Going Through Hell

"Express yourself completely. Then keep quiet. Be like the forces of nature; When it blows, there is only wind; When it rains, there is only rain; When the clouds pass, the sun shines through."

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

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It’s crucial to express what you truly think and feel, even if it’s uncomfortable. While we’re often told to think before we speak, it’s equally important not to suppress our true selves. Repressing your feelings can lead to deeper issues, so find a safe space to speak your truth.

Speaking your mind might not always make everyone happy, but it’s better to be authentic and receive feedback. Who knows? You might voice something others are too afraid to say. Alternatively, you might encounter differing perspectives that can help you refine your own views. The worst thing you can do is hide your true self.

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As Viktor Frankl explores in Man’s Search for Meaning, every struggle carries the potential for transformation. The energy behind your current challenges is prompting you to make a change—whether for yourself or those around you.

Your ordeals are not without purpose; they are the building blocks of your reality. In time, a solution will emerge. Remember, the obstacle is often the way forward.

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“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
― Winston Churchill

Enduring today’s struggles builds the resilience you’ll need tomorrow. These challenges are here to shape you, to make you stronger, and to help you make sense of your world. Remember, the pain is temporary, but how you respond to it will have lasting effects.

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To fully live, sometimes you need to hit rock bottom. This is a recurring pattern in life and the foundation of every great story. In every hero’s journey, there comes a point where change is necessary.

Ask yourself:

• Have you hit rock bottom yet, or do you need to go deeper before you’re ready to change?
• What would the hero in your life story do?
• Are you ready to be that person?

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There’s a powerful force that connects mind, spirit, and matter. We often get what we truly want, though it may not come in the form we expect. When you can approach your desires with a pure heart, free from inner conflict, you’ll find the fulfillment you seek.

Fear can cloud your judgment, trapping you in the past and preventing you from seeing the possibilities of the future. We’ve become overly rational, focusing on validating thoughts rather than feelings. But true vision comes from the heart. Without faith in your ability to improve, you won’t improve.

So, ask yourself:

• What beliefs are holding you back from success?
• What people or things do you need to let go of?

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It’s a harsh truth, but no one cares about your problems as much as you do—everyone has their own. Believing that no one cares can lead to a victim mentality, which in turn breeds entitlement. That’s why there are therapists and counselors—to help you navigate these feelings.

If therapy seems too expensive, consider the cost of not taking care of yourself. There are many resources available, both online and offline, to help you manage your struggles. Investing in yourself is crucial; neglecting your well-being only leads to greater challenges down the road.

I recently made an appointment with a therapist to discuss my own anxieties about new undertakings. It’s okay to feel bad and to validate those feelings, but it’s not okay to blame others for them.

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