Adapting to struggle

Although struggle and suffering is part of life, some of it is avoidable.

What I too easily confuse is that ALL suffering should be avoided and the presence of ANY suffering is a result of poor choices.

Whether conscious of it or not, each day I wake up with an idea of what life should look like.

And then I engage with reality and face conflicts and surprises.

Maybe today I’ll be caught off guard with a positive experience that will spark joy and excitement.

Maybe I’ll face an unexpected trial that throws everything out of place.

Both require a decision, but it’s the struggle that needs focus and intention.

This is because I won’t question a positive experience or linger with the joy too long. I’ll adapt to it and move on. Maybe if I’m lucky I’ll make a mental note that will spring out of my memory in the future.

But the struggle, that demands a decision in the moment that often goes unacknowledged.

How will I respond to this?
Will I linger in despair or adapt and move on?

So why is it easier to linger in negativity?
Part of me wants to find reasoning for the situation…justification for why it isn’t reasonable for me to experience this.

My expectations met reality and were inaccurate. There’s a sense of injustice. But there is no injustice or reasoning behind it.

The choice is the same.
Adapt and move on.
Acknowledge the gap in my expectations and adjust for tomorrow.