Bruised But Not Broken

The path that leads to the life you want is full of challenges that you do not want.

At one point in my life, somewhere deep within me, I really thought there was a career, a field of work, a way to make a lot of money without working hard, without facing stress and self-doubt, without growing into a more informed, skilled, and thoughtful person. I believed that there was a shortcut, so to speak, that I could use to skip ahead and avoid difficulty.

This belief has been torn to pieces—thoroughly destroyed.

Now, bruised and humbled, I am wholly convinced there is no such path. The universe is so designed that we humans and animals alike must get acquainted with the fact that life has guaranteed challenges, genuine sadness —phases and seasons that test our character, that can even kill us before our time.

And only by embracing this fact, by growing spiritually—that is, by studying resilience, emotional intelligence, courage — will we also appreciate that life is full of thrilling adventure and meaning. 

Sam Madlala