Life certainly throws us some challenges, doesn’t it? The past few years, I’ve certainly been dealt a few—relationship challenges, employment challenges, and just general day-to-day challenges. It’s certainly kept life interesting; that’s for sure.
But through all the shit, I wouldn’t change a moment because I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t been dealt those challenges.
I went through a period of being afraid. I was petrified of what path life had planned for me. But now, I am happy, maybe for the first time in my life, truly and genuinely happy. Yes, challenges still abound every day, but due to the unexpected path I was put on due to these life challenges, I met the person I was destined to spend my life with. I met many friends I never would have otherwise met, who have proven to be such an integral part of my life; I don’t know how I went through the first part of my life without them.
I’ve learned to appreciate the smaller things in life, like a walk, a sunrise, buds on trees in spring, and the colors of the leaves in autumn. I’ve discovered that snow has a distinct smell, and that the moonlight can be as warm as a sunbeam if you’re with someone you love. I’ve learned to appreciate the people in my life who share this path with me, and I’ve learned to let go of what was and embrace what is.
As I was growing up, my gram used to always say, “God never gives you a challenge he knows you can’t overcome.” Well, my views on religion have changed a bit since then, but I still believe she was right. Life never deals you something out of spite. It gives you the gift of change. And it not only deals you something it knows you can handle, but it gives you something you need.
If you are selfish, it makes you humble.
If you think you are weak, it helps you realize you’re strong.
If you don’t like yourself, it helps you find your own beauty.
If you feel alone, it helps you realize you are not.
If you fear, it gives you comfort.
And if you are trapped, it releases you.
We just need to be open and receptive to the change. We need to remember that the universe—or whatever higher power you believe in—has been here longer than we have, and it knows what we need. We need to trust it will bring balance to our lives if we just believe the challenges we face are there because we need them.
Do not be a victim of change. Be an explorer.
Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash