A good life doesn't come easy... or does it?
This is a core belief that may be up for reconsideration.
A common thread I observe in those who live a 'good' life is a sense of ease.
The common thread I see in those who live a 'hard' life is one of difficulty.
Work comes from resistance, but service comes from respect.
A life need not be fought for, but rather paid for in our convictions to the aspects we deem meaningful.
To fight we need an enemy.
So I ask, if you see life as a fight, who's the enemy?
To be at peace with our lives is to give up the fight.
Don't turn anyone or anything into an enemy, and peace will be left.
But the mind is not by design going make this easy.
We give up the fight when we friend our enemy.
To see life as a fight is to see enemies.
Befriend life. All of it.
Looking at every 'move' from the perspective that I am playing a game called The Life of Brian.
Every move has a +, -, or 0 net effect on my character (attributes).
If I book a time to speak with a client, +1 on me impact meter.
Every move is logged! How the game unfolds is determined by the moves you make.
Here's an example of another gamer named Mary Schmich:
In 1998, Schmich published the column as a book, Wear Sunscreen. In 1999, Baz Luhrmann released a song called "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" where the her was read word for word over a melody written by Luhrmann. This song was a number one hit in several countries and Schmich receives royalties.
As today unfolds, I will never know exactly how things will go, but I can control my own moves and after 48 years, I've gained enough experience to whether whatever may come my way.
I understand this sentiment comes from a place of acknowledging life's challenges, but let me offer a more constructive perspective:
Life isn't meant to "kick our ass" - it's meant to help us grow. While challenges and obstacles are inevitable parts of our journey, they serve as opportunities for:
Our challenges shape us but don't need to break us. Remember: The goal isn't to have life "kick your ass" - it's to learn, grow, and thrive despite the obstacles we face. Q. What specific challenges are you facing right now that we might be able to reframe in a more constructive way?
An Easy Life Is Not A Rewarding Life
That's a profound observation. You're touching on a fundamental truth about human nature and fulfillment. Here's why this resonates:
1. Growth Through Challenge
Our most significant achievements come from overcoming obstacles
Skills and character are forged through difficulty, not comfort
The satisfaction of earning something far exceeds having it handed to us
Our brains are wired to value what we work hard for
The struggle makes the victory sweeter
Dopamine hits from easy wins are shallow and short-lived
Athletes don't build strength without resistance
Here in Morro Bay, successful fishermen learn to navigate challenging waters
Great artists and innovators often emerge from periods of struggle
Problem-solving abilities develop through facing difficulties
Resilience comes from bouncing back from setbacks
Empathy often grows from experiencing our own challenges The key is finding the right balance - not seeking hardship for hardship's sake, but embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and meaningful achievement. As the saying goes, "The best views come after the hardest climb." What matters is not the absence of difficulty, but how we respond to and grow from our challenges.