Embrace the pain and use it to propel you forward. When the going gets tough, that’s when you decide, “am I mediocre or exceptional”. Don’t think, just DO.
Now I know that all my life, the painful moments were of value. At the time, it was hard to acknowledge and appreciate. When you realize this, it allows you to have a different attitude to painful moments. Now, let’s not diminish the pain of losing a loved one due to death or the pain of dealing with a terminal illness. Those are moments of immeasurable pain. However, even those pains, are moments that can provide lessons, which can benefit others. However, I am talking about the pain of losing a job, missing a promotion, hurting from tearing of a muscle while pushing yourself physically, the pain of losing a lover in a break-up, etc.
I lost my job during the holidays, not knowing if I were going to make rent, pay utility bills, or even have enough for grocery. I know what it is like to have to visit a pawn shop to part with a cherished jewelry, be afraid of the knock on the door, anticipating eviction or bill collectors. It is because of this experience, I have empathy for those that are hard working that can have pitfalls in life. I also know that those moments are painful but temporary, providing that you have the courage to push through, grind on, until you find your way. Looking back, I remember how I was consumed with the gravity of failure at that time. I remembered though, that I did not hesitate to act immediately, to instantly work on my resume, and send the applications out. I did what I had to do, I went back to delivering pizza, something I did while going to college. I did not become consume with my failure. I even started a business, scraping some bits of money from relatives. I was still optimistic in the face of failure. My business failed, as I was pushed out of the market from my previous boss, who had the means to control my supply. After failing at the business, I kept going, kept applying, as I delivered pizza at night. Eventually I landed an entry level job at Coca Cola and worked my way up quickly. As I look back, my real failure was that I lost my hunger for fun. You see it is balance that is the key to sustainable happiness.
I know now that experiencing the bad things that happened to me in life, has made me a better person, someone who can help those that are feeling hopeless, lost, lonely, discouraged and completely depressed. Surviving a fatal car accident, losing my voice, being ridiculed, being bitter, angry with the cards life suddenly dealt me.
I even know what it is like to want to take your own life.
Today, I look back with gratitude, that I had those cards dealt to me. It was only from experiencing real pain that I matured my awareness of people’s struggles, that I can really get into their shoes to be able to understand the challenges that keep them from moving forward effectively. Now the pains that I encounter, excite me in the education that it offers me. With every triumph, I gain lessons that I am eager to share, to let others know that they are not alone, I understand, I can help. I have also acquired the kind of confidence that assures me that I can survive other challenges.
I am now glad for the pain. Now I can help others through their pain.
Remember: You are not alone anymore.