Episode 74: Embracing the Sweetness on the Other Side of Struggle

Welcome back to To Help You Heal! This week, I'm exploring the idea of finding sweetness amid our struggles. Last week, we discussed gratitude and learning to see the good and the great in our lives—not just in November but all year round. Today, I want to discuss how we can hold on to that gratitude even in life's frustrating, challenging, and unexpected moments.

Key Takeaways:

Learning Gratitude in the Interruptions

• One way I’m working on this is during my morning walks with my dog, Bruno. Let’s just say…he doesn’t always cooperate! When he’s acting up, it can be so frustrating because that walk is my time to process and reflect. But I’mlearning that if I push through those interruptions, I often come out with a deeper sense of gratitude and understanding than if everything had gone perfectly.

Finding Growth in Everyday Struggle

• I do not seek out challenges, but life brings those unavoidable struggles into our daily routines, which can throw us off track if we let them. This month, I'm focusing on consistency. I'm not aiming for perfection, but I'm trying to show up daily and ask myself, "What's good right now? What's great? And how can I be grateful, even in the hard stuff?"
  

The Power of Choosing to Persevere

• We have a choice in every struggle: Do we move forward, step to the side, or give up altogether? I've learned that we always have the power to choose. When we say, "Okay, I'll just take one step," we keep moving, even if it's not in the expected direction. And when we ask God what He wants us to learn from our struggles, we often find that our path leads to a kind of growth we wouldn't have otherwise.

Trusting God's Purpose in Hard Times

• Sometimes, our struggles come from choices others have made, things we never asked for. But even in those places, I believe God has something good for us. He doesn't control us like puppets, but He does redeem our challenges and use them for our growth. When we allow Him to lead us, we can trust He's working for our good—even in the middle of hardship.

Reflective Questions:

1. What are the "interruptions" in your life where you might find hidden sweetness?
2. How can you embrace gratitude in the small, daily frustrations?

Resources for Your Journey:

• My Book: To Help You Heal – Grab a copy of my book if you want to go deeper. Through my own stories, I hope you'll find healing, comfort, and a deeper connection with God.
• 1:1 Support: I'm here if you need someone to walk with you on your journey. Reach out through this link, and let's take this journey together.