Grace Under Pressure ..

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said in a speech: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” So true. What we are as human beings present itself more fully in times of adversity than at times of ease. Anyone can be positive, polite, and kind when things are going well. What distinguishes people with an extraordinary character from the rest of us is how they respond when life sends one of its inevitable curves. They don’t crumble or surrender. They reach deeply into themselves and present even more of their highest nature to the world.

Few months back, I was on the runway, ready to fly home from Paris. The flight had been delayed by a few hours so it felt good to be so close to takeoff. I had my iPod in place, a new book and my journal. Then, the pilot’s voice came over the public address system: “The ground crew has found a metal instrument in one of the tires. We regret that we must cancel this flight.” The reactions that statement provoked were fascinating.

One man close to me became belligerent to a flight attendant. A couple in another row grumbled loudly. A businessman in a dark suit actually kicked the seat in front of him. Yet some passengers responded differently, with a quiet humanity. An elderly gentleman smiled as he helped others take their bags down from the overhead compartments. A teenager, rather than trying to rush off the plane like most of the other passengers, stopped to help a woman with a disability. The lady sitting next to me laughed and said, “Hey, it’s not the end of the world.” Before calling her kids and sharing her adventure with them. The wisest among us have a remarkable ability to maintain grounded when times get tough.

No life is perfect; mine certainly isn’t. After O walked out, I thought as if it’s the end of life but eventually I realized that I must move on. And indeed, it was a sane decision. We all must face challenges, both large and small. This very minute, somewhere in the world, there are parents dealing with the death of a child. This very minute, there are marriages getting dissolved. This very minute, someone has suffered an accident that will devastate their loved ones. This very minute, there are human beings dealing with illness in a hospital bed. Sickness, loss, disappointments. No one gets through life without experiencing this stuff. But certainly, you and I have the power to choose to be strong and positive when things fall apart. We have the right to use our stumbling blocks as stepping stones to our greatest life. This isn’t motivational sloganeering. I believe this is truth, yes?

Grace under pressure. That’s what separates leaders from followers. It’s that beautiful quality that inspires others and reflects a well-developed spirit, It’s a trait that allows you to carve out a spectacular life- one you’ll be proud of at the end.

And here, I think I am being somewhat like a Guru :p enough with the wisdom post for today. Only if it could help you guys ..

Cheers.
Urooj.