No pain....no gain.

"To achieve professional excellence you must endure pain, both mental and emotional". -This was somebody's proverb that became popular in the 80's. We all know that to achieve any goal we have to put effort into it. We can all agree that anything that comes easily can go easily too. Our society nowadays thrives living in constant endeavours. But in a world of immediate gratification, the avoidance of discomfort prevails. We simply are so afraid of feeling pain.

What I have witnessed is, that the more I avoid feeling pain, the worse it gets. The less I address the uncomfortable feelings in my head, the bigger they get. The ruminating spirals of unpleasant memories could easily become cozy rabbit holes where our brain wants to live. If we don't face the truth we can't find the answers to our questions. We can go about our life just faking it. Faking that everything is ok. Faking it with tons of stimulation around us, activity, crowds of people, chores, bad habits, or jobs. We can turn our eyes to the outside and constantly look away. Or, we can do the work.

I recently finished this book my daughter recommended. I won't tell you the name to spoil it, but in the end, she wrote, "Pain is not the only touchstone for growth". I am summarizing this chaotic, incredibly written book with the simple notion that numbing the pain, only prolongs it. Facing it allows us to put it in its place. It takes lots of courage. Pain is part of this human existence. If we can only embrace it, instead of fearing it. Just feeling it. Letting it be, and then letting it pass. It is but one of the pebbles we step on for our solid foundation that grounds us. It is only one pebble. It lives surrounded by other million pebbles. These are all the experiences throughout our lives that create our path. Sometimes you need to step on that pebble to get to different places. We can skip it and maybe fall, or step on it and solidly cross to the other side. Each time we do, we can grow. Each time we think of it we can evolve. But if we choose to stay standing still in that pain, well, we will hurt.

I would like my path to have all kinds of shades on my pebbles, the shiny ones I love, the ones that look crystal clear, those I pick up and hold in my hands, next to my heart. The heavy ones are the ones that make me feel grounded. Both feet are on the ground, standing strong. The sharp-edged ones I cross quicker so I don't get hurt anymore, I have stayed there long enough and my wounds have healed. I like going forward. I can see in the distance many more, and I am curious and excited. I will gain new experiences and I am ready to walk the roads less traveled.

I welcome you to let your busy lives settle down for a second. Take a deep breath and reflect on what is giving you pain. Allow yourself to feel it. Take another breath, the light will come. Trust.

All my love and hope for you, and your healing path.