You know. I've talked to many friends in the last few months, and I find myself falling back to the a phrase I've been telling myself recently. "You're only human." You cannot nor should you be expected to be everything for everyone, and that goes for every soul on the planet. We are all human, searching for the best way to move forward in our lives. We struggle daily with creating the best versions of ourselves, and some days we may no progress at all or even end up taking a few steps backwards.
I have a quote in my room that I read quite often when I start to feel like I'm drowning in the space around me:
"It's okay to be at a place of struggle. Struggle is just another word for growth. Even the most evolved beings find themselves in a place of struggle now and then. In fact, struggle is a sure sign to them that they are expanding; it is their indication of real and important progress. The only one who doesn't struggle is the one who doesn't grow. So if you are struggling right now, see it as a terrific sign - and celebrate your struggle." Neale Donald Walsch
I find that I've started responding to things differently once I've realized that struggle is okay, and that it can lead to some great accomplishments. I've also found that I get less angry or frustrated at situations with others. I understand that not only am I struggling, everyone has their own struggles too.
No one is perfect, we are all trying to get through the life without being completely beaten. If you always search for people who won't cause worry or pain, or if you decide to cut people off because they cause you to struggle, you may be missing out on an opportunity for to healing or for the possibility of a great friendship. I'm trying so hard accept others for they way they are as well as accept myself, that I too, am only human.
We don't handle every situation as a "ideal person", because that kind of person doesn't exist. We all may strive to be a little more kind, a little more positive, a little more loving in the world... but feelings of caution, hesitance, frustration, anxiety, or fear are valuable to maintaining our own sanity. I really appreciate those of you who have talked to me about your struggles or listened to me about my own. We've all been practicing patience; We have chosen to try to understand each other instead of being angry, walking away, or ignoring things completely.
We are all afraid of losing people we care for. Sometimes, I meet someone and think "Oh man, they're so great! ... I'm going to miss them when they leave." Or when someone says how much they like me as a person, I wonder when they are going to change their mind. How do you change this mindset? How do you stop that fear? I don't have the answer.
I find that I choose my friends because I admire them, and I respect who they are and are trying to be. They make my days a little brighter when they cross my mind or completely make my day when I see them in person walking down the street or grabbing tea. I know I can't provide daily conversation, constant time together, or even catching up at timely intervals. But please know, that I care deeply for all of you, and I'm trying to be better about showing that and helping you through your struggles.
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