fbpx

Finding the Beauty in Your Struggle

Inspiration

The caterpillar and the butterfly is the epitome of beauty grounded in struggle.Β  The process of morphing from a caterpillar into a butterfly is actually a very painful process.Β  It’s hard to see when we are in the middle of the struggle, but when you arrive on the other side, 99% of the time, you begin to see where the beauty was hidden or when it emerged.Β  Even in death there is more waiting to be seen.Β  For almost everything, the beauty of the struggle is there waiting to be seen.

It’s no secret that I suffer from depression. Β Some say it’s due to circumstances surrounding me and others say it’s a chemical imbalance in my brain. Β Maybe it’s a combination of the two. Β Either way, it’s there and it comes in waves. Β And when it does, those are HUGE times of struggle for me and everyone around me. Β If you aren’t inflicted with this debilitating disease, it’s hard for you to have empathy for those that do. Β It’s a foreign thing that seems like an easy fix to some.Β Β 

This isn’t about depression though. Β This is about the beauty that you can find amidst or after a bout of depression or any struggle. Β 

My depression has hit me hard the past 3-4 years. It’s been hell. I go in and out of it. Β And it sucks. Β I won’t ever say that I β€œenjoy” being in those dark times because it’s in those dark times that I have even wanted to take my life. Β Depression is an ugly devil!! Β During those times of depression though, I begin put a lot of stock into who I am as a person. Β Granted there are better ways to do that, but with me, that’s when I do my greatest internal work. Β It’s in those times that I peel apart every part of my soul and dissect and inspect everything I’ve done and everything I am to become.

Know this though – there is beauty to be found in your struggle. Β Your success is dependent on your failures. Β If you don’t have those dark times, it’s not to say you won’t do the internal hard work, but it may take longer. Β If you ask someone to describe how they have come to certain point in their life, most often they will always highlight the struggles that got them to where they are currently.

Times that are truly annihilating to your soul are the ones that move you forward.

3 ways to embrace the beauty of your darkness

  1. Take your time! Β Don’t rush through the seasons of hardness. Β Everyone wants to sprint out of them, but in doing so, you aren’t opening up yourself to the possibilities of humbling yourself and learning through them.
  2. Let’s others be the light! Β It’s ok if it’s not your time to shine. Β Let others be the shining light in your darkness. Β They are there because they have also known and felt the darkness. Β They are put in your path to be that guiding light.
  3. JOURNAL! Β It’s so easy to forget some of the depths of emotions and despair when we are out of the dark. Β Journaling when you are in the darkness is what will later help you reflect on your experiences and continue to use them as tools to grow.

So – take the times of struggle and know that there is beauty to be seen and had. Β You will see it in time. Β You will emerge to be that great butterfly. Β You will leave the dark pits of despair and fly into the great blue sky!!

  1. Sharon says:
    at

    I love journaling! That’s such a great tip. Thanks for sharing your struggles so others could feel like they’re not alone

    Reply
  2. Marquita@LovetheLaniers says:
    at

    Thank you so much for sharing this…there certainly can be such beauty that comes from the struggle. Journaling is an amazing tool to use to process through feelings. It’s always comforting to hear the other side of light when going through the dark tunnel.

    Reply
  3. Abby Darlington says:
    at

    Journaling is such a cathartic way to express your feelings. My mom too went through a period of depression. It’s something no one else can understand until they go through it themselves. Praying for your and your journey of healing <3

    Reply
  4. Linda says:
    at

    I understand the darkness. Experience it a lot in my life the whole 69 years. It gets sweeter to fight a battle having the light πŸ’‘ to help you. To know not to be afraid of the battle no matter how big it may be. To know no matter the length or shortness we will win with the light πŸ’‘. It is always a small speck of light πŸ’‘ in the beginning or half way through but trusting that light πŸ’‘ is the key to the beautiful butterfly πŸ¦‹. I find if I do all I can and rest in darkness and walk when it’s light πŸ’‘. I master the battle better if I journal when I see the light πŸ’‘ larger. The light πŸ’‘ wins my battle as long as I focus on the light. It’s hard yes but I encourage all to seek the light πŸ’‘ through all darkness. Be beautiful and bloom as a beautiful butterfly πŸ¦‹. We can. We Win with the light.

    Reply

What do you think?

Skip to content