"Somewhere along the line we seem to have confused comfort with happiness. I've now come to believe that quite the opposite is the case. Dostoyevsky had it right: "Suffering is the sole origin of consciousness." Never are my senses more engaged than when the pain sets in. There is magic in misery. Just ask any runner." Dean Karnazes
It dawned on me today that the toughest things we go through result in the most growth. These are often the times that are most transformative and enlightening, the times when we learn about ourselves and those around us on a deeper level.
Perhaps if you look back on your greatest challenges you'll see the same pattern?
It also struck me that if things aren't too bad then we may not have the necessary motivation to make any changes in the first place. We can procrastinate, make excuses, stay in our comfort zones. "That job/relationship/____________) isn't that bad really...I mean it could be a lot worse" we tell ourselves and the nonsense continues.
It's often when we hit rock bottom, when we "get tired of being tired" as Tyrese put it recently that we make a committed decision and take action.
Of course it's easier to see the lessons and the value of hard times in retrospect when those times have passed and we are a little wiser. When the mind is unclouded by stress or pain we can look back with appreciation and understanding. But why wait until then?
If you're going through it right now find the gift in the apparent curse :) you are being prepared for the next level, give thanks...and keep going.
"Good timber does not grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees."
Douglas Malloch
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