A Deep Dive into the Inevitability and Choice of Life’s Hardships
“Everything is hard in some way. It’s hard to be in the wrong relationship. It’s hard to be in the right one. It’s hard to be broke and miserable, it’s hard to achieve your dreams. It’s hard to be stuck in the middle, not really feeling anything at all. Everything is hard, but you choose your hard. You choose what’s worth it. You don’t choose whether or not you’ll suffer, but you do choose what you want to suffer for.” Brianna Wiest
In her compelling articulation of life’s challenges, Brianna Wiest presents a resonating truth: “Everything is hard in some way.” This phrase encapsulates a fundamental aspect of human experience, acknowledging that hardship is a constant, regardless of our chosen path. Her philosophy encourages a deep introspection into the nature of our struggles and our choices in response to them.
The Universal Nature of Hardship
Wiest’s words echo a truth often overshadowed by the pursuit of happiness and success: life is inherently difficult. This universality of hardship spans across all domains of life. In relationships, whether right or wrong, there are challenges to face. Financial woes bring stress and anxiety while pursuing dreams is riddled with obstacles and setbacks. Even neutrality or indifference, a state of being stuck ‘in the middle,’ comes with its own brand of existential discomfort.
Choosing Your Battles: The Hardships Worth Facing
At the heart of Wiest’s philosophy is the empowering notion of choice. While we cannot sidestep hardship, we can choose which hardships are worth our time and energy. This concept prompts a crucial self-examination: What am I prepared to struggle for? Which dreams, relationships, or goals are worth the inevitable challenges they bring? This choice elevates our hardships from being random afflictions to purposeful endeavours.
The Significance of Suffering by Choice
Choosing our hardships is not merely about selecting the lesser of two evils; it’s about aligning our struggles with our deepest values and aspirations. It’s about deciding what kind of pain is meaningful and transformative for us. The entrepreneur who braves the uncertainties of the business world, the artist who endures rejection in pursuit of creative expression, or the individual who navigates the complexities of deep, meaningful relationships – each chooses a path of suffering that resonates with their innermost desires.
Hardship as a Catalyst for Growth and Fulfillment
Embracing our chosen hardships can be a profound source of personal growth and fulfilment. When we consciously select our battles, we imbue our struggles with a sense of purpose. This shift in perspective can transform our approach to life’s challenges, viewing them not as insurmountable obstacles but as stepping stones to a richer, more meaningful existence.
The Paradox of Freedom within Constraints
Wiest’s insight sheds light on a paradox: within the constraints of inevitable hardship lies a profound freedom. This freedom lies in our ability to choose which hardships we are willing to endure for the sake of our goals and values. It’s a reminder that our power lies not in avoiding difficulties but in choosing them wisely in a way that aligns with our self-fulfilment journey.
Takeaway: Embracing Our Chosen Hardships
Brianna Wiest’s reflection on hardship and choice offers a nuanced understanding of the human condition. It acknowledges the inevitable presence of challenges in every aspect of life while empowering us to choose the struggles that are meaningful to us. This philosophy doesn’t trivialize the pain and difficulty inherent in these choices but instead offers a lens through which to view them as integral to our personal growth and fulfilment. As we navigate the complexities of life, Wiest’s words serve as a guiding light, reminding us that while suffering is an unavoidable part of life, the power to choose our battles lies firmly in our hands.
