Challenges forge virtues
And giving others a friendly place to hang their hats of remembrance towards us in quiet moments of reflection
“Virtues are forged when no one else is looking and imparted when a hand is reaching up for us to grab it. In these defining moments, there is not much to be said. Only silent vistas of clarity where ancient human emotions are reciprocated.”
Virtues burn brighter than any torch, they hold more inspiration than the greatest novels, and they offer others a friendly place to hang their hats of remembrance towards us. To hold this sacred space in a fellow’s memory is to appreciate all challenges for what they are… opportunities to forge virtues.
Navigating life’s winding path of uncertainty with poise and appreciation will carry you through any experience. Culminating in a revelation that virtues are the gift and are far greater in value beyond any external achievement.
Challenge is a circumstantial movement and a passing of events that we don’t (yet) have a map for. It is always good, no matter our perception of it. Sometimes we feel that we choose the circumstances, such as investing months training for an endurance race only to crash out near the end. And sometimes the circumstances choose us, such as meeting the love of your life unexpectedly at a teahouse and having your whole world (lovingly) turned upside down.
Regardless of your sense of control over the circumstances, this space between orientation and disorientation is where virtues coalesce and our isolated experiences become grand narratives that inspire, uplift and comfort. For this reason, I cannot recall a challenge in my life which has not edified a weakness which honestly needed strengthening.
“…the virtues of fortitude and camaraderie were quietly being folded into a time capsule to later be found by others who needed it the most.”
So why not live a life of ease, comfort and regret? Because you will eventually cross paths with another who will need to lean on you, and, if they are truly wise, they will eventually unwrap the same gift for another that you gave to them. The more virtues are developed, the more attuned and sensitive you become as to how they may benefit others. This is the virtuous cycle.
Sometimes virtues are grown when no one is around and even we ourselves are not aware of them within us. For instance, when I was a teenager, I was left at home by myself for weeks at a time while my parents were separating and I also happened to be a competitive cyclist. I learned the power of physical endurance, mental perseverance, and how to take a fall emotionally.
Although this was a surreal period of great loss and despair and that the only person I felt like that I had to help me through it was myself, the virtues of fortitude and camaraderie were quietly being folded into a time capsule to later be found by others who needed it the most.
When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, these virtues were involuntarily enlisted from myself to protect and serve those who were devastated. Fortitude to sacrifice personal comfort so that another less fortunate person had hope and the camaraderie to let them know that someone cares about them when no seeming help was within earshot.
Virtues are forged when no one else is looking and imparted when a hand is reaching up for us to grab it. In these defining moments, there is not much to be said. Only silent vistas of clarity where ancient human emotions are reciprocated.
There is a saying which I find helpful in navigating any challenge which can only ever lead to grow:
“We weather the weather no matter the weather”
This is a broad orientation that has nothing to do with achievement and everything to do attitude. You can find refreshing clarity from the symphony of rain on a hike or drone on about a little mud on your boots. You can find business clarity when there is a financial downturn or armchair quarterback what would have been a better investment. You can sweep the corners while whistling because you are grateful to be tending or be ungrateful for your abode.
Although the level of challenge may vary in life, these simple (internal) acts compound over time and result in a virtuous demeanor that uplifts those whom you cross paths with… even if they can’t quite put words as to why. This is the gift of challenges and when this is fully grasped, life becomes a fun adventure where everything becomes a natural resource to build a grand lodge of existence where you and your fellow wanderers can rest their heads easy by the fire.
Until we ride again,
Addi 🤠