Crisis: Danger or Opportunity? Choose Opportunity

Life has a way of changing in an instant. A phone call, an accident, a death, the end of a marriage, the loss of a job, or a fire that destroys everything—you blink, and suddenly, your world is different.

In that moment, you catch your breath. Fear, pain, anguish, and worry flood in. You imagine the worst. It’s a natural reaction. But somehow, you survive. You get through it. And if you fall, eventually, you find a way to stand again. It’s simply part of life.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Chinese symbol for crisis. It consists of two characters: danger and opportunity. Through my own experiences—full of ups and downs—and the countless stories I’ve heard from others, I have come to believe that crisis is not just a moment of devastation but a chance to reexamine life.

Lessons in Loss and Change

When you lose someone, and your last words were spoken in anger, regret follows. Maybe you vow never to part from someone in anger again. Perhaps you decide to say "I love you" more often.

If you lose a job, maybe the crisis pushes you toward something you’ve always wanted to do. Over and over, I’ve seen people not just survive, but ultimately thrive, because their priorities shift. What was once important no longer matters. People and love become the foundation.

You also discover something revealing. There are those who run to you and those who run from you. Some will support you, offering kindness, comfort, and care. Others may relish in your struggle, using it as gossip or validation of their own insecurities.

But you will remember the ones who stood by you—the friend who called, the neighbor who brought food, the person who sent a simple card. Sometimes, when you feel abandoned, the smallest act of kindness becomes a lifeline.

Facing Discomfort

People often avoid discomfort, especially when confronted with death. I once had a great uncle whose wife was dying. He placed her hospital bed in the living room, hoping friends and family would come to say goodbye. No one came.

When he called, he was met with the same response: "It’s too hard for me."

He was stunned. She had always been there for others, yet now, no one would show up. Finally, when someone repeated that excuse, he replied, "Hard for you? She’s the one dying. Get over here." A few came, but most did not.

So, he sat there, holding her hand, whispering his love until her final breath. He was devastated but lived a full life, carrying forward his kindness.

The Gift Within Crisis

Life is fragile. Change is often unexpected—sometimes gradual, sometimes instant. So, if you’re in crisis now or experience one in the future, ask yourself.

Could this be an opportunity to reexamine and reclaim your life?

Each challenge strips away layers—ego, attachment, materialism, fear. It forces us to face what is truly out of balance: physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Crisis is a teacher, and lessons repeat until learned. Cycles continue until broken.

What happens when all the expectations placed upon you—the self-imposed beliefs—are stripped away? You are left with just you. Your soul. Your heart. And you realize you can rise. You can step into your authentic self.

So don’t wallow. Instead, go inward. Ask yourself why, why, why—until you uncover the answer.

Embracing Change

I could share many personal stories, but not today. Perhaps another time. But here’s what I know for sure. Fear serves no purpose. It’s a mind game, and a waste of time.

Every change in circumstance is an opportunity to assess where you are and where you want to go. I’ve learned to welcome that process. I choose opportunity. Every single time.

I’m still growing, still evolving, but I’m working on it.

Embrace change. Welcome it. Life should be an adventure. Let every day be one.