Why You Should Embrace Your Struggles

In promising to be as open and honest with you at all times, I must preface this column by telling you I find myself in a season of struggle right now. Life as I know it is messy. It’s chaotic and out of balance and, at times, downright ugly. A part of me doesn’t feel entitled to be writing about the beauty of struggle when I’m in the thick of it.

But, there’s another part of me that finds solace in sharing what I’ve learned with you in order to help me sort through what I’m dealing with now. And, through it all, there’s still a part of me that has the ability to recognize the importance of struggle and why you always should remember to embrace it.

Yes, that’s right, embrace your struggles. Wholeheartedly welcome them into your life and allow them to shape you and make you into the person you are meant to be.

I’m sure this concept is tough to swallow. After all, society constantly fed the idea that you must chase happiness, and happiness only, because all that other stuff just weighs us down. Advertisements and cultural standards subliminally sneak these messages into your lives, and suddenly you find yourself choosing resistance over acceptance of what is. And, as a result, you miss the beautiful little bits and pieces  your struggles have to offer.

But, there’s something to be said when you decide to embrace struggle. And, when I say to wholeheartedly welcome it, I don’t mean to call it up on a Friday night and question why it hasn’t been around. I mean you simply should accept its current presence in your life. You should identify it, feel it, let it sit with your soul until you fully understand the meaning of it.

When living with spinal muscular atrophy, struggle easily can become a part of your daily vocabulary. The pain is present. The feeling is familiar. But, still, the opportunity is there to embrace it and find meaning in your darkest hour of struggle. Even in thick of it, there is still the opportunity to show up, put your best foot forward, and give this life all you have to offer. In spite of your struggles, there is still something so much better waiting for you on the other side.

Because, if there’s one thing that has held true in my life and will in yours, too, is that where you find your struggle, you will find your inner strength. And, in the end, strength will always win.

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Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.