Estimated Reading Time 9 Minutes
Hey You! Thanks for tuning in to The Vibrant Life Podcast. Today, we’re diving into a concept that might initially seem paradoxical: “Problems are Forever.” But, before you hit pause or wonder if I’ve suddenly embraced pessimism, bear with me. We’re not here to wallow in the gloom of perpetual problems. Instead, we’re about to explore how every challenge, setback, and curveball life throws us is lighting our way to becoming the extraordinary people we’re destined to be. Buckle up, because this perspective is backed by insights from modern-day experts and LDS wisdom. Today’s episode encourages us to be problem-solvers and level-uppers in life. It’s pretty exciting if you look at things the right way.
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I started this podcast for several reasons but a big one is because I’m your cheerleader, and it’s important for me to encourage you to create a vibrant life just as I work towards building mine. And I need your support. Hit that subscribe button, leave reviews like love notes, and share The Vibrant Life Podcast with your tribe. Let’s turn this into a party where everyone’s invited. Let’s revel in the joy of personal growth. And let’s make this journey unforgettable!
Here’s a little secret, my friends: I didn’t start The Vibrant Life Podcast just for you; I need it as my weekly dose of motivation too. I’ve come to understand (as I think we all do) that life is this ever-shifting dance of highs and lows, a continuous 50/50 blend of good and bad. Lately, I’ve found myself entangled in the chaos of personal struggles, and today’s podcast is my reminder – and maybe yours too – that while problems are as certain as the sunrise, the real magic lies in finding joy right smack in the middle of things. So, know that I’m right here with you, navigating the highs and lows and choosing happiness amidst the twists and turns. I want to embrace the messy, cherish the good, and make every moment a celebration.
I recently attended a church activity where I heard a powerful saying: “Struggles are superpowers in hiding.” This resonated deeply with me because it reaffirmed my testimony of the transformative power of Jesus Christ. As I reflect on this truth, I am reminded of the scripture in Ether 12:27 which states, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble, and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” This scripture encapsulates the beautiful promise that our struggles, when surrendered to the Savior, can be transformed into sources of strength and resilience.
Personally, as an introvert navigating life with health challenges, I’ve learned to be extremely mindful of how I expend my energy. However, through endeavors like this podcast and reaching out to others in small ways, I’ve experienced tremendous personal growth. Despite still grappling with familiar problems and pain, I find solace in the knowledge that I am undergoing a refiner’s fire, where the impurities are gradually stripped away, revealing the radiant essence of my higher self. In these moments, I catch glimpses of the person I am becoming – stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. The assurance of this scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 is another beautiful reminder: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” One reason I know that we have weaknesses and trials in life is so that we can truly appreciate and allow the power of Christ in our lives.
I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system, and I count my lucky stars for the love and encouragement of my family and friends. However, I’ve stumbled upon a profound realization after 38 years, that the path to fulfillment often begins with you being the thing you crave. It’s another paradox. And the best way I know to embody this truth is to share whatever it is you need with others as you gather it for yourself. So, I strive to not just seek solace and inspiration but to be a source of it for those around me. In the act of giving, we often find exactly what our souls have been yearning for all along. I think this is really important to remember.
In her book “Grit,” Angela Duckworth reveals the power of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Duckworth’s insights suggest that individuals with grit view challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth. She captures this perspective, stating, “Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Emphasizing sustained effort over time, Duckworth highlights the importance of enduring commitment to goals despite setbacks.
The definition of grit as “passion and perseverance for very long-term goals” underscores the idea that challenges are integral to personal development. Each obstacle becomes a stepping stone, offering a chance to build resilience and acquire the skills needed for future challenges. As Duckworth succinctly puts it, “Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it.” In embracing the mindset of grit, we navigate challenges with determination, turning them into opportunities and it just makes life better.
A spiritual perspective that complements these insights is from Sister Tamara W. Runia, in her talk, “Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens,” takes us on a journey of faith, urging us to zoom out and perceive life through an eternal lens. This is very complimentary to Duckworth’s emphasis on perseverance. Sister Runia extends our conversation to include hope, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose. She strengthens the idea that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, not just on an individual level, but also in our eternal relationships.
Sister Runia talks about the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts when seeing the Earth from space. A profound realization of the Earth’s interconnectedness and the vastness of the universe becomes a powerful metaphor for approaching life’s challenges. It encourages us to see beyond the immediate pain and recognize the overarching plan our Heavenly Father has for each of us.
Sister Runia draws parallels to the scriptures, mentioning Moroni’s account of those who “truly saw … with an eye of faith, and they were glad.” This faith-centered outlook, anchored in the teachings of Jesus Christ, becomes a guiding principle for facing challenges with a sense of joy and assurance, with confidence that things will work out. The “overview effect,” both in natural and spiritual realms, invites us to transcend the immediacy of our challenges and perceive the eternal significance of our journey.
