On the other side of struggle is Self-Mastery.

"Have you ever thought or wondered that perhaps we are given life's challenges so that we can learn how powerful we are in the face of them?  Maybe these challenges are opportunities, in that, as we overcome the many hurdles involved in getting to the other side, we learn about ourselves in the process.  When we know who we really are, then we also know what we are capable of becoming.  That is powerful!  Then we get to create the life that we want, and not just simply receive or react to what comes our way. This is key to self mastery.

The first step, however, is seeing that we are not just given a bad hand, or that we are unlucky or undeserving.  It's because we are capable that we are given the gift of challenge, and by facing these problems we can gain the wisdom, self awareness, ease, and success that comes through these struggles.  How does a child know what it feels like to have the wind run through their hair and against their skin, and to master their fear of  bruises and scrapes if they don't keep getting back on that bike?  Do we tell them that the fall, the scrape and bruise is a telltale sign that they are not meant for bike riding; that their fear of failure should stop them from mastering this skill?

We tell them to not give up, to believe in themselves. We teach them that without knowing struggle, we can't know success, empowerment, and personal growth.  Then, when we see the look of accomplishment and joy as they are finally able to stay on that bike for thirty seconds, we too experience that sense of accomplishment.  We are proud, happy, and perhaps we celebrate. So it is my privilege and joy to encourage you back into the harder parts of your journey.

This is all available to you with each challenge no matter how big or small, long or short. There is a saying: "There are those who see challenge in every opportunity, and then there are those who see opportunity in every challenge."  I say there is a breakthrough waiting with every breakdown.  What would life be like for you if you approached every challenge, every breakdown with eagerness for the opportunity to experience the breakthrough and the success on the other side?"