"We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them."

This quote highlights the various ways people can react to obstacles or challenges in life. Essentially, it's all about perspective and choice. You can let problems weigh you down, trip you up, or you can use them as stepping stones to achieve something greater.

Historically, this kind of sentiment has been echoed by many leaders, thinkers, and influencers. They remind us that our response to difficult situations defines who we are. It's not the stones themselves that matter, but what we do with them.

Imagine you're working on a group project at work. It's not going well—there's miscommunication, missed deadlines, and general frustration. You could easily complain and blame others for the chaos. Maybe that's your first instinct; it's natural. But what if you took a different approach? What if you decided to use the disarray as a learning experience? What if you stepped up, tried to organize the team, and found creative solutions to the problems? Not only would you potentially save the project, but you'd also grow as a leader and problem-solver.

Now, let's talk about how you can apply this wisdom in your own life. Start by recognizing the 'stones' you're dealing with. Identify your challenges. Then, change your perspective. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, view them as opportunities. Next, take actionable steps. If you're stuck with a difficult task, break it down into smaller, manageable pieces—climbing over the 'stones' one step at a time. If you’re facing a relationship issue, instead of throwing stones (arguments, blame), try listening and understanding the other person’s point of view. Build with the stones by creating a stronger foundation for your relationship.

Consider the story of Thomas Edison. He famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Every failure was a stone. He could have stumbled on them, complained, or given up. But instead, he used each failure as a step towards eventual success. He built upon his mistakes, learning and innovating until he finally succeeded.

This mindset shift isn't always easy. Sometimes, when you're right in the thick of things, it’s hard to see past the immediate problem. But try to take a step back. Imagine you're giving advice to a friend. What would you suggest they do? Often, the answer becomes clearer when you remove yourself emotionally from the situation.

Picture a scenario where you’ve missed out on a job you really wanted. It’s disappointing and frustrating—no doubt about it. You could dwell on it, maybe even throw a few stones at the company in a fit of anger. Or you can use this rejection as a building block. Analyze what went wrong. Where can you improve? Maybe take a course to develop a skill you lack or seek feedback to better prepare for the next opportunity that comes along. With this approach, every 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes.'

In the end, the quote is about taking control of your narrative. Life throws stones at everyone. It’s up to you whether you let them trip you up or help you climb higher. Remember, it’s not the obstacle itself but how you respond to it that shapes your path. So next time you face a challenge, think about what you can build with it.