The struggle.

That’s part of the story.

Maybe even the most important part.

But it’s not a part we really want, truth be told.

Yeah, ain’t nobody gonna be jumpin’ up and down doin’ the happy dance around here, declaring how amazing and wonderful all this struggle is.

At least I’m not.

Because struggle is hard and it’s definitely not fun and it’s okay to feel that and it’s okay to say that.

It’s okay to call reality what it really is.

It’s okay to say that things are really hard right now if they’re really hard right now.

Just one thing?

Don’t give up.

Really, just don’t give up.

Even though things are hard. Even though you don’t see the progress you want just yet. Even though you might feel like you really can’t do this anymore – just please?

Don’t give up.

Because the struggle may be hard, but it’s also the only way to move forward.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” (~Frederick Douglass)

 

Muscles don’t get stronger because we avoid working them, but because we work even when it’s hard.

Friendships don’t get stronger because we avoid conflict, but because we show up even when it’s hard.

Relationships don’t get stronger because we avoid being vulnerable and open, but because we open up even when it’s hard.

We don’t get stronger when we avoid the struggle, but because we struggle through and learn and grow and evolve – even when it’s hard.

The struggle is what makes us stronger.

The struggle is part of the story.

Maybe even the most important part.

~xo,
LuAnne