If The Struggle Is Real, It's Worth It In The End

Emotional Intensity

The American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a letter to his daughter Scottie in 1940 stating, "Life is essentially a cheat and its conditions are those of defeat; the redeeming things are not happiness and pleasure but the deeper satisfactions that come out of struggle."

Struggle is tied closely to the human condition, a simmering battle of opposing forces. It lurks amidst the anguish of opportunity and seizes upon us in moments of weakness.

The struggle is obvious, whether you're engaged in chasing your dreams or caught up in the grind of everyday living.

Embedded in each person's struggle is a purpose waiting to unfold.

Yet, many people never make it this far because the struggle intensifies their pain, and they quit even while they are ahead.

"Everything in your life - especially your challenges - is tailor-made to help you see your stories of struggle. Whatever is in the way is the way!" avows author Mary O'Malley in What's in the Way Is the Way: A Practical Guide for Waking Up to Life.

In fact, the biggest impediments faced during times of struggle are the thoughts that get in the way.
Just think of the last time you were enraged and considered writing an abrasive email, yet came back to it the following day.

I'm sure your emotional intensity waned, and you no longer felt the same. Why is that?
The point I wish to emphasise, is that your thoughts and their corresponding emotions are real. You experience their intensity and feel compelled to act on them.

Not necessarily.

Feel the emotions, but avoid being trapped by their impulsiveness.

Running away from pain only intensifies it. Explore the emotions by all means but don't stuff them down.
The issue is that you are trapped in your thoughts and are overstating what is taking place. You assign a storyline not reflecting reality.

"Struggles only persist when we search outside for causes and cures," asserts sports psychologist Garret Kramer in The Path of No Resistance: Why Overcoming is Simpler than You Think.
Looking back on history, the greatest stories arise from pain and struggle.

Joseph Campbell's mythological narrative of the Hero's Journey draws on twelve distinct themes, the two main encounters being: Crossing The Threshold and The Ordeal.

This same narrative is the basis of every successful Hollywood film. The main character experiences an obstacle in the beginning, only to overcome it in the end.

The American writer Mark Twain said, "Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't."

What transpires is more inexplicable than can be imagined.

We identify with this narrative because it is the human story we know all too well.

These forces are sewn into the fabric of life, designed to help you discover your greatness if you dare.

Resistance and Struggle

I value author and social researcher Brené Brown's perspective in Rising Strong: "But I'm learning that the process of struggling and navigating hurt has as much to offer us as the process of being brave and showing up."

Inner growth does not occur without resistance and struggle. Those with financial riches are not immune to life's challenges.

The struggle is the seed that gives life to the unfolding story that beckons you to explore.

What if your struggles have actually laid the foundations for something greater to emerge?

Is it worth exploring?

If there's a compelling enough reason, it may ultimately lead you to success. Nothing should stand in the way if your motives are strong enough.

"People who cheat want to avoid the struggle, the cost, or the fight. They don't know the truth about winning: Nothing of value in this world comes easy. The only way to get anywhere worthwhile is to go to work," states author Larry Weidel in Serial Winner: 5 Actions to Create Your Cycle of Success.

Rest if you must, take a break however long, but don't give up because you interfere with the unfolding story if you exit midway.

How can you maintain a hopeful outlook during uncertain times you ask?

The Struggle Is Real and Worth It

First, embrace the struggle, the pain and the disappointment.

By associating with it, you appreciate the goal or dream is real. The frustration, the heartache and misery is inviting you to reach higher.

Recall the Hero's Journey?

No one portrays this more persuasively than former President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, in a speech entitled Man in the Arena. "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly... who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly."

Don't run away from the struggle as it will linger longer than you want it to.

Consider it an old friend who comes to stay for a while, yet is still sleeping on your couch six months later.
The struggle is not constrained by a timeline nor concerned by your disappointments. When it ushers into your life, it will turn you inside out and entrench itself deep within your psyche.

So invite it in, make it a cup of tea since it will be staying longer. Become acquainted with what it wants you to know and why it has called upon you.

Identify with the struggle and don't defeat it sooner because it will assuredly overstay its welcome if you force it to leave.

