If only it were as simple as it sounds, right? It seems like the phrase "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is an easy piece of advice to give, but a complicated concept to grasp and apply to our own life. More often that not and for whatever reason, it seems the harder you try to stay positive and optimistic- the more heartbreak, disappointment and suffering comes your way. Although you don't have much control over these external forces that work so hard to break you down, you DO have control over your own emotions and how you respond and react to these kinds of situations. The two most important things we must practice: Do not seek revenge. Drop your pride. Trust me, I know how unbelievably hard it is and I still struggle with it all the time. I know how difficult it is to bite my tongue when I have just the right sassy little comeback to say so I get the last word in. But honestly, what good does that do? Think about it. You become angry, bitter and prideful. Choosing kindness and forgiveness over hatred and holding grudges (especially when you feel like a certain person doesn't deserve it) is one of the most challenging and uncomfortable things to do- but overall, you will become a happier and more peaceful person. Your heart becomes more pure and pretty soon, petty words and actions from rude, inconsiderate people won't even phase you anymore because you will be at peace with yourself.
I believe kindness is the cure to all things. Have you ever had a complete stranger go out of their way to hold the door open for you, pay for your Starbucks, let you cut in front of them in traffic, strike up a conversation, give you a compliment or even just shoot a bright and beaming smile your way? It made your day, right?? I know it does when it happens to me! I am always so beyond grateful for those random and not so common acts of kindness. We should all strive to build each other up (strangers and our closest friends and family members) no matter how we are feeling or what we are going through at the moment. Just because you aren't having the best of days, does not mean you can't be happy for other people who seem to have things going their way. In fact, I know that the one thing that can always cheer me up when I'm feeling down, is to make someone else's day or be excited about another's success and blessings!
Have you ever just sat back and really contemplated the struggles and hard times you've faced in your life? In the moment, you seem to lose sight of everything else around you. Nothing else matters. That mountain you're treading up and rolling back down time and time again consumes you and you are unable to focus on the blessings you do have. But once you come out on the other end, it almost always serves a purpose. To break you, shake you and change you. These difficult times stir you and move you, but that is only the beginning. It is up to you to use these hidden opportunities as ammunition to propel yourself forward. There is always, always a blessing in every trial and a lesson in every failure and barrier we face.
Ultimately, I think it all comes down to where your faith lies. You have to KNOW, that no matter WHAT you are facing at the moment, God has already overcome that for you! I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Everything! And if you are still in a frustrating and unclear situation and can't seem to figure out that reason, most likely there is still something you need to learn from that struggle. Instead of giving in to and surrendering to that struggle, fight to understand what it is meant to teach you. Anytime I'm going through a hard time (which is a LOT, believe it or not) and I'm positive that there is just no way I will get through this; when I just can't seem to find the light at the end of that tunnel- God whispers the tiniest amount of reassurance into my heart and he's like "Nah girl, I got you. Keep fighting! Don't give up."
Dream. Believe. Achieve.
You can do great things. I believe in you. <3
xo- Darcie
