Challenge Me

Today I'm linking up over @ Outside Voice.

Lauren made the word 'challenge' her most recent

'Get the Picture' photo theme.

{ Head over there now to link-up or read all about

the many definitions of 'challenge'. }

|ˈch alənj| noun: a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.

Lauren asks us, "What is challenging?"

and "What challenges you?".

A challenge can take on many forms and definitions. Challenges may consist of the mental, physical, or emotional variety. By definition, a challenge tests our abilities. Everyone has such different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses; it's no wonder that we all find different things to be challenging.

For me, a challenge is something that seems near impossible but turns out to be a character builder instead. Challenging tasks are often just a state of mind that can be overcome. Anything can be a challenge if you let it, but challenges are made to be overcome. Taking on a challenge is almost always worth the effort, and the rewards are typically bigger than you could imagine. Sometimes the best gifts are in the unknown, and challenges are exactly that, an unknown area just waiting to be explored. Nothing is impossible, and with each challenge you learn more about your own capabilities. Not to mention, the view from atop a challenge is pretty incredible! There is always something to learn from a challenge.

If we let a challenge scare us away, then we probably won't get the opportunity to experience the growth and joy that comes from stomping on a difficult task. It feels great to push through something that most people think you're not capable of doing. There's something wonderful in knowing that most challenges can be overcome with some perseverance, determination, heart, and sheer will. Anything is possible. Don't let challenges stand in your way.

The power of the mind is amazing, so use it to your advantage. Challenges make you realize that you're much stronger than your body's limits. Set your mind on a goal, forget about the pain, and hopefully the challenge you face won't seem so challenging any more. Thinking about mind over matter always comes in handy when facing a tough situation.

Some of my best learning has come from challenging situations. I surely would not be who I am today without the challenges I've faced in life. With age, life experiences, and growth, I expect my definition of the word 'challenge' will change with me. Maybe I will reach a point where things just don't seem so challenging anymore? Maybe not. Either way, I welcome life's challenges; learning and growing will always be a part of my life.

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Now go and link up with Lauren over at Outside Voice!

Remember: Everyone defines a challenge differently than you, so use that knowledge to help others through their life challenges. We'll all be better in the long run if we help each other through the tough times. It just wouldn't be nice to purposely make life more challenging for others now... would it?