What Doesn't Kill Me Makes Me Makes Me....Stronger?

Growing up, I repeatedly heard the phrase, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I honestly had (and to a certain extent, still have) a love/hate relationship with that saying! You mean to tell me that certain situations, certain trials that I've faced in my lifetime is meant to make me stronger?! Not beat me into the ground?! It certainly doesn't feel that way when I'm going through a hard time.

For the past few months, my health has taken a turn (in a direction I did NOT want it to go!) and I have been trying to manage these issues. I struggle with chronic pain and it seems to have increased during this time. I'm not going to lie....I've felt overwhelmed and defeated more often that not lately. Feeling like I'm not doing enough. Maybe if I had done this, or tried that option that helped my best friend's great great aunt twice removed then I wouldn't feel this way??

Or Maybe I Still Would?

I recently sat back and told myself that playing the "what if" game was going to lead me nowhere except for down a rabbit hole. I reminded myself that I need to be gentle and show some self-compassion during this time. Beating myself up over things that are out of my control serves no purpose.

I am learning how to be patient and to appreciate and count the blessings that I have (because they FAR outnumber the negatives)! I may be going through a trial right now, but I WILL come out victorious. Even if that means I have to take it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. So be it.

My dad has always repeated a certain mantra to me and I feel it can be applied to any situation or health crisis one is facing: "I may have chronic pain, but chronic pain will NEVER have me." I am learning how to find joy and peace despite any life storm I may face.

So today, I am challenging myself to reflect on the seemingly small things that bring me joy and remind myself that even though there are uncertainties regarding my health, I know my God is ultimately in control. I just need to have faith the size of a mustard seed. 💜

How do you deal with life's storms? I look forward to hearing from you all soon! 💖

Yours Truly,

Brittany L. Malone

Founder of Speak Your Truth