Therapeutic Word of the Day: Struggle

“Without struggle, there would be no growth. Without hard times, you would not be ready to face the world.”

Who likes pain? Well, some do, and they are not the norm. Most do not enjoy pain and will go out of the way to avoid it. The problem with success is it often requires a high level of pain. Pain does not have to be a physical sensation. It can be time spent doing things you do not want, being around people you do not want. Working at a job you hate. All these things can be painful and difficult. However, if life were easy with no challenges, what would you do with it?

Imagine a world where every single need was met with no effort on your part. You can buy anything you want. Have anything you want. Be anything you want to be. I imagine at first it would be paradise. Over time, though, what would be the point of living? What would your purpose be? I think you would become bored and cynical and in the end, wish for a world with some challenges.

This is why struggling is important. It makes us stronger and more able to deal with future challenges. As things are not handed to us in this world, we have to work for them. Over time, this work has meant not only in providing us what we want but in helping those around us. A world where no one struggled would not be a paradise, but a hell. Struggle is required for change, and change, while scary, leads to growth.

Nathan Driskell, MA, LPC
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I’m Nathan Driskell, LPC. Every week in the Spectrum & Screens newsletter I break down what the latest research says about screens, technology, and mental health — in plain language you can actually use.

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