I was pretty thrown off recently when I read somewhere that everyone suffers, but their suffering is categorized into good or bad. For example, the “good” suffering is choosing to live a healthy, active life through discipline and hard work. The “bad” suffering is deciding to eat unhealthy and lead a sedentary lifestyle. I do agree that the latter is definitely a decision to suffer by putting your body into an unhealthy state. However, I do not agree whatsoever that choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is in any way a decision to suffer.
Lead with love
We were not meant to experiencing suffering in this life. I believe our innate nature is to do all things from a place of love. Joy is what fuels us, but this is often clouded by fear or expectations. Many people believe you must suffer in order to “move up” in life or achieve your goals. This not only deters people from good habits, it messes with your mindset that you’re not living a happy, fulfilled life.
Deciding to exercise regularly, eat healthy and choose sleep over a night out of partying is not anywhere close to suffering. Yes, it takes discipline and a strong mindset to choose this lifestyle, but you’re choosing to better yourself and grow into who you were meant to be. You are not signaling to the universe that you want to suffer – you are creating what you desire.
You have the power
Deciding to put your health and wellness first should never be shameful or looked at as a chore. There’s no reason you can’t live a balanced, joyful life while also deciding to choose disciplined actions. I personally do not feel that I ever suffer with my choices to be fit and eat well. Changing this mindset is crucial to understanding that there will be TONS of opinions on how you live your life, but only you have the power to control your reactions to them.
I will always believe the saying that “misery loves company”. Those who choose to stay in a place of settling or doing what’s considered “normal” will most definitely want you to join them. Anything outside the box will always be questioned or even put down. We were all put on this earth to live through joy, happiness and love – not suffering. “Choosing” how you suffer will only set your mindset up for failure. Instead, choose how you want to feel each day. Choose how you envision your future and make the right choices daily to achieve the life you desire.