Some days are easier than others- And some weeks are easier than others. This has been a bit of a rough week for me. Business-wise everything’s been good, actually better than I could ask for, but there’s been some things in my life outside of work that haven’t been exactly great. I don’t want to go into details, but it’s been a little more emotional than most weeks, and then I had some hiccups with a phone transfer not working how I thought it should and the alternator in my van going out… just some inconveniences that pop up in life now and again when you least need them to. For instance, the alternator on my van started to go out on Thursday, and I just thought to myself “Really? Couldn’t have waited till monday?” So Friday I was a bit stressed out trying to deal with this phone issue and find a mobile mechanic to come to Camby and get the alternator done so I can move today. Unfortunately, I find when I get stressed and start feeling anxious I do a lot of moving without accomplishing much. I get impatient and won’t sit on hold to talk to the person to fix the problem, and then spend an hour trying to do it myself, before realizing I should have just stayed on hold. Anyhow, as I was about to spiral, I paused, took a deep breath, and tried to look at the big picture. You see, the nice thing about having my life for the last 5 years is it’s taught me that I can get through just about anything and it’s going to be okay. Things that seem like problems really pale in comparison to let’s say, having a traumatic brain injury or relapsing or getting sentenced to prison. Now those things seem truly awful at the time, and yet, having got through those, I realize it wasn’t that bad and I’m okay. I joke around with my friend a lot when I’m having a bad day that it could be worse, at least I’m not getting sentenced to prison today! Once you have a day like that then other things really seem pretty minor.
Here’s the thing.. one of my favorite sayings is difficulties breed virtues. You can’t get the personality strengths you want without going through some shit. You don’t become strong by having an easy life. You don’t learn to be patient by getting everything right when you want it, and you don’t learn to be empathetic if you don’t go through some pain. The virtues we desire are on the other side of the difficulties we want to avoid. I realize now that the things I went through – and I realize a lot of it was self-inflicted but it doesn’t make the experience any easier knowing that- have kind of made me a badass. I’m much more patient than I used to be. I don’t freak out over things like I used to. I don’t hold grudges like I used to. Basically, to become the best version of yourself you have got to go through some uncomfortable experiences. At the time it may not make sense, but down the road you’ll see that you had to go through that to get where you needed to be. So it the path you’re on seems a bit steep right now, just keep going- one step at a time- and have faith. Life isn’t easy, so you have to get stronger. That’s all for today. Until next time- peace out. Jen
