[One Thousand Characters a Day] Life Lessons Learned from a Thousand Books <4>

Editor's NoteThe forms of typhoons encountered on life's journey are diverse. The ways to overcome these typhoons vary depending on the situation. However, there is one commonality: 'overcoming a typhoon' means actively confronting challenges. It means finding solutions suited to the circumstances, adapting to adversity, and maintaining stability. The ability to become stronger through such efforts is called 'resilience.' Author Vivian Greene said, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain." Should life's hardships be seen simply as karmic burdens to endure, or as opportunities to train oneself and become stronger? The choice is yours. Word count: 943.

Speed bumps, or "a bump in the road," are mounds built on roads to prevent speeding. When a car passes over a bump, the vehicle shakes. If the bump is high, the car body can jolt significantly. If life is likened to a car journey, a "bump in the road" symbolizes a temporary difficulty or challenge that ends once overcome.

The late neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at age 36, just after finishing his residency. His survival chance was 5 percent. When first diagnosed, Paul was deeply disheartened. He went from a promising medical student to a patient worrying about death overnight. The future he and his wife had envisioned became a mirage. Moreover, his wife was pregnant. While their child was on the way, he faced the possibility of leaving the world. Yet Paul did not give up hope for life and underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy. He wrote about his battle from the patient's perspective rather than as a doctor. His memoir was published in 2016 as When Breath Becomes Air. Sadly, Paul passed away a few months before the book's release. In his memoir, he said:

This is just a 'bump in the road.' You can keep going on the path you're on.

(omitted)

Life is a series of bumps. Just when everything seems to be going well, suddenly a "thud" and a mound appears on the road. In business, health, relationships, and all aspects, we inevitably encounter bumps. Those who think negatively see these as insurmountable walls. Conversely, those with a positive mindset see them as bumps that, though shaking them a bit, can be crossed. Ultimately, it depends on your mindset. If you are currently facing a difficult situation, face reality clearly but think positively. And say to yourself, "This is just a bump in the road."

- Lee Chang-su, Life Lessons, Saramin, 17,000 KRW