
I’ve arrived at the place in my life where a great deal of self-examination seems to be a constant. By that, I mean playing and re-playing current and past events which have taken place in past years. At times, it is quite a challenge to reach some level of understanding and acceptance of so many things I either would like to forget or have the opportunity to do much differently.
It is a struggle.
Seriously, how can anyone honestly respond to what makes life tick? What are the coping skills involved with trying to make so many missing emotional puzzle pieces fit in order to either find peace with a given situation or hide it behind some locked door in ones mind? Any possible answers? We’ve all had the desire to change the world, if possible, but learned that the only true power we have is to change ourselves. And, sometimes, things happen to you, horrible, painful and unfair things but, in reflection we end up learning that by overcoming those obstacles, we would have never realized our potential, strength, willpower or heart.
Yes, life can definitely be tough at times creating periods of hardship which leave us asking the question “Why is this happening to me?”, “Why am I suffering with this obstacle?” and “How can I get out of this negative situation?”
The struggle is real.
Life’s difficulties are not always pretty but, many times, they can help us to develop our strength of character, of mind and lifestyle. Without struggles, we will never grow and get stronger. It is important for us to look at the undesirable situations that come our way and learn how to meet those challenges on our own, not relying on help from others.
The only honest answer might be difficult to accept given the problems we sometimes face happen for our own good. Fire strengthens a crucible, bad situations and experiences can strengthen a person’s will to become the best individual they can be. Possibly the best way to comprehend what life is about is to never judge it by one difficult season. Don’t allow the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest that life brings.

From the Writer’s Workshop: What is the question that best defines your internal struggle to understand life? Do you think you’ll ever be able to answer that question? Why or why not?