Stepping Stones

                                 I do not ask to walk smooth paths nor bear an easy load.
                           I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock strewn road.
                             Give me such courage and I can scale the hardest peaks alone,
                               And transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone.
                                                                                                                                                                 ~Gale Brook Burket 


Do not wish for an easier life, wish instead to be a stronger person. I love and hate this quote at the same time. Why would I not, while making my way through life's rock strewn roads, wish for an easier life? Would make me human after all, wouldn't it? Who wants struggles and challenges day in and day out?  Who wants constant stress, worry and exhaustion? Life may be what we make of it, but when situations and problems arise, completely out of your control, what are you supposed to do? Walk away? I have been tempted over the years, but am not that girl. I turn, square my shoulders and say, "bring it on". In all seriousness though, when I said; bring it on, I didn't mean...and on and on and on.

On Friday I asked my Regulars on my Facebook page; "In what way are you better off today than you were 5 years ago?'  The answers honestly left me speechless and very contemplative. Such strong life moves by women leaving abusive relationships, quitting drinking, adopting and having children. I was proud that these people were a part of my world, inspirations all of them.  I thought over my past 5 years, quite frankly just the fact that I have made it through them is what I am most proud of. I know myself better, have a bit different perspective on a lot of things and yet feel more scarred by them, then healed.  Probably a bit more jaded if that is even possible, definitely more tired and yet optimistic at the same time. Each stumbling block has turned into a stepping stone, it had to. Otherwise I would still be face planted wondering what the hell was going to knock me down next. 

Life is what we make of it. Our passed and current struggles, problems and stumbling blocks are really only a part of it. A large part at times granted, but just a part after all. Everything we have faced, continue to face, are strengths that we are acquiring through it all. Battle scars and life knowledge give us confidence in ourselves that we can handle anything life decides to throw at us, even when we are exhausted and beat up. We have to continue on, because we only get this one life. We cannot allow our fears, our moments of weakness determine our fate.  We have to find that courage that got us to this point and rely on that to get us to the next. We never know what is right around the corner for us and yet we need to make that corner, because just around it, good or bad; is our life.   Even though you are tired and scared, you have to make that turn, pulling strength and fortitude from inside yourself.  Its ok to admit fear, just do not be controlled by it. Life is scary. The unknown is scary. New beginnings, new chapters in your life, fresh obstacles in your path will be handled. Because you can, because you are strong enough and because it is in you to see everything life gives to you through. 

Never stop wishing for an easier life, but never stop praying for strength, courage and fortitude either. No one said life was supposed to be easy, they just said it would be worth it. Take your triumphs and moments of happiness and hold them close. Use them as catalysis to get you through the dark moments.  Always remember they are but moments, use them as stepping stones to the next chapter of your life.