Are You Wasting Your Struggle?

If you’re down on your knees, on your last dollar or feel pinned up against the wall, listen to this. My wish is that these wise words from one of my wisest friends, Marianna Cacciatore, a spiritual teacher and grief counselor, give you hope and some light and lightness, especially during these dark times.

Marianna has shared about how while struggles can bring us to our knees, they can also teach us some of the most important life lessons: humility, compassion and empathy — if we are open to it.

I know that the pandemic’s pause has forced me to focus on what truly matters in life. While you, me, we are facing unique challenges, we’re all facing a new set of seemingly insurmountable struggles collectively. However, I learned from my chat with Marianna that if we learn from the struggles, we won’t waste the lessons and opportunities they’re here to teach us.

When you watch this, I invite you to pause and think about these questions:
1. What are you struggling with?
2. How can you show kindness to yourself during difficult situations?
3. Are you wasting your suffering/struggle?

Take Action

I believe that all challenges are here to teach us something. The more painful the situation, the bigger the lesson, it seems. I once heard Oprah say, “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”

Now that you’ve watched my video diary, write in your own diary or on a piece of paper the aforementioned questions and be honest with yourself:
1. What are you struggling with?
2. How can you show kindness to yourself during difficult situations?
3. Are you wasting your suffering/struggle?

After you answer these questions, think about what you’ve learned. What are you grateful for?

For example, one of my biggest struggles was losing four family members in about a year’s time. Looking back, I don’t wish that grief and pain on anybody. However, I’m grateful how death has taught me to live life to the fullest. Death taught me that life is short and not promised, so worrying about what I can’t control will only steal away precious moments of my life.

These words and this exercise have been healing and cathartic. Please share your thoughts and tag me at @toanlamtv or @goinspirego on social!

To learn more about Marianna Cacciatore or to work with her visit mariannacacciatore.com.

#TooBlessedToBeStressed

Grateful for you,
Toan

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