Ups and downs

In an ideal world there would be no problems. Life would run smoothly day after day. There would be no disappointments, no sadness, no confrontations over differing opinions. Tomorrow would be just like today and yesterday. It might sound like a breath of fresh air to you if you were experiencing the downs in your life, but think of how those downs contributed to your resolution to turn things around. The downs represent those challenges in life that can tap into our strengths. It isn't always easy to take this on. For some it can become overwhelming and they never escape the grip of the downs. For those who do, it reminds them there is an up side to life and it is worth the effort to get there. Having others to get through those down times helps tremendously. My own down times were my greatest teachers. They certainly grabbed my attention and forced me to consider other ways of living life. What have your ups and downs taught you in life?