Author Mary O'Malley states, "In fact, everything in your life is a part of the journey into recognizing and living from a place that is beyond struggle."

Then one day, the struggle will disappear in search of another person to befriend.

Bid farewell and be ready to welcome the next episode; reward. When she sweeps in, it will be as though the struggle was a moment frozen in time.


It is with that we return to F. Scott Fitzgerald's opening quote and draw your attention to the deeper satisfactions of our lives emerge out of struggle.

Were it not for the pain, how would you know the depths of your character?

For hidden within the recesses of your soul lies the need for glory, made apparent as struggle.

How can you manage your emotions more effectively? I developed a new online course via Thinkific, How To Master Your Emotions in a simple 5 step course: http://ow.ly/VNcv304MT63 #emotions #emotionalhealth #emotionalwellbeing
 
 
 
 
 

Post a Comment

Informations From: Taun17

Previous Post Next Post
  • Top Reasons To Pick Neolith Countertops For Your Kitchen Renovation

    For those who do not prefer going for traditional choices for kitchen worktops or are looking for something new this time, neolith is a material that you would love to consider. Explore the advantages of Neolith worktops for your home. For those who do not prefer going for traditional choices for... Readmore

  • Take Advantage Of Bux Board Boxes - Read These 7 Tips.

    Bux board boxes are one of the most used packaging solutions in the retailing and transportation practices. These kinds of packaging boxes are particularly typical in retailers. They are cost-effective, and when it comes to contrast with cardboard materials, they become more exceptional and aff... Readmore

  • Three Reasons Why You Should Consider Remodeling Your Bathroom

    Bathrooms remodeling can potentially increase the net value of your house as they are one of the most impactful places around the home that glues most of the buyers. It is understood how everyone would love to have a perfect house but when the option is given, bathroom is the first place one woul... Readmore

  • The Beauty of Freelancing Services Amidst the Business Sphere

    Maybe no one could get the best of both worlds, but freelancers sure are close. Their work and lifestyle sure have a lot of benefits, and these same perks are what make them good in what they do. If you are on the business side of this narrative, then you now have a hint of how freelancing services ... Readmore

  • Rhinoplasty - Surgery Alternatives, Risks, Effect and Post surgery Do's & Don'ts

    Rhinoplasty also known as nose job or nose reshaping, Rhinoplasty is a surgery to restructure the nose. Rhinoplasty word comes from a Greek word 'Rhinos' which means nose and 'Plassein' means to shape. Also referred to as Nose Job, it is one of the most popularly known and widely practiced plastic s... Readmore

  • CBD Oil In UK – Treating Pets With CBD

    CBD oil in UK is not only for human beings but also for pets. Here you will learn about the considerations that you must ponder over before administering CBD on your pet. Like everything else, you will find enough information on the web concerning the application of CBD on pets. CBD or cannabidio... Readmore

  • Chin Remodeling - What it is, Benefits, Disadvantage and Procedure

    Chin Remodeling also known as chin implants or facial implants Chin Surgery can be considered as one of the most striking cosmetic facial surgeries. Many individuals have very low self-esteem due to the fact that their lower face and jaw have not developed properly. This can be considered as... Readmore

  • Chin Remodeling - Surgery Alternative, Risks, post Surgery Do's & Don'ts and more

    Chin Surgery can be considered as one of the most striking cosmetic facial surgeries. Many individuals have very low self-esteem due to the fact that their lower face and jaw have not developed properly. This can be considered as a genetic situation and other family members may also show similar tra... Readmore

  • 5 Best Packing Tips for Perfect Moving House

    Packing plays crucial role when you think for house removals and moving house. Once you fixed your moving date, plan your packing of household items. A lot of items need to keep in mind while moving one place to other.  Packing is an essential part when you move house from one place to anoth... Readmore

  • Best E-commerce Website Development Company in Delhi

    The team of our company Aaditri technology that is an ecommerce website development company in Delhi provides superior quality work. Being an E-commerce website company, we make websites that are responsive, robust e-stores, e-coupons and allow faster check-outs. Easy integration for better networki... Readmore