Struggle Builds Strength ????

Do you avoid challenges?

How about the "hard things"?

I've come to realize with time that struggle is a part of life. For a long time, I did not like it. I avoided it at all costs. Until it hit me, and it may sound cliche but nothing good comes easy. It's not to say that from time to time things just seem to "fall in place", but we shouldn't expect life to be a cakewalk.

It's not good to be stuck in the ideology that if it doesn't flow its not right. Or if it causes you pain you should avoid it. These modern times have honestly made us weak and the convenience of today's world has made everything sooooo easy that we forgot about the hard knox life most people lived in up until the last few decades.

The opportunities you get to struggle, gives you a chance to build character. Its as if we are all unfinished statues, slowing chiseling away at the ideal image of our life. The struggle in the gym builds muscle, the challenges of a relationship soften the heart, the persistence of an entrepreneur creates a great business.

I generally think that as a species if we want to "course correct" anything on a societal level that we need to turn back to tradition and learn a thing or two from our ancestors. In this case, its learning to endure struggle. Even biblically we learn of the struggle of early disciples of christ, being punished for challenging "the law" of the time. Good thing they never gave up, because the message of christ has travelled all of the other just like it was prophesied in early scripture.

Each day I make time for struggle. Now struggle doesn't always have to be some hard nosed bruiser challenge. It can be as simple as extra reps in the gym, more time in silence even when you want to move. I've come to be comfortable in the uncomfortable, its one of the reasons I like cold baths so much, lol.

Out of labor comes fruit that we can eat. The more we endure, the wiser we become.

As a man, struggle is even more important to me. Historically as man we were the main privisonaires, protectors & providers of our families. Obviously things have changed a bit in the modern world, and I have no problem with it. But if I were to be frank, the modern comforts have tainted the masculine frame of men across earth. Its provided the luxury of creative pursuit, such as my writings here. On the flip side of the sharp sword, its also led to a lot of mama's boys, a lot of whining, complaining and flimsyness. We can all see it in the way we communicate. Eyes down, soft tone of voice, weak bodies, etc...

With times like these, we must pander. We must stand strong and lead accordingly. It is no time for pointing fingers and getting offended. Its time for work, dedication and prayer. Take care of yourself, take care of your friends, take care of your family & do the right thing.

-Skylar