“If you’re going through hell, keep going”
– Winston Churchill
If you’ve lived long enough you know life is full of hills and valley’s. In some seasons, you’ll experience both extremes at the same time. Some of you might ask, why are valley’s necessary? Why do we experience challenges like death, sickness, infidelity, addiction, and depression? The truth is, I don’t have the answer. What I can tell you, is journeying through these dark places is meant to build your character, not break you down.
My life has been anything, but peaches and cream. I grew up without a dad (to this day I still don’t know where he is), and my mom died when I was 15 years old. I’ve had to learn many lessons the really hard way, but guess what? I wouldn’t be strong, beautiful, gracious, smart, and independent if I never faced all of my specific challenges. Anyone of my close friends will you tell, I’m always smiling and it’s not because my life is easy. It’s because I chose to see life from a “glass half full” perspective.
Fast forward to now (11 years later), I’m married with 2 beautiful kids and I’m living my dream in multiple area’s of my life. How did this happen? I for one, accredit my progress to God because I believe that He stepped in at the right time, every time and protected me from creating a bigger mess of my life. I also believe that having a positive mindset and knowing that life would get better helped me fight through the chaos and confusion. If you had met me when I was 15 years old, you would have never imagined that I would end up where I am today.
“Challenges in life are meant to build your muscles”
– Tee Forever
By muscles I mean, your character muscles. When you’re walking through blazing, thick fire and you want to run away, hide, sleep all day, or ignore the problem remind yourself that God never created you to live and die in misery. Think about the next chapter. Stay focused and remind yourself that there is more to your story. When you’re in the middle of a mess, sometimes it’s hard to see pass the daily struggle and fears that you feel. But if you just close your eyes for a moment and think about some of the good experiences you’ve had in the past and about some of your future goals and things you’d like to do one day, you’ll find hope.
“Everyday brings a new beginning and a new ending”
Instead of allowing the pressure to break you, use your valley experience to develop stronger character. Turn the loss into a win, by creating something meaningful out of the experience. Find valuable lessons in everything. Think about how you can help someone else avoid some of the mistakes you’ve made. Try creating music, journaling, dancing, painting, acting, or anything creative, as an outlet to express your pain. I’m telling you from experience, all of the above will help. Don’t allow life to kill you and force you into joining the walking dead club. You were created to rise above it all.
Until next time, Stay focused & love yourself!
Xoxo.
*Bonus: Many of you have shared that I offer a lot of thought provoking, soul searching, and practical life tips here on my blog. I’m glad you’re being inspired! However, I can’t let you stop there. I’ve decided to offer a Free 3-Week Mentorship Program that will stretch you & help you maintain consistent growth. If you’re ready, LET’S DO IT!
Sign Up Here! The deadline is March 7, 2018.
Also, I noticed that you guys really enjoy blog post on Thursday’s, so I’ve updated my posting schedule to reflect what you want! Now you can expect post every Thursday & Saturday!
Theresa Forever
2 Comments
I needed to hear this todayyy. Thankssssss
I got you! *hugs*