I Understand

I truly believe we don't suffer for the sake of suffering. My dearest friend Erin once said that to me and its stuck ever since. I'm not going to go into the whole "Why do we suffer? Why does God allow it?" right now, however I am going to address suffering.

Suffering can either cause an individual to become more callused and cold or compassionate and empathetic. Its a tipping scale of sorts and can teeter. No on likes suffering...at least I don't think so. Pain, suffering, healing- they all make us vulnerable. The thing most of us want to avoid is to feeling vulnerable and that's when the scale comes in. We can either shove all those uncomfortable emotions to one side pretending nothings wrong, stating "I'm fine!" through a fake smile and gritted teeth until we start to believe it ourselves (dangerous territory) or we can accept we're human made up of body, mind and soul/ emotions and embrace the vulnerability.

I recently was able to give a loved one (at least I hope I was lol) advice on a topic I am well familiar with. Heartbreak. Since I knew first hand the pain that comes with a broken heart I wanted to take their pain away. I didn't want someone I cared so much about to go through what I did. I also know from experience its something you have to ride out unfortunately and its not a fun ride. I was able to reflect on my process and mistakes and give advice on how to cope. Knowing I couldn't take their pain away but could be there for them, empathize with them and encourage them by re-enforcing this wont last forever made what I had gone through worthwhile.

Admitting you're suffering and or healing is not fun nor easy and I'm not suggesting it is. However, I do, truly believe people grow stronger, more compassionate and empathetic through suffering. Life can be HARD and while we're all aware of the suffering why not use our own to help others along the way. One fact about suffering that helps me endure is knowing one day, when I'm on the up and up, once Ive started to heal or am healed I can then encourage someone who's going through the same thing or give them advice on how to deal and cope in a way that helped me or be there for someone in ways I'd hope or hoped someone was there for me.

If you're suffering today, weather it be a fresh blow to the heart, a long confusing journey of healing and forgiving of self and others it will get easier and you can get through this.

#healing #Love #yougotthis #adayatatime #community

Love,

Aubrey- MFTS