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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Opportunities For Growth

The last two weeks have been a challenge. Nothing Earth-shattering, just the passing of my laptop and the loss of a bunch of hard work. I'm typing this post excruciatingly slowly on my iPad. See, not all bad. I still have 'the pad'.

I did spend three hours at the Apple store surrounded by 'geniuses' who had no idea why data was not being transferred to my USB key, on a day when I was supposed to be baking treats for my son's music concert. Had to leave without my data to make it to the concert on time (which was really fun - Jack sang loud and proud and was, not suprisingly to those of us that know him, the loudest on the drum).

This quote comes to mind when I think back on this week:

"If you're not having problems, you are missing an opportunity for growth." ~ Unknown
 
True. Very true. My computer woes left me with time to reflect on my priorities, more time to spend with my son. Jack and I had a fun week. I embraced the fact that I was in the middle of something over which I had little to no control. There is some freedom in that recognition.

What I did have control over was the outcome. The result of this challenge was a positive one: I used it as an opportunity to connect with my son and to slow down long enough to take in the view of the terrain that lies before me, rather than continuing to trudge on, head low, seeing only my feet.

Without challenges, life would be dull. It would be predictable, true, but very, very dull. I say, Embrace the challenges! Rise above them and have a story to tell!

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I'm linking up with Bianca of Bits of Bee for her 
Quotable Bits link up. Come on and join the fun!

15 comments:

  1. Wow you really handled the computer crashing well...I'm proud of you. I would have been freaking out...which as you said you have no control over it so might as well enjoy the time with your son. Glad you turned lemons into lemonade!

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  2. Amen, sister!!
    Glad you had a fun week with your son...everything happens for a reason ;)

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  3. Oh, I freaked out alright, Natalie, but thank-you. I freaked out when it seemed like I might lose all my data. Then when it became more clear that there wasn't anything I could do about that, i moved on and took advantagge of the situation.

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  4. Thanks Jen. It's been pretty fun, actually.

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  5. I think I would have had a melt down if my computer passed on. I'm glad you are enjoying time with your son!

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  6. I can't believe you stumped the Apple Geniuses. That is seriously impressive. Sorry to hear about your computer.

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  7. I would have been freaking out too. but ultimately, hopefully would have learned something out of the struggle.

    but first, oh yes, freak out.

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  8. I don't know why, I have a little bit of conflict believing the quote. Perhaps it's the wording for me? I'll sleep on it :)

    www.mamaandthecity.com

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  9. Very good quote, and I love your optimism. It's true, if life were perfect, there'd be nothing to learn! Thanks for linking up!

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  10. Ugh, losing computer files, filled with your work *is* hard!

    I agree with your chosen quote! I was just talking with my kidlets yesterday about how if everything was going rockin' awesome we'd never feel it because there was nothing to contrast it with. The challenges help us learn, grow, and appreciate the less challenging moments. :>

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  11. So true! And a very positive spin on a not-so-positive event. Thanks for the reminder - challenges have been stumping me a bit, too, lately.

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  12. Wow, that is an inspiring quote! I like how you always see beyond troubles!

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  13. Sometimes these things happen when we need them to the most

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  14. oh Sue! I know you are making the best of a challenging situation, but I will feel sorry for you for just one second because you deserve it! Having tried to type posts on my iPad it's all kinds of craziness:) I am glad the singing was good and I am sure the treats were delicious and I am sure you are growing but I am giving you a good old scream for you...and now back to growing:)

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