Life is Hard

Hey friend,

Life is hard.

I never liked that phrase. To me, it felt like a self-defeating attitude. Better to believe that it is easy and manifest it.

But life is hard.

I have cried more in the past 3 months than 3 years. I have had more moments of crisis, self-doubt, and intense fear than ever before.

And yet, I feel like I am on the right path more than ever.

This would have seemed a paradox to me before. Success means more positive emotions, right?

I don't think so.

Success is about depth. Intensity. Vitality.

The most harrowing journeys are the ones that shape us the most.

I now see difficulty as opportunity. An indicator towards what needs attention, exploration, and nurturing.

It will probably be hard. I will probably cry (now that that hole seems to have been unplugged). And I will probably feel more whole than ever on the other side.

Integration.

There is a reason Carl Jung claimed integrating our "shadow" is our most difficult yet important task.

I am on my journey. Wish me luck, and I hope to see you out there, too.

Much love, Ryan

P.S. Only one clip out recently on a difference I observed between Japan and the US (I have been in Japan for a week now).