Trust the process

While it is true that life is what you make it, it is equally true that life happens. The journey of life takes us through the good and the bad. It is perplexing to understand why we go through what we go through but the bigger picture is - ALL life experiences should ultimately mould us into better people.

The crooked path

One wishes that life was a straight path. A path that takes you from point A to point B. A path that you can determine with certainty what it takes to get to point B. Sadly it is not that simple. The path comes with detours and can at times mutate into a maze. Regardless, one has to still find their way. It is through this experience of navigating this uneasy path that virtues like perseverance and patience are perfected. Otherwise, if everything was to come easy, our understanding of patience and perseverance would be just but theory. As some rightfully say, experience is the best teacher.

We are human

Life has a way of humbling us. Failure reminds us all that we are not superhuman. Many a time we tend to regard ourselves highly because of the successes that we have scored along the way. At times it takes faltering, falling or failing to realise that we are not invincible. Such moments bring us back to earth and give us a better understanding of others when they stumble. If whatever we touch would turn into gold, any understanding we have of humility would be just but theory.

The crucibles

You ask yourself why certain people endure so much. How the candidates to undergo the school of hardships are chosen nobody knows. However, what is certain is that like balls in a powerball lottery, we all stand an equal chance. What can one do if they are chosen against their will but to faithfully go through the curriculum and graduate. As the saying goes that nothing lasts forever, when the season of hardships finally ends, like gold purified in the fire, such experiences have the ability to refine our characters. Though not always the case, some of the good people out there are those who have gone through the most. Besides, who is the best person to advise or encourage someone going through a difficult time that the person who has gone through a similar experience?

The good

Life is not all doom and gloom. There are many times when we are on top of the world. When everything is falling into place and we are ticking through our goals. Although there is always a temptation to credit our ingenuity, such moments should teach us to be grateful and to count our blessings. When the tough times come, it is the thoughts of the good times that should give us hope that tomorrow the sun will shine again.

Conclusion

Life is what we make it yet life also happens. There are moments when our life experiences are not of our own making. All of us go through the different seasons in the school of life and the best we can do is to trust the process. Every life experience is there to teach and shape us. If you are experiencing the good, count your blessings and may this be a source of strength to endure the bad when (not if) it comes. If you are experiencing the bad, learn the lessons and just know that - this too shall pass. To everyone else, be nice to people for you don't know the battles they are fighting.