Growth Despite Hardship

On the path where I walk my dog, in the middle of a small crack in the pavement, a solitary marigold has sprung up in this unlikely spot. 

Despite the inhospitable conditions—excessive heat and little water—it thrives. While it's not difficult to see lessons in this hardy foliage, my mind turns to my mother. 

Perhaps it's because her birthday falls this week, or perhaps it's because I see her as someone who has not only survived but thrived throughout her life despite facing hardships.

She has flourished and adds beauty to the world for all who have the opportunity to encounter her. 

Just like the marigold, her beauty is found not solely in the physical, but in her quiet strength and ability to overcome adversity. 

I won't delve into the details of any particular difficulty, but I will say that her kindness, generosity, and friendship to others knows no bounds or limitations. These qualities spring from her own inner strength, not from favorable circumstances.

As always, I like to tie life lessons to the markets, which I'll keep brief here. 

When you're struggling with your trading rules, discipline, controlling your emotions, or feeling overwhelmed by a new market or system, remember that you can adapt, grow, and thrive. It will take effort. It will likely take more time than you want, but you will get there. 

It's the imperceptible daily growth that transforms us from a barren crack in the pavement to a small green sprout and, finally, to a full-fledged flower (or perhaps a shrub or tree—who knows?). Don't give up; keep growing.

On an interpersonal level, I'd like to issue a challenge. 

My challenge for everyone as we head into this weekend has two parts… 

First, find the inner strength to thrive despite the hardships you face individually. What may seem like an impossible task—growing where there's too much heat and too little water—is indeed possible. 

As humans, we are extremely adaptable if we put in the effort to adapt. We may struggle for a time, but with diligence and perseverance, we can thrive.

Second, when you are thriving, share your beauty. Just like the flower, the beauty we share isn't limited to physical attractiveness. Maybe you are an Adonis—if so, thanks for existing. For the rest of us, we have beauty to share, kindness to spread, and friendships to foster.

There are dark days when we all yearn to see just a little light. There are days when we're being scorched by the heat, wilting and hoping for the reprieve of just a drop or two of water. 

When we're in a good place, be that light for others. 

Offer a little water to the parched. 

When we're going through difficult times, look for the beauty in the world and in those who offer it—sometimes it takes only a little to help us get through.

Blake Young
Senior Market Strategist, TheoTRADE