Overcome

I have been told that I have overcome more in my short life than most people do in their entire lifetime. Honestly, I don’t know how to articulate how I feel about that. However, I cannot, in good conscience, disagree with that statement because it is unequivocally true. Nevertheless, I am still standing, smiling, and shining.

What I want to focus on here is not what I’ve overcome but rather propose that the scope of adversity, is relative but not linear. Yes, there are various levels, but just because my story sounds more severe does not make it more profound or more psychologically difficult to overcome. Do not diminish yourself or your problems. Never let anyone respond with this fallacious and dismissive statement: “Well, it could be worse.” I’ve heard that one too many times and let me tell you, whoever says that to you, they don’t get it, and probably never will.

I used to ask myself with all my angst and raw bitterness: Why? Eventually, clarity cleared my cloudy mind. Without suffering, there would be no compassion. If I never experienced the painful events of my past, the good, the big, the bad, the ugly, then I wouldn’t be the me I am today. Occam’s Razor really resonates here, the philosophical principle that explains how the simplest solution is almost always the best one; simplicity is better than complexity.

Bottom Line: If suffering begets compassion, then it stands to reason that compassion is a teacher, its lesson is clarity. The lesson of clarity begets wisdom. Wisdom slowly evolves into peace, but only if you let it. Do not be afraid. Do not run. Embrace and accept who you are and remember your problems do not define you.