Why You Should Embrace Life’s Struggles

Life is struggle. Life is painful. Life is hard. But we often make it much more difficult than it needs to be.

Often, its not what is happening too us that is so horrible it is our opinion on what is happening to us that causes the discomfort.

Is there really such a bad thing that someone cut in front of you in line? or was it that you felt disrespected? What if you realized that person was in a hurry, or that a loved one of theirs was in trouble? would it have still upset you?

Thinking twice about these things can make a world of difference in whether or not you live a life of misfortune or one of peace and happiness.

On the other hand, some really awful things do happen.

There is what we can control (our attitude) and what we can't (what happens)

It is in the moments that we can't control what happens that really shapes us into who we are and who we become. The problem is that so many people try to avoid challenge. They prefer an easy life. But what they rob themselves of in the process are growth, meaningful experiences, adventure and new lessons to evolve as a human.

Afterall, isn't that what we are here for? to learn, grow and love?

Without hardship and setbacks, we can't grow!

Think about it:
That horrible relationship brought you experience and appreciation for the next one.
The worst jobs brought you to a new one where you felt appreciated.

In regards to health and fitness:
The strict diet brought amazing results.
The hard runs brought new sense of accomplishment.
The heavy weights at the gym brought new, strong muscles!

We must stop wishing things were easier, more convenient, and not as difficult. 

It is in overcoming the difficulty that we are able to grow, evolve and expand our comfort zones! 

A bigger comfort zone means more room to experience life in all of its amazing colors and chapters.

Since I was a kid I have always been into philosophy and over the last 10 years I have developed an appreciation for stoic philosophy. I am often reminded of what Seneca said:

Embrace the struggle.
Embrace the hardship.
Embrace the difficulty.

It is teaching you. It is preparing you. It is helping you grow in ways you can't imagine.

Whether its a hard conversation or a difficult workout, lean into it! Don't avoid it! 

Smile in the face of it and welcome the challenge. 

A better YOU awaits