“When you see someone who is success, there’s a good chance they’ve endured way more pain than you think they have.” –Matthew Keller
In a day where everyone posts their highlight reels on social media (which I think is awesome), it’s easy to compare your life with the lives of others and think that you are the only person on the planet with issues. I can promise you that is not true.
I’ve got issues, you’ve got issues, and so does EVERYONE you look up to, regardless of the highlights of their lives.
The question isn’t, “Will we experience problems, tests, trials, and pain in our lives?” The question is, “How do we respond when we experience problems, tests, trials, and pain in our lives?”
I would really encourage you to listen to this message by John Townsend called “Everyone Needs Recovery.” Whether you know you have issues or you don’t think you have any “serious” issues, I can promise that there are areas of your life that you need to deal with that are effecting you more than you think they are.
Helpful ways to deal with your issues:
- Go to Church, Get in the Word, and Pray – I’m reading a book right now called, “How People Grow” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. It’s amazing! The thesis: All growth is spiritual growth. I believe it. God knows what issues you have and how to resolve them. Seek Him and you’ll start to see your issues being dealt with one day at a time!
- Be Vulnerable with the Right People – You need to have outlets to be vulnerable. You need to be selective with who you’re vulnerable. You should NOT tell everyone your issues or post them on social media! You should have a close group of friends and mentors that you can share anything with at anytime and won’t be judged, but at the same time, won’t be let off the hook if you’re making unwise decisions either.
- Get Help – We weren’t created to go through life alone. When you discover issues in your life, do everything you can to deal with them. Go to counseling, read books on the issue, surround yourself with people who can help you, etc. Weak people never ask for help. Strong people are always willing to get help.
- Instead of being jealous, be curious and inspired – Stop feeling bad for yourself if someone else’s “highlight” reel seems more exciting than yours! You have no idea what they are going through or what they have been through. I’m sure if you asked them, they would share with you about the struggles they’ve gone through in their own life. Instead of thinking, “Wow, they must never have any struggles or issues” realize that THEY DO have issues and struggles and they are either hiding them or they have a healthy way to deal with them. Let it be an opportunity to inspire you! Realize that they have the same issues and struggles that you do, but that hasn’t stopped them from living a great life. It doesn’t have to stop you either. Ask them how they deal with their issues.
Questions: Are you aware of your issues? What are you doing to deal with them? Do you have people in your life that you can go through the ups and downs with? Do you seek help when you need it?
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