Fighting Your Past to Make for a Better Future

I am a firm believer that the ups and downs of life are meant to make us stronger. I also recognize however, that after what feels like an endless series of "downs" or challenges, it's natural for any human being to wonder... 

"What in God's name is going on and why has the universe turned against me", am I right?

Because you didn't ask for this! You didn't make a pact with God saying: " Ok Big Guy, when I reach this age, you can just dump all the pressures of life on me; just one, after another... after another... after another." You didn't wake up one day and decide, "I want this to be the hardest season of my life." If you're anything like me, the most difficult seasons you've encountered probably smacked you in the face. They probably just popped up out of nowhere and left you wondering what you did to deserve it. But... if you were fortunate enough to actually see it coming, you quickly learned that there was nothing you could do to derail it. It was headed your way in full force, whether you liked it or not. And at that moment you had two choices: either gear up to get on the train, or get in fetal position and just let it run you over. Either way, that tough season came, and once you were in it there was no telling when you'd see the light.

Some people thrive in those scenarios. When their back is against the wall and they're in a dark place, they see things more clearly and they work their hardest. They don't have to see the light at the end of the tunnel to grind; they just do it. Others have a harder time working towards something that they can't see. I, personally struggle somewhere in between those two places. When I'm in my hardest seasons, I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that keeps me hopeful.  Funny thing about that light though... we tend to believe that if we squint hard enough and look forward that we'll see, even if it's the size of a pinhole, a small light; and that will keep us encouraged to keep going. You know what I found though? Sometimes, the exterior light is actually so far away that even with the strongest magnifying glass, the meanest squint, and the clearest 20-20 vision, you're just not going to see it! It's out of your reach. 

So what happens then? What do you do? I've learned to look inward; to reflect. Find the light within myself and allow that to keep me going. You can do that too! You're strong enough, I know it! You deserve to get to the end of that tunnel! You've come too far to give up now. You've seen to much to let all that experience just die with you. You have too much ahead! And as much as it may be difficult to see at times, your future is bright! If you can make it through that excruciating season, imagine how refined you'll be when you come out on the other side. Imagine how bright your inner light will be able to shine after being the center of your attention for so long; after being cultivated and nurtured! You have a story to tell on the other side of this hardship. Imagine the lives you'll be able to touch. The people who will struggle with something similar in the future and that, just by you sticking this out, will be encouraged and strengthened to likewise run their own race and keep fighting for themselves! You deserve to see yourself win! The child you once were, that little person that still lives with in you, deserves to see you soar. Fight for that person! 

And keep in mind, sure, it's easy to look at these tough seasons as if they're just one struggle after another. But also think about it like this... You're on a journey to self improvement. You're becoming the best possible version of yourself. If you're looking to accomplish all of your goals and dreams, then you're constantly challenging yourself, right? I didn't come from much and I still have a long way to go, but if I have plans of excelling and breaking generational curses, being successful, and leading a good example for those around me, then I have to work through the mud. And maybe, just maybe, when a new challenge comes, it's because I've completed and mastered the one I was just facing. Which, big picture, means that I'm growing. I AM excelling. I AM succeeding. I AM breaking generational curses. I'm doing the things that I strive to do and I'm doing them well. So no, life hasn't happened to me. It's happening for me. The tough seasons and challenges come to keep me focused on what's ahead and help me grow and they can do the same for you!

So go! Walk through that mud, get dirty. Go climb up that hill, sweat a little bit. Go sit in that fire for a bit. See how refined you'll be. And know, with each step you take, you're overcoming the last. As long as you keep going, you're winning.

With Love,

Chessi Rae