. We can dwell on the unfairness of it, or we can choose to see it as a gift and an opportunity. Difficult and uncomfortable though it is, maybe this problem is there to help us to make a change.

Here’s a real life example from Sheelagh, who was dealt a tough card when she encountered an unexpected illness. She says:

This illness has been a great teacher and your words about 'the obstacle is the path' has been such an inspiration. I have found out who my real friends are; that I can say ‘no’ to people and that they will still respect me; that I have the right to be ill and have time off, and that I need to take more time off and have more fun and do more spiritual reading. Another spin-off is that I have bought a juicer to improve my immune system. In a few months I will be great!! Horrid and scary though it has been, only good will come from this.

If you find yourself in challenging circumstances, see if you can see beyond them by asking …

What’s the opportunity here?

What’s the gift?

What’s the lesson / What can I learn?

Where are the blessings in this situation?

Look for the opportunities in the difficulties,
not the difficulties in the opportunities.
Victor Fiorelli

While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity.
Publilius Syrus

Life's up and downs provide windows of opportunity
to determine your values and goals.
Think of using all obstacles as stepping-stones
to build the life you want.
Marsha Sinetar