In assembly this week, I spoke to pupils about how personal growth can be the silver lining of experiencing tough times. 

Some of us will have come across the Why I Didn't Make the Olympics videos on social media. While these videos are humorous, they highlight a deeper truth about dreams and aspirations. How many potential Olympians have seen their dreams shattered by factors beyond their control, like injuries or burnout? The reality of competitive sports is that it’s not just about hard work and determination, but also the ever-present possibility of failure. How do we keep our dreams and ambitions alive when things don’t go to plan, and what do we do when realisation hits us that not all our dreams will come true? 

Reflecting on this, I was reminded of a story from my School days and the tale of the Wise Man Who Built His House Upon the Rocks. For those unfamiliar, the story goes like this: two men built houses, one on rock and the other on sand. When the rains came, only the house built on rock stood firm. The lesson about having a solid foundation is clear, but what is less obvious is how to build those strong foundations that can withstand life’s inevitable storms. 

One way to build such a foundation is through relationships. If we are fortunate to have supportive and encouraging parents and siblings, that is fantastic. But strength can come from a wide range of relationships – friends, mentors, colleagues, and even acquaintances. All relationships require nurturing and investment. They can be a source of comfort, guidance, and perspective when things get tough. And yes, there will be challenges in life along the way, but knowing that is a strength in itself. It helps us to channel a positive inner monologue and avoid unhelpful self-criticism. 

This idea of reframing challenges is echoed in the book: Looking Up: How a Different Perspective Turns Obstacles into Advantages, by Michele Sullivan. Michele, a powerful figure in philanthropy, was born with a rare form of dwarfism and has spent her life "looking up." While things like someone holding a door open may seem like a nice gesture to most of us, it is a necessity for her. Asking for help is not a choice; it is essential in navigating everyday life. Through her experiences, Michele shows us the power of adopting a mental attitude which looks for the positive in a situation, making the first move, and the importance of understanding that asking for help is not a weakness, but a profound strength. 

Michelle's story helps to reframe our thinking by turning obstacles into opportunities by shifting our perspective. Instead of seeing challenges as barriers, we can view them as chances to grow, learn, and build resilience.  

Let’s encourage each other to dream big and work hard, but also build strong foundations that allow us to stand firm, no matter what life throws at us. After all, it’s not just the destination that matters, but the strength and perspective we build along the way.