It’s inevitable to go through this life unscathed, but all along the way there is so much collateral beauty. It’s a part of the human experience and what connects us together.
In order to become who we want to be, we cannot remain who we are. We have to let go of our old self; our old bad habits, and negative ways of thinking. It can truly feel like a funeral of those old ways, in order to grow and do things differently. The reality is, this year isn’t the last of hard times, but we have a choice. We can grow through what we go through, or we can continue to let the hard times pile up.
It is all in your perspective. I challenge you, next time you go through a struggle, sit back, change your perception of the problem, and ask yourself “what can I gain from this”. There are not only so many lessons to be learned during hard times, but we are able to enjoy the good times even more because of them. This past week I was so sick with the flu, and it got me thinking about how it really took me being sick to appreciate being healthy because I had gotten used to feeling well. I truly believe that this applies to the blessings in our lives, as well. They feel so much sweeter after looking back and knowing the pain we have endured and what we have had to go through to get to that moment. So how do we really grow through the things we go through, instead of adding them to the list? Here are three ways:
- Realize that the only thing you can control are your responses.
We cannot control people or life’s ups and downs, but we can control our reaction to it. Learn to move differently. Take a step back when things happen, and allow yourself to not see it as something happening TO you, but simply occurring. Becoming more self aware will allow you to shed off years of responding the same exact way. You have the power, take it back.
- Release the past traumas that you are projecting onto the present moment.
Talk about a truth bomb. What we go through becomes SO magnified at times because we allow past pain to be painted all over the present moment. Sometimes that thing they said or what just happened is not that big of a deal, but our projection of past traumas, fears, and insecurities splattered all over it is what makes it become unbearable. You need to confront the past and let it go, so you can truly be able to go after the life you want.
- Remind yourself that you need the bad to appreciate the good.
Unfortunately we cannot choose what we go through, but we can rest assured that we can grow far more during the challenges, heart break, and pain than we ever could during the joyful times.
The challenges are needed. They provide perspective, make us stronger, and provide us with the opportunity to connect with others. They are what mold us into who we want to be, and we are ultimately better because of it.
xoxo, B
blissfullyb 