"The Power of Trusting Your Struggle: Embracing Growth and Resilience"

Are you struggling with something in your life right now? Whether it's a personal challenge or a professional setback, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when things don't go as planned. But it's important to remember that every struggle is an opportunity for growth and learning.

Image: media from Wix

On the 9th of October 2004, I got on the plane to Portugal, with two pieces of clothing, a pair of sandals and an hope and courage in my luggage. There I was, searching for my fate.

As I entered the unfamiliar territory, the big challenge felt like a huge mountain covered in mist. The air was full of uncertainty, making me feel heavy. The excitement of arriving was lessened by the scary challenge ahead.

The following day, I was introduced to a girl with whom I would start to work with.  Feeling safe by her presence as we both spoke the same language, we headed to the north of Portugal to work in catering. Nine months passed by, and the presence of doubt and confusion cast a veil over the clarity I once thought I had. It was as if a thick fog had descended, obscuring the way ahead and leaving me lost in a maze of uncertainty.

I was surrounded by people who appeared to have lost all hope as if a gust of wind had blown out their flame of optimism. Each word they spoke seemed to carry a heavy burden, leaving behind empty spaces where hope once resided. My aspirations to attend university appeared to be a reminder of the difficulties and impossibilities they faced.

I was often told to give up, as studying would never take me anywhere. The unsolicited advice rang once again, calling me to follow what I was destined to do. The visceral experience I felt every time someone tried to bring me down to their knees was a signal to me that it was only up to me to decide what was best for me. Sometimes, in life, you need to learn how to interpret the signals. People (including family and loved ones), most of the time, give you advice out of their fear and limiting beliefs.

I was told that the national exam that would give me access to university would be hard for me...I remembered that time, I managed the conversation with a beautiful smile, concealing the internal struggle with each swallowed word. And as I excused myself from the conversation, the destination was clear. I isolated myself, I read every book I found in the library and supermarket. The books had become my mentors, guiding me through the labyrinth of learning. On the exam day, I faced the test quite confidently and passed with the second-highest grade.

Image: media from wix

So, the next time you find yourself struggling, remember to trust the process. Trust that your struggle is an opportunity for growth and learning. Trust that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle. And most importantly, trust yourself.

As someone once said, “someone's opinion of you is none of your business”.

When you know where you are going, the journey becomes a deliberate dance!