it is rarely easy, but always worth it

Hello all,

Sometimes things come along in life that we are not expecting. More often than not these are trials, obstacles we face, often muddle through, and come out on the other side. Other times, these things are good things. Things you deserve, but probably never allowed yourself to dream of.

It is a funny thing when people do not see you the way you see yourself, yet see an even better version of you. It feels good to be recognized for something you only did for yourself in the first place. I think in the end we can be much more powerful to others than we are to ourselves - especially when you are your own worst critic (like me).

We all set goals for ourselves - small and big and long and short-term. Eat better, be on time, get this job or that grade, love someone better, smile more, stop biting your nails, stay focused, the list goes on without it ever being written down. Some goals and experiences are daunting. The ones where when you are right in the thick of it, and cannot see the light through the trees, are left wondering why you took this path in the first place. All I can offer is that it is worth the effort, the blood, sweat, tears, and sleepless nights. Whatever you are working towards, whatever you want, I firmly believe one thing: the things we truly want and deserve are rarely easy, but always worth it. In the end, even if we have not attained exactly what we set out to do, I have no doubt that we have gained something equal, if not greater in life value.

And so, whether this post rang true for you or not, I leave you with a quote that has kept me going for years now in many different situations. It is by Marianne Williamson, but made famous by Nelson Mandela.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

Best,
- A -