Date: January 19, 2012 – What Do You Struggle With?

Staff Member: Spirituality and Service Consultant Erik Mohn

Description: We are living in turbulent times; each of us is struggling in our own ways; many of us are worried about our own livelihood, our black holes of debt, our ability to care for our families, or the prospects for our children’s future. What are your heartfelt concerns … what keeps you awake at night? What societal systems in place have helped or hindered you in your journey?

Today's Question: What Do You Struggle With? What do you struggle with? It’s a great question; one with which I have struggled. My first reaction to the question was, “nothing.” I guess I immediately jumped at all my preconceived notions of what “struggle” is: broke, in debt, unemployed, losing a loved one, depression, addiction, homelessness, and the list goes on. But, then my co-worker challenged me to think a little bit deeper. He questioned my perception that “struggle” had to be negative and stated that everyone, whether life seems good or not, is struggling with something. This got me thinking… I soon realized that I struggle with a lot of things, however, I am so used to dealing with them that I don’t necessarily view them as “struggles.” I struggle with love and opening up to others. I struggle with being patient. I struggle with a disability that also creates insecurity. I struggle with fear. I struggle with loneliness. I struggle with following my passion. While I struggle with all of these, on some level, all the time, I do not feel like they consume me. Right now, looking at the list above, I see these as my tickets to my growth and challenges I need to overcome in order to truly live my life to the fullest. I don’t look at them with sadness or burden; I look at them with optimism and understanding. I have overcome harder challenges in my past, so I know that I will overcome these, as well. In due time… I am glad I had the opportunity to do this exercise. Thank you. – Erik Mohn