At the end of July, I completed an online course offered by the Exaudi Institute in collaboration with the University of Navarra, entitled “The Christian Professional: Leading to Serve.” The program consists of three modules, one of which addresses self-knowledge and self-development as a foundation for understanding your temperament type: Choleric, Sanguine, Melancholic, or Phlegmatic. Each temperament has strengths and areas for improvement. The challenge is to find the best possible balance.

As a result, I wanted to let you know that a few weeks ago, at my wife’s insistence, I opted for the annual preventive medical checkup, which is included in our insurance policy. This is because chronological age is passing, time doesn’t stop, and in my case, I’m already 56 years old.

And as is often the case in life, there were good results and not-so-good ones. But in the case of the latter, we’re in time to control them. After the stress test, and as a result of it, the 24-hour Holter monitor (heart rate) and the blood pressure monitor (MAP) welcomed me to the club of those with hypertension, with a doctor’s prescription for a daily pill.

This experience I’m sharing with you brought up a feeling of frustration in me, because I started focusing on the negative aspects instead of being grateful that this disease can be managed. And that my clinical tests are within normal ranges, related to issues like glucose and cholesterol.

In that sense, life will always present difficulties. Therefore, I recall an exhortation that Jesus gives us in different passages of the three synoptic gospels: “Take up your cross and follow me.”

In this regard, I share some related questions, and I am the first one who should consider them, reflect on them deeply, and answer them honestly:

1. In any situation, is the first thing that comes to mind to complain?
2. Do I carry my cross (life’s difficulties) or do I drag it along?
3. How is my mood usually?
4. Does everything irritate me?

I have also attached a couple of phrases related to the topic:

“Difficulties strengthen the mind, just as work strengthens the body.” – Seneca. “Don’t ask for a light load, but for a strong back.” – Anonymous.

Finally, I’ll leave you with four antidotes to cope with life’s difficulties: acceptance, patience, good humor, and avoiding resignation at all costs.

Keep your spirits up and as I always remind you: Row hard, against the current and out to sea!