The Meaning of Struggles
Discovering self through hard times with curiosity and embrace
Sometimes, I wonder if everything was meant to be. My childhood and young adult life were far from easy:
- Experienced my father’s death at seven and watched my mother struggle to make ends meet
- Sacrificed my childhood to help raise my sister and started work at an early age for life necessities
- Was born to Asian, gay (double minority) and struggled for years to understand my sexuality
- Battled health issues — from decades of acne, arthritis, IBD, digestive and autoimmune
There were many times I questioned these life events. I would pinch myself thinking that my life was a dream to only be rudely reminded that it was the reality. During my darkest days, I wondered if this life was worth it.
After years of self-work and reflection, I discovered that these were all meant to instill in me valuable life lessons:
- Gratitude
- Compassion
- Hard work
- Perseverance
- Courage
- Balance
Many of these human characteristics can’t be learned by reading a book. What is to be heroic? What is to be kind?
By staying curious, I can continue to unravel my past traumas and uncover the lessons they hold. By embracing these teachings, there’s an opportunity to embody them as personal characteristics that propel me forward in life.
Without these moments, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Some days, I wonder if this is all a dream. I pinch myself, but the sensations are different.
It reminds me that I am still breathing. Still conscious. Still here.
It’s a new day and there’s still so much left to discover.
Thank you for your time and readership!
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Have a fabulous day!
Metta (loving-kindness),
Steven
