I have never met a strong person with an easy past

Or… how about “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”

(and I think there is a rule somewhere that says you can’t say these things to people who are grieving … I don’t know where the rule is, but I swear it exists … and if it doesn’t, it totally should)

But seriously – I have NEVER met a strong person with an easy past. Nope!

Us strong people – we are forged in fire!

I personally hate these phrases. I mean, I get it, but (obvious statement coming) I don’t want to be strong if it means I have to suffer! Maybe being strong is just really overrated.

I like having things go great – and easy! Like finding a parking spot right in front, or eating pizza every day and never gaining weight, and my personal favorite – my loved ones don’t die young or betray me!

But no – Im over here getting stronger?! Meh, underrated!

Of course, I wish things were easy, we all do! The reality is though, nothing is.

So the options are either to get tough and find a way to dominate life, keep our sanity & live joyfully; or succumb to the pain and stay miserable til we die.

Personally, I want to be happy & enjoy my life. I LIKE being happy & joyful. So the option Im choosing is to accept my circumstances, grow through the pain, and eventually I’ll be able to flaunt all those mental, emotional & spiritual muscles my trials have produced!

Think about it – have you ever complimented someone on their physical muscles?! The dude at the gym, or your friend after a pilates class? They probably pretend to be surprised and then low-key flex them even more. Yea … you know what I’m talking about. And you know why they do that! Because it’s a COMPLIMENT! They worked hard to get those abs or that tricep dent! They put in the time, sweat, grind, and pain to earn that recognition, so they should be showing it off and being proud!

That’s exactly what WE should be doing with the invisible muscles we’ve had to build! Show them off! Wear the proverbial crop top or muscle tee – let’s get out there and start flaunting all that trauma strength & HELP others!!!

I want to remind you how special and brave and admirable you are. There is something just different about a person who has been through the fire – it should give you unshakable confidence that you can survive anything … because you already have!

You have survived what was meant to break you – and you are not broken! You absolutely have cracks, scars, walk with a limp, etc; but you are here, you are healing, and you are going to keep getting better.

None of us are born strong, but we sure do earn the right to call ourselves strong – because that’s exactly what we are!

Be thankful for the pain – because I promise you, God has a reason for why you are struggling – and you will eventually understand and you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way. (and that’s what Im going to keep telling myself)

XO

Tay