“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this quote before, but I like it.
It got me to thinking of the all the times of my greatest challenges, and how they did indeed lead to much of my greatest growth.
But it also occurred to me that often the growth happened later–sometimes decades later–than the big challenge(s) that led to that learning and growth.
An important lesson for me is that it pays to be patient and to continue attempting to learn lessons from challenges that are not only occurring but have already happened in my life.
I wonder how many more lessons I have yet to learn from challenges that have already occurred? I look forward to finding out!
Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
So true Russ – sometimes the best lessons arrive long after the experience that prompted it. We learn every day – and that’s pretty darn cool.
“We learn every day” Yes, and at this rate I’ll be 197 years old before I finally figure this life thingy out! ;-D! Thank you for your comment, Mimi.
Russ
Well, we’ll celebrate together ’cause I’ve got a l-o-o-n-n-g way to go too!
There are certainly far worse fates in life than celebrating together for a l-o-o-n-n-g time! My Beloved and I have almost turned it into an art form–and it sounds like you and your happy have done the same.
Russ
I like the thought behind this Russ. And I agree wholeheartedly – I’m a much different person than I was 2 years ago. For the better. I experienced the greatest suffering, and now I have the greatest empathy. I try to look at all challenges that way – there is such room for growth from them. And I like your thought that that growth is ongoing.
Thank you, Meg. I believe you to be much stronger now. Some of the kindest, most empathetic and forgiving people I know are also the strongest. You, and they, have had to survive great ordeals to become that way.
Russ
Russ so many lessons can be learnt flying down hill with the wind behind you… lift is difficult for starters… but sometimes one must struggle, fall and hurt yourself, before a lesson is learnt… to me, struggling into the wind will give you a lift far quicker than down wind… so some lessons must be learnt that way…
Now if I could only find the way to turn this plane around and fly up wind……..
LOL! So true, my friend. It may take more effort, energy, and power, to fly into the wind, but higher elevations are often attained that way, and the views can be spectacular.
Russ
Just the other day, I connected some dots on a lesson learned now from something that took place nearly 20 years ago…what you write has great truth! Thanks and I really appreciate that quote by Henry Ford, thank you for sharing!