Recurring Themes

Hey family!

I get sick of repeating the same type of hardships.

I often hear that we repeat lessons until we learn them, but I think it is much more complex than that. 

I refuse to believe the only purpose that recurring themes serve is to beat us into the ground until we finally do things differently. Of course there are circumstances where this may very well be the case, but there’s got to be something deeper to fighting battles that seem familiar. There is something special about facing a difficult circumstance knowing you’ve been there before. 

Maybe these recurring themes are less about the trouble they seem to constantly cause us and the lesson we are allegedly failing to grasp, and more about reminding ourselves of how we’ve grown. 

Facing adversities we’ve seen before is an excellent opportunity to recognize in ourselves that we are stronger now than we once were. 

A powerful sword had to take several identical, forceful hits during the forging process to become a worthy weapon. A carbon deposit was subjected to extreme constant temperatures and pressures to get the diamonds we pay so much money for. These consistent, repeated, harsh processes refine these things and ultimately give them their value. 

Likewise, let the repetition of it all serve to refine your character. Let it continuously mold you into someone stronger. 

I have two quotes for the week to help fuel your fire: 

“Same exercise, but I’m upping my weight.”
-Andrew Lutterodt 

"You're gonna be happy,' said life. 'But first, I'll make you strong."
-Unknown

Reflection Question: Looking at familiar battles you've faced, in what ways do you recognize your own growth?