Episode 102 – Drop The Struggle – Your Victory Is On The Way

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Note: This blog post serves as an accompaniment to the corresponding podcast episode of A Changed Mind, where we’ll distill down the core ideas of this week’s theme, along with additional distinctions and insights. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, you can go here to do so.  Enjoy.

If you’ve ever faced something tough—the kind of challenge that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder why life is so unfair—this is for you. I’ve been there too. In fact, it’s something I’ve thought about deeply. Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s a question many of us grapple with, and today, I want to dive into it in a way that feels both honest and hopeful.

First, let me say this: life can be incredibly hard, and it’s okay to feel the full weight of those moments. This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about seeing life from a perspective that can bring some light into those dark places.

The Day-to-Day Struggles That Test Us

We all face daily struggles—the small and not-so-small things that throw us off balance. Maybe you lost a job you loved, had a marketing campaign flop, or got into an argument with a coworker. Perhaps you even faced something more devastating, like a breakup or betrayal. I’ve been there.

I remember a time in my early thirties when I thought I’d met the love of my life. She ended up cheating on me, not once but twice. It was devastating. At the time, it felt like my world was crumbling. But looking back, I can see how that experience shaped me. It helped me get clear on the kind of partner I truly wanted, which ultimately led me to my soulmate, Carol.

Even the day-to-day inconveniences, like an injury or an unexpected expense, can feel overwhelming in the moment. But they’re part of the bigger picture. Life has a way of using these small disruptions to redirect us, refine us, and even prepare us for something better.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Going on in the World?

Beyond our personal lives, we’re constantly exposed to global challenges—wars, recessions, pandemics, and environmental crises. It can feel like the world is falling apart. But here’s something I’ve come to believe: even the biggest challenges have a purpose.

Think about the environmental issues we’re facing. Deforestation, climate change, pollution—these are undeniably bad things. Yet, they’ve also sparked a global awakening. People are advocating for sustainability, rethinking how we live, and finding innovative solutions. These challenges are forcing us to evolve.

The same can be said for economic or political crises. They highlight the cracks in the system, pushing us to create something better. It’s as if the universe is saying, “Here’s what’s not working. Now, what are you going to do about it?”

Personal Tragedies and the Lessons They Teach

Let’s talk about the heavier stuff: losing a loved one, facing a terminal illness, or experiencing deep betrayal. These are the moments that truly test us. I’ve experienced this too.

One of the most significant losses in my life was my Chihuahua, Dexter. He was with me through some of my most challenging times—from addiction to transformation, from heartbreak to finding my purpose. Losing him felt like losing a part of myself. But even in that grief, I could see the lessons. Dexter’s presence in my life taught me about unconditional love, resilience, and the beauty of simple moments.

Another experience that shaped me was growing up in a household where I often felt like I wasn’t good enough. That emotional pain led me down a path of addiction, but it also brought me into personal growth and spiritual connection. It’s why I’m here today, sharing this with you.

These personal tragedies, as painful as they are, often shape our greatest strengths. They become the seeds for transformation, teaching us resilience, compassion, and clarity about what truly matters.

The Parable of the Wise Farmer

There’s a story I love to share—the parable of the wise farmer. It goes like this: A farmer’s horse ran away, and his neighbor said, “What a tragedy!” The farmer replied, “Who knows what’s good or bad?” A few days later, the horse returned with ten wild stallions. The neighbor exclaimed, “What great luck!” Again, the farmer said, “Who knows what’s good or bad?”

This cycle continued, with events that seemed either fortunate or tragic. Through it all, the farmer remained calm, trusting the flow of life. It’s a reminder that what seems bad in the moment might lead to blessings we can’t yet see.

Trusting Life’s Design

Life is a series of cause and effect. Every challenge we face sets the stage for growth, clarity, and success. It’s all part of a loving, intelligent design.

Think about your own life. Can you recall a time when something painful ultimately led to something good? Maybe a breakup that prepared you for a healthier relationship. Or a job loss that pushed you toward a career you love. These moments are part of the bigger picture.

When we trust life’s process, we can move through challenges with more grace and less resistance. That doesn’t mean ignoring the pain—it means seeing it as part of our journey.

A Global Shift: From Chaos to Transformation

We’re not just evolving individually; we’re evolving collectively. The systems that once served us are breaking down, making way for something new. Whether it’s advocating for human rights, rethinking governance, or addressing environmental crises, we’re in the middle of a massive transformation.

It’s not always easy to see the progress when we’re in the midst of it. But just as personal challenges shape us, collective challenges shape humanity. They push us to grow, innovate, and create a better world.

How to Navigate Life’s Hardships

Here are some ways to approach the challenges you face:

1. Shift Your Perspective: Instead of labeling events as “bad,” ask what lesson or opportunity they might hold.
2. Reflect on the Past: Think about previous challenges and how they led to growth or blessings.
3. Stay Open to Possibility: Even in pain, remain open to the idea that something better is on the horizon.
4. Trust the Process: Life has a way of working out, even when we can’t see it in the moment.

A New Way of Seeing

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that bad things often lead to better things. Life is a loving, intelligent design, always working for our growth and evolution. By embracing this perspective, we can navigate life’s challenges with more hope, resilience, and purpose.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball, remember this: it’s all part of the journey. The pain, the uncertainty, the struggles—they’re shaping you into the person you’re meant to become. And in time, you’ll look back and see how it all fit together perfectly.