Growing From Pain

What matters is the value we've created in our lives, the people we've made happy and how much we've grown as people. ~ Daisaku Ikeda

I am constantly evolving. I am shaped, the most, by the tragedy in every moment and in every decision that I make. And in that process I’ve learned that it’s okay to be shaped by pain, but it’s not okay to be defined by it. Actually it's better than okay, it's intrinsic to our having a ''happy'' life. 

I have also learned that we all, at times, feel alone and when we are feeling alone it is vital to ask for help. That is why we are surrounded by loved ones. Remember, the amount of joy that you experience when helping others is exactly the amount of joy that others receive when helping you.

Some, most, of my greatest self discoveries came from those times that I would sometimes prefer to forget. That unknown, frightening path that pushes me outside the feel safe and familiar zone is the place where I discover the most about myself, this is where I learn. That is also where I have the most opportunity to be the most me. An added bonus is that it is on that path that the light and dark sit in a circle of balance and where I am at peace.