Respect Your Struggle

Photography: Jewel K. Estephanos

"Respect your struggle it is your greatest teacher." posted via twitter by russell simmons july 25

I used to think that struggle soley meant facing a massively oppressive or aggressive opponent. You know, like working out a problem with a co-worker or facing procrastination. Now, not so much... Sometimes the real struggle lies within that more calm or easy going situation. The struggle to not be comfortable or complacent. To not SETTLE is the biggest one, I think. That is a massive struggle when it comes in such a beautifully wrapped package. It's all warm and cozy inside. Why get up and workout today when I did yesterday and for oh, I don't know the last 3 days in a row...because I can't settle. I won't even buy a pair of glasses that aren't exactly what I want because I refuse to settle. But what about when it isn't so overt. What if it's a job that's going to pay the bills but doesn't have anything to do with your career? What if it's a relationship (business, platonic or romantic) that is past it's expiration date. A lot of times we don't want to walk away from these situations, myself included, because it's uncomfortable to deal with the repercussions. The fallout of of how the other party will take the demise. When I fight my gut instinct that tells me this is over because of how hard it will be to face a person who may be disappointed I take myself off of my path. I don't want to walk away because I feel like I "can just deal with it." It'll be easier for me to deal with than the other person because I'm stronger and far better equipped with being inconvenienced. Moreover, I don't want to be the "bad guy". What is the worst that could happen from being honest? Are you going to die? I mean really...that's the question I always try to pose to myself when I come up against these situations..."Am I going to die?" Usually the answer is "no". lol Sidebar: I'm going airborne in a few weeks and I think I'll leave that question off the table when I get nervous before jumping out of the plane. lol Anyhoo...life is made up of tough decisions. It seems like those of us who are leaders happen to have an unusually high number of those decisions to make in their lifetimes. Well, I guess that's what we get for being "Spartans...birthed in the flames of fire...." Sorry, I love how melodramatic "300" really is. And yes, I am a spartan.... Check my stats.

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