May 16, 2013

mountains.

moutains
circa summer 2011. can't believe that summer roadtrip was that long ago!
Day 16: Share something difficult about your lot in life and how you're working to overcome it.

I kind of feel like I share a lot about my lots in life (especially as of late). You know, my hardships, my trials, and my struggles. I also feel like I've been thinking about them too much. I feel like I need a kick in the rear, a pep talk to get me out of this Debbie Downer view of life. A realization that this hand I've been dealt isn't bad because it's all a matter of perspective.

So instead of talking about the bullying, the fears, and the struggles I've endured, I choose to choose joy (again). I choose to look on the brighter side and remind myself of all the good I've been given.

And that's how I overcome it all. I write about it, pray about it, and think about it (a lot). And it's after I do these things--although not necessarily immediately-that I come to the conclusion that I've actually got it good. Like really good. I've learned from these lots in life. Learned how to love others, defend and protect others, and trust in Him alone.

I overcome it all with help. I overcome it all with prayer. I overcome it all with time. It may not be an immediate healing, but to me, that's a part of life. After all, mountains aren't conquered immediately; they require endurance, perseverance, and good walking shoes (plus some snacks along the way). So while I may struggle through it all and wonder when the end is near, I know and trust that He will carry me through it. And that's how I overcome it all.

So I apologize if I over-share my struggles and come across as negative. That's not my intention. Sometimes it just takes a few posts to remind myself that choosing joy is a choice and it's the one I want and need to choose.

So what do you think of your lot(s) in life? How have you overcome yours?


8 comments

  1. Girl, I love this post!! I feel the same way. I think some people might read my posts and see me as an over-emotional debby downer. Or a walking time bomb of a break down.

    But really, when I have those intense moments of emotion, like we all do, I choose to write it down. Because I know someone, somewhere will read it and think "Ah, I thought I was the only one."

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    1. Is it weird that I'm glad I'm not the only one who has those thoughts when it comes to blogging? So glad I'm not alone.

      And you speak so much truth! It's so hard for me to remember that these moments of emotion are not only healing to me but they could also be healing to those around me. Thank you for that encouragement! That was exactly what I needed to read. :)

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  2. I appreciate you sharing how you OVERCOME the hardships of life, rather than just ignoring that they exist. It's great that you have so many tools to help you. I also think that it's great that you share what's going on -- that's a big part of overcoming hardships, too. Not dwelling or being super negative, but also acknowledging that there is an issue.

    Thanks! :)

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    1. You have no idea how much I loved reading your comment. :) Seriously, thank you for telling me that it's okay to write about everything. Thank you, girl!

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  3. Honesty is a GOOD thing. Too many people are blogging only the good. We need more who are willing to blog the REAL. :) I'm always honest in my writing. It's tough because it means being vulnerable and that can be a scary thing. But it always amazes me that the word I hear most in reference to my blog is about the honesty.

    Writing the process of the journey does not make one a Debbie Downer. It makes them honest. Life isn't easy. And you will find that when you are honest about that (mixed in with the awesome of course!) you will find that others realize they can relate to you... and that's when we open up pathways for impact and influence. :)

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    1. That's what I LOVE about your blog. Honesty and realness are two traits that I look for when reading blogs. Sometimes little things like good photos, too, but that's the photo snob in me (if you're wondering, yours goes above and beyond in that category, too!). :)

      And yes, it's definitely tough being vulnerable. Sometimes I think I overthink my blogging and too easily forget that everyone has their ups and downs--they just might choose NOT to share it. I think that's honestly why I feel like I'm a Debbie Downer!

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  4. GIrl you share those struggles! We're supposed to, we can't carry the burden alone! <3
    I'm so proud of you for choosing joy, it is never an easy choice!

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    1. You speak truth. Tons of it and I'm so grateful that we're friends and that you're such an amazing source of encouragement. :) Thank you for reminding me that life is not meant to be lived alone!

      And boy, is choosing joy hard! I'm constantly finding myself thinking about that original post I wrote and all of the other bloggers' posts about the topic over and over again. Thank goodness for blogging, right? :)

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