Emotional Altitude

Lately I’ve really come to understand how much of an emotional challenge I have been going through. The difficult part comes from the battle that goes on in me. I am always ready for a challenge but I look to the things that now define me. For instance I am not a naturally patient person. Big surprise to those that know me well but I had to learn patience. I never thought it was possible learning a character trait but I am way more patient today because I know the importance and I have self-control. I am also a procrastinator or to be more positive, not a natural self-starter. However I manage to get more productive activity done then most.

The challenge I am having is ongoing and deep seated emotional. It has to do with the most important person in my life. I understand that tests are put in place to stretch and grow just like the things I’ve learned above but sometimes it’s just difficult. Can you relate at all? I mean there are days when I wonder why I have to be the light and somehow I just am the light. By light I mean shining care and patience and persistence on people, loving, leading, forgiving and hopeful of all that is. I know that struggles get to me and everyone else. I am always looking to get above them, to get above the flood of human emotion and thrive.

I like to think of my challenges as chances to move up. There’s a ladder of life that keeps me moving above the flood. If you picture a ladder or a mountain or something where true accomplishment comes from the ascent you can sometimes see the problem below you and a possible solution. There are times when the problem is truly above you and you have to climb. Really dig in and pull or push upward just a little. I am finding that the more I climb up even though it feels like someone is pulling on my legs there are times when I can easily move up two or three more steps. It feels intense and right now being in it, it is hard to write this but it gives me strength. The greatest triumph is when a new situation comes along and I am already above or bigger than the challenge.

Your emotional altitude and aptitude is always a distance up. There are controlled moments, week moments and moments of absolute triumph that come from all the rungs you’ve climbed below you. Leaning in to those moments when you beat defeat, striving for the uncertain thing and leaning into whatever strength you could muster just to get through or to thrive are all huge parts of emotional altitude. The times where you were tired and frustrated but still pushed through it built bigger muscles in you today.

I wish that everyone could be strong in this economy but the truth is that will not happen overnight. I am dedicated to this build and to the gratitude and blessings this life as given me. I don’t always put them in the front of my challenges and obstacles but when I catch myself slipping down a rung or two I quickly recognize and adjust. I am so grateful for the emotional stability and altitude that comes from my family, close friends and support structure. I thank you for your unique contributions to my life and want to give more and more back every day. How do you thrive day to day? What do you do that helps you push upward and onward? Thank you for reading.