Suffering

I will suffer. Suffering is a part of the human condition, a part of the growth of soul. When I run from it, I run from my potential to develop and awaken, to shed old, tired selves and be born into new ones. I could cling to the familiar, but it would make me become ridiculous and dead inside. After all, I change constantly. If I want to look forever young, for example, all I will accomplish will be to look like someone old who is trying to look young. I will be pathetic rather than beautiful.

Growth means change and change includes struggle. If I want to live and love fully, I will need to be willing to struggle. If I really care, I will be making myself vulnerable to hurt; but just for today I prefer that to walking through life unconscious and untouchable.

I see suffering as a potential for growth.

He who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair. against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus