Building Strength
Why is it that we mostly build strength during the tough and traumatic seasons in our lives? Why can’t we build strength only in the happiest and most joyful moments?
As much as I wish we could build lasting strength and resilience only during the positive moments in our lives, unfortunately, that is not commonly the case. I have found that in the darkest of times I have developed the most resilience and strength. It may not make sense to some, but it’s true. It is all dependent on your mindset and your willingness to do the work.
After last year, I thought I could go through anything. I went through more traumatic events than most people ever endure in their whole life. As a result, I believed if I could get through what I went through, I could get through anything easily.
Welp. I was wrong about one thing. Challenges sometimes don’t get any easier.
Recently I went through something hard. Very hard. This particular event may seem trivial to most, but it hit me hard like a ton of bricks. I literally felt like my heart shattered into a million pieces. I didn’t see it coming and it confused me to no end. My grief consumed me and I started to spiral into poor habits and coping mechanisms that I worked so hard to break out of last time I went through something this difficult,
I had to shift my mindset from victim mentality to a mentality of growth and wisdom. I had to remind myself of the tools that are available to me and tools that I use on a daily or weekly basis. Some tools include praying, seeking therapy, journaling, meditating, practicing yoga etc. I am still very much in the depths of healing, but I am so grateful I was able to shift and remain on the path of healing and recovery.
All that being said, this work does not diminish the pain and grief that I am enduring.
My pain was and is solid proof that I can love and care deeper than I ever have for others. After last year, I could have easily become cold, distant and heartless, as deep hurt can cause us to be fearful of loving again or taking risks. But I didn't. I did the exact opposite. I became stronger and even more vulnerable than I ever have, taking risks I thought I would never take.
I truly believe it is the deepest heartache and grief that show us how much we are capable of and how strongly we love and care for people. Of course, it sucks in the moment, but if we practice self-healing and self-compassion as much as we can, allowing time for our hearts to mend, we will come out stronger and more empathetic than ever.
Like I’ve said before, one of my goals is to use my pain for purpose. Whether you have a story or wisdom to share, or provide a listening ear to someone in need, using your pain for a purpose will serve as an amazing tool for healing and recovery.
As always, I hope you find comfort in what I have to share. No matter what you are going through, we are all on this healing journey together. You are stronger than you think you are and you are not alone.
Have a healthy and happy week.
Love you all and take care.
- MM