Let’s look once again into the brilliance of Simon Sinek. He is so good and I recommend checking out his books as well as other content from him online. In his book, “The Infinite Game” – he shares wisdom that flips our perspective on life’s problems like a pancake on a hot griddle. Sinek is all about the long game, the infinite game where the only rival is our past selves. He paints a picture of life as a never-ending adventure, a cosmic video game with no “Game Over” screen in sight.
Sinek’s message hits home with today’s theme: “Problems Are Forever” and he helps us to see this is good for us. He flips the script on challenges, turning them into turbo boosts for personal growth. In the infinite game of life, he says, challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re like power-ups in a video game, propelling us forward, leveling us up, and unlocking new achievements.
Sinek sums it up beautifully, saying, “In an infinite game, there is no such thing as ‘winning’ – only ahead and behind.” It’s like he’s speaking the language of adventure! In the infinite game, we’re not chasing after a trophy; we’re navigating a maze of challenges with a grin on our faces and a skip in our step.
Sinek adds another layer to this epic saga, saying, “The true joy of life is being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” I love that. It is so important to dedicate your life to something bigger than yourself, something mighty. This attitude is so much more hopeful and joyful than the alternative.
The scriptures of course also resonate with this concept. The principle of learning “line upon line, precept on precept” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:12) mirrors the infinite game of life we’ve explored. Just as challenges are perpetual, our growth unfolds gradually, each experience adding a new line or rung on the ladder of our understanding. The metaphorical light that grows “brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24) aligns with the notion that problems are forever at least in our lives here on earth, and they lead us toward a brighter and more enlightened version of ourselves. These scriptures, like guiding stars in the night sky, emphasize that our journey is continuous, and as we face challenges, we not only gain wisdom but also contribute to the ever-brightening radiance of our personal and spiritual development. And as we grow brighter we can light the way for others as well.
I need to point out that it’s okay to be discouraged and to experience the full spectrum of emotions. In fact, allowing ourselves to feel all the feelings is not only healthy but also empowering. When we embrace our emotions, we find they are fleeting – they pass through us like clouds drifting across the sky, eventually dissipating into the unknown. Sometimes, we need to sit with sadness, anger, or frustration, honoring these emotions as valid parts of our human experience. However, the key is not to linger in these states indefinitely. Instead, we must actively work towards moving through them. That’s why I’m committed to deliberately choosing happiness, even as I wrestle with some hard things. By cultivating a mindset of resilience and positivity, I empower myself to navigate through difficulties with grace from my Savior and emerge stronger on the other side.
It’s also so important to remember that we are not destined to go through life alone. The support systems in our lives including friends, family, and unseen angels on both sides of the veil, are cheering for us. In those moments when the weight feels too heavy to bear, it’s crucial to recognize that we’re not alone. I’m cheering for you. You are not abandoned, for in our loneliest and most difficult moments, the Savior stands beside us. Even when it seems like no one else understands, His perfect understanding and perfect love become a beacon of solace, guiding us through the storm. In the embrace of such divine support, we can find the strength to endure, persevere, and ultimately triumph over life’s challenges.
Consider the myth of the Phoenix, a powerful symbol of rebirth and resilience. In Greek mythology, the Phoenix is a majestic bird that, at the end of its life cycle, bursts into flames and is reduced to ashes, only to be reborn from the ashes anew. This ancient myth beautifully encapsulates the idea that from the ashes of adversity, we can rise again, transformed and renewed. Like the Phoenix, we may encounter moments in our lives where we feel consumed by challenges, and overwhelmed by the flames of adversity. However, just as the Phoenix emerges from the ashes with renewed strength and vitality, we too can emerge from our struggles with newfound resilience, wisdom, and light.
The Phoenix Does Not Rise Just Once
The phoenix does not rise just once,
It’s reborn infinite times
Ashes and embers of a previous form
Burn away to make way for a higher being.
When old thoughts and earlier paradigms
No longer allow the soul to soar
A spark of enlightenment ensues
The fire of transformation is kindled.
A glowing heat deep within
Consumes what is deceased
But the living steel, the truest self
Becomes stronger, purified.
Many times I’ve felt the fire
Just when I thought I’d won
At the moment I’m ready to rest
An even taller mountain appears.
Bewildered and bemoaning my fate,
With a heart, heavy and hurting,
I doubt my ability to press forward
Yet I plod on in hope.
At first, nothing seems to happen
Like flames licking a new sheet of paper.
But as my remaining energy is eaten away
I transcend my previous state and wings appear.
The phoenix does not rise just once
Thanks for listening, Peeps. Have a great week! Live The Vibrant Life!
