“Learn to deal with the valleys and the hills will take care of themselves.”

Count Basie

T

This is not a post about failure. This is a post about adversity, strength, and love. It may take me a moment to get there, so please bear with me. Lately, I’ve been feeling as if the universe has a vendetta against me…and by lately, I mean the past three years. I won’t bore you with the laundry list of unfortunate events…there are more than I care to recall. Besides my recent (and ongoing) health scare, there’s been a domino effect of troubles that all seem to stem from one big (past) mistake. Perhaps you remember my paper + plans post – at the time we had lofty dreams and exciting opportunities. Sadly, none of those scenarios have played out. Since then, it’s been one thing after another coming our way. Quite honestly, I’m exhausted. Tired of being stressed, tired of living in limbo (both literally + figuratively), tired of fighting to see silver linings. In speaking with my dad the other day, I made the analogy of a boxing match. I/we keep getting knocked down…we get back up, only to get hit again, and harder. A few weeks ago, the referee got to nine (so to speak).

Please know that I’m not saying that for dramatic effect – it was a traumatic event that could have been the end of our life as we know it. I can’t share details and I apologize for being vague, but I can say that the residue of that particular incident will remain for some time. I’ve dealt with a lot of adversity in my life, and I’m thankful for that because I’ve learned my strength. Everyone gets knocked down at some point–life is a series of peaks and valleys. It’s when you’re down that you find out what you’re truly made of. Who are you when things are at their worst? My husband sweetly reminded me that “pressure makes diamonds”, and I had an epiphany–we’re already diamonds, and we shine brightest in the dark. I/we got up…we’re standing, TOGETHER, and that’s what matters. We’re digging deep, with the intention of getting to (and repairing) the core of the issue, so that when we get to the hill (and we will), we’re ready for it. Some diamonds only surface after a volcanic eruption…and I’m a fucking diamond. So are you. The only way out is through…keep pushing.

(insert strong, “don’t mess with me” inspirational end music here)