Overcoming

Good Monday Morning!

I hope you had a lovely weekend engaged in your favorite activities.

I’ve been curious about what keeps people from accessing their best lives. Sometimes obstacles prevent us from realizing our goals; sometimes, those goals are delayed, and other times we self-sabotage due to many emotional responses, such as fear. None of us like to identify as victims, yet some adopt behavior that perpetuates the notion that nothing can go right in our world.  

Interestingly, one article referred to victimization as a kind of narcissism. Some get trapped into a vicious cycle of continuing negativity by not accepting responsibility, placing blame, and making excuses. These actions become self-perpetuating and self-serving, making it difficult to break out of an unhealthy pattern.

The antidote, however, is to face challenges and obstacles directly and learn to increase our resilience by overcoming the hardship. The remarkable result of overcoming is the strength and perseverance that grows stronger each time we exercise the right to push back the negativity or victim mentality and adopt an attitude that promotes respect, strengthens our character, and renders adversity ineffective.

Albert Schweitzer was regarded as a polymath, or one versed many topics whose expansive knowledge can problem-solve on several complex levels. In addition, he was a physician, theologian, musicologist, and humanitarian. Schweitzer received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his philosophy of the Reverence of Life.

Dr. Schweitzer shared his thoughts on overcoming:

This quote is an encouragement for the lasting effects of working to overcome adversity and alludes to character building during the process.

Daisaku Ikeda, the Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder, and educator shares similar sentiments:

Ikeda’s sentiments are also encouraging as we seek to move from the negativity and temptation to feel victimized to a place of triumph and peace, becoming people of substance.

John 16:33 speaks of overcoming this way:

“I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” (GNT)

And here are two other scripture passages that encourage us:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (NIV)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”Revelation 2:7 (NKJV)

This week, let’s take a chance and address those places where we feel victimized. Look for ways to rewrite the narrative and purpose to overcome feelings of defeat, rejection, or hopelessness. Let’s set a precedent and model healthy ways to deal with adversity by overcoming thoughts and perceptions that have held us back!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda