The journey of life is never smooth sailing. There are times when we find ourselves in the midst of a struggle that seems unending. But, once we push through those moments, the other side feels remarkably different.
Trust me, I’ve been there. The struggle changes you, molds you into a different person, and life, well, it never feels the same again.
In this article, I’ll be sharing with you “7 ways life feels different after you push through a long struggle”. Let’s dive into how those grueling battles shape our lives and what happens when we emerge victorious on the other side.
1) You gain a newfound appreciation for life
Ever noticed how a bed feels so much more comfortable after a long, tiring day? That’s the magic of struggle. It makes us appreciate the smaller things in life.
When you’ve been through a long, grueling struggle, you come out on the other side with a fresh perspective. The world around you doesn’t change, but the way you perceive it does.
Suddenly, the mundane becomes extraordinary. You find joy in everyday experiences that you might have overlooked before. You relish quiet moments, enjoy simple pleasures, and appreciate the beauty around you.
This newfound appreciation for life is one of the most profound changes that emerge from enduring and overcoming a tough struggle. And trust me, it’s an experience that transforms your life in ways you never imagined.
2) You become more resilient
I still remember the time when I had to move to a new city for a job. I was excited but also extremely nervous. The transition was hard, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up. But I didn’t.
I pushed through the struggle, and on the other side, I discovered a strength I never knew I had. The experience made me realize that I’m capable of handling whatever life throws at me.
Now, whenever I face a challenging situation, I recall that period in my life. It reminds me of my resilience and helps me handle struggles with more confidence and a positive attitude. Overcoming struggle tends to harden you, making you more resilient towards future hardships. It’s like forging steel; the process might be tough, but the result is something strong and enduring.
3) Your empathy grows
When you’ve walked through the fire yourself, you can better understand what someone else feels when they’re in the heat. Struggles, while challenging, can lead to an increase in empathy.
You might be wondering how this happens. Well, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that people who went through hardship were more likely to empathize with others facing similar difficulties.
So, when you see someone going through a tough time, you’re not just sympathetic; you feel their pain because you’ve been there. You understand their struggle, and this understanding can make you more compassionate and kind, transforming how you interact with the world around you.
4) You learn to embrace change
Change can be scary. It’s the unknown, the unpredictable. But when you’ve pushed through a long struggle, you’ve already faced and overcome the unknown.
Struggles often force us to change, adapt, and evolve. They push us out of our comfort zones and compel us to face new realities. And once you’ve done that, once you’ve embraced the change that struggle brings, future changes become less daunting.
You realize that change, while uncomfortable at times, can lead to growth and new opportunities. You understand that change is not something to fear but something to embrace. This shift in mindset can make you more adaptable and open to life’s twists and turns.
5) You discover your true self
During my darkest times, I found myself. It sounds strange, but it’s true. When life was throwing punches left and right, I discovered aspects of myself I never knew existed.
Struggles have this unique ability to strip away the superficial layers we present to the world. They force us to dig deep, confront our fears, and face our weaknesses. In doing so, they reveal our true selves.
I learned that I’m stronger than I thought. I realized that I can be patient, even when everything around me is in chaos. I discovered that I can be kind, even when I’m hurting. This self-discovery is a powerful outcome of enduring struggle and it shapes our identity in a profound way.
6) You develop a sense of gratitude
It’s often in the aftermath of struggle that we truly understand the value of what we have. When you’ve been through a tough time, you start to appreciate the good times even more.
You realize that the struggles you faced, as difficult as they were, have led you to where you are today. They’ve shaped you, molded you, and made you stronger. And for that, you feel a deep sense of gratitude.
This isn’t just an anecdotal observation either. Research has shown that individuals who have overcome adversities often report higher levels of gratitude. So, while struggles are tough, they can also leave you with a lasting feeling of appreciation for life’s blessings.
7) You realize the power of persistence
If there’s one thing that struggle teaches you, it’s that persistence pays off. It may sound cliché, but it’s true. Struggles are not permanent; they are phases that pass. The key is to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
When you push through a long struggle, you experience first-hand the power of not giving up. You understand that as long as you keep moving forward, no matter how slow or painful the journey might be, you will eventually reach the other side.
This realization can change your approach to future challenges and imbue you with a sense of determination and resilience that can carry you through life’s ups and downs.
Final thoughts: The transformation is profound
As humans, we are shaped by our experiences – the good, the bad, and everything in between. Struggles, while difficult at the time, contribute significantly to who we become.
Emerging from a long struggle is not just about overcoming a difficult period in your life. It’s about the transformation that occurs within you during that process. It’s about the resilience you build, the empathy you develop, and the appreciation you gain for life’s ups and downs.
It’s about discovering your true self, developing a deep sense of gratitude, and realizing the power of persistence.
These changes are profound and lasting. They alter your perception of life and equip you with valuable wisdom for future challenges. And while struggles are undeniably tough, it’s comforting to know that on the other side of them lies growth, strength, and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
So next time you find yourself amidst a struggle, remember this: the struggle is tough, but the transformation on the other side? That’s truly something to behold.
