Riding the Struggle Bus

Happy New Year, friends! As we enter 2025, I want to start this year with a deeply personal and honest conversation. Reflecting on the challenges of 2024, I know many of us faced struggles and unexpected turns. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my story of navigating life’s hardest moments while staying committed to the risky path of authenticity and freedom. This is a reminder that you’re not alone, and even in the darkest times, there’s hope.

This episode explores the experience of facing life’s challenges head-on while staying committed to one’s values and freedom. I discuss the reality of navigating struggles, how to remain grounded, and why even the most challenging times can hold profound lessons.

 Authenticity in the Struggle

I share how this past year has been one of my family's most difficult. After my husband lost his job, we tried everything to stay afloat, but eventually, we lost our home. Instead of celebrating Christmas around our tree, we packed our belongings and moved into my son’s apartment. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life, but it reminded me of the importance of staying vigilant and deliberate, even when life feels out of control.

I share how the risky path isn’t about perfection but showing up, even when life feels impossible. And It’s okay to feel hopeless, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Those emotions are human and valid, and while external circumstances cannot always be controlled, our thoughts, actions, and responses remain within our power.

Navigating Struggle:

 I offer actionable steps for navigating the difficult times:

1. Be Clear About What Matters: 

   • Choose to focus on what matters most to you. Don’t let the chaos of the outside world dictate your inner peace.
   • Check in with yourself and your values. 

2. Be Vigilant With Your Thoughts:

   • Stay aware of your thoughts. It is crucial for us to take inventory of our thoughts and be intentional with our thinking. Most of the time, we operate on autopilot, which can do us more harm than good. Don’t let the gremlins in your mind tell you you’re failing or that you’re not enough. Don’t give them space to play.
   • Keep your thoughts on your values and on what is good for you.

3. Be Deliberate in Your Actions: 

   • Even small steps matter. Choose what’s best for you, even if it’s just one thing you can control today.
   • Do not take action out of desperation. I cannot stress this enough. It is easy for us to start making decisions that aren’t always best for us when things seem difficult because desperation takes over.

    

Reflection Exercise:

 I encourage you to reflect on the following questions:

• What truly matters to me right now?
• Where are my thoughts? 
• What is one small thing I can do to move me in the direction I want to go?

Poetic Reflection:

 I leave you with a small reflection to think upon.

"When you look up at the clouds and see darkness, lightning, and rain, remember: planes fly above the     storms where the sun is shining, and the sky is blue."

Life’s storms can feel overwhelming, but they don’t define the entirety of the journey. Above the storm clouds, there is always light. 

So when you see the dark, try to look through it and know the sun is just on the other side.

 Key Takeaways:

• It’s okay to feel the weight of life’s challenges—those feelings are part of being human.

• While not everything can be controlled, thoughts and actions are always within personal power.

• Staying clear, vigilant, and deliberate can help you navigate even the darkest times.

• Sometimes, life doesn’t give what is wanted, but it often provides what is needed.

 Final Thoughts:

 You’re not alone in your struggles. The risky path of authenticity and freedom isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Together, we can navigate this journey and find hope, resilience, and freedom on the other side.