I have an idea of what the “perfect” life looks like. I see it in movies, TV shows, and stories. It’s the life I aspire to have. Just like many others. But is this realistic? Is it possible to have a life that meets our expectations? In this blog, I’ll explore what it takes to create a life that is both fulfilling and enjoyable. I’ll also dispel some of the myths about what it takes to be happy and successful. So, whether you’re just starting out on your journey or you’re well on your way, this blog is for you. Let’s get started!
You have a nice home that may have a white picket fence. You have a happy and obedient dog who is such a pleasure, no trouble at all. Maybe you find your dream partner, get married and have a couple of children who do everything as expected and grow up to be model citizens. Once you’ve got this you know you’ve achieved the ideal and you can expect to live happily ever after without a care in the world.
This ideal doesn’t last long because as we grow older our experiences broadens, and the reality of what life really looks like hits us like a tonne of bricks. For some of us, this reality can be hard to take as we face a lifetime of ups and downs. There is, however, an alternative. This alternative is more objective and forgiving and it’s certainly nothing ground-breaking or new. Life is a beautiful struggle. Sure, it can be tough at times but that’s what makes it so rewarding. If we can learn to embrace the hardships, we will become stronger. So, the next time you’re feeling down, remember that life is a beautiful struggle that’s worth fighting for.
Many times, I’ve pondered about this struggle. Why does life seem one big struggle? Why can’t I catch a break? Why does everything I do seem to be a race to the finish line? I’m not the only one who feels this way. Others feel they’re struggling just to keep their head above water. But why? Why do we have to struggle? I wish I could tell you why life seems to be one big struggle. But I can’t. I can only tell you how I’ve been trying to deal with it.
- First, I try to take a step back and look at the big picture. I remind myself that life is full of ups and downs and that this, too, shall pass. I try to focus on the good things in my life and be grateful for what I have.
- Second, I try to take action. I try to do something to change the situation I’m in. I know I can’t control everything, but I can control how I react to the situation. I can control my own happiness.
- And lastly, I try to find beauty in the struggle. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true. I try to find the silver lining in every situation. I try to find the good in people, even when they’re at their worst. I know the struggle is real. But I also know that we can find beauty in it. We can find beauty in the way we choose to react to it.
Searching for answers is a puzzle faced universally. Each of us has our own struggles to contend with as we strive to create a better life for ourselves and our family. But sometimes everything feels like a stream of disappointment which can lead to lack of motivation to even try. This can happen when we start to ask, “Why?”, “Why me?”, “Why now?”
I’ll let you in on a secret. I’ve been writing this blog for weeks. Stopping and starting, chopping, and changing subject matter, and forcing myself to revisit it. For a long time, this neglected blog was nothing more than a few lines on a page. Why? Because I was feeling pissed off with life and its constant supply of struggles. There’s no nice way to put it. The words weren’t flowing, my inner sense of productivity and everything I wanted to be doing seemed to be coming to a big, screaming halt.
Everything felt up in the air with no clear direction. I couldn’t bear to think about next week, next month, or next year, when I was struggling to see how to make it through the current today.
It’s been a tough few weeks. I’ve cried more tears than I’d care to admit. I’ve questioned my decisions and my worth. I’ve felt anger, resentment and loneliness. But in the midst of all of this, I’ve also had some incredible moments.
I’ve laughed until my sides hurt. I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of love and support from family and friends. I’ve seen my children accomplish things that have made my heart swell with pride. I’ve realized that even when life is tough, there is much to be grateful for. So, I’m resolving to focus on the good. To find the silver lining in every cloud. To be thankful for the lessons learned in the tough times.
If you’re feeling lost, or struggling to find your way, know that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Even though it might not feel like it right now, things will get better. Keep searching for those answers. They’re there. And when you find them, share them with me. Until then, I’ll keep searching too.
1 Comment
Full of great tips Sam and ways to resolve unhappiness and frustrations with life and particularly the noise of life, which can be really detrimental to the productive things that may be happening in your own, but the white noise drowns your steps forward and sends negative messages to your thoughts and consequently your feelings. By your, I mean the collective your as in all of us who can’t necessarily deal with it all at once. I have had an interesting few months trying to also drown out the negative thoughts particularly the breakdown of Daniel’s marriage which came as such a shock, spent as you say a month basically crying. Have had lots of reflective moments on how things may have gone differently but I am not in the middle of it and have finally just had to say ” okay I have to for my own sanity stop it and move forward doing as best I can with what I don’t want to face.” I am a little bit more fortunate than you as I am not consistently surrounded by many other things such as school, kids friends, the parents group who are always whining about something and am able to basically surround myself with friends and positive people. Like you say negativity breeds nothing fruitful to anyone’s physical or mental health, positive vibes and positive thinking are the only way forward. Congrats on the blog and I’m sure you have some sort of project on the go. Stay strong, happy and all the very best with it and working through the busy next couple of months. Lots of love Julie.