I was watching my grandson at a very young age lying on his belly and trying to reach for a toy his sister had left near him on the carpet. He was struggling mightily – squirming and wriggling to get that glittery little piece of plastic.
He couldn’t do it. (He was way too young to string together the words I like to use when I am frustrated.)
But I know that inside that little mind of his, frustration was igniting his growth. When his body and muscles and coordination were ready, he was going to get it. Maybe next time. Or the time after that.
Frustration fuels growth. It fuels learning. And it makes us strong and resilient.
Frustration builds us into who we are. We don’t like the feeling of that disappointment – of that failure. But it is out of that fire that we build our internal steel. We don’t learn much when things are easy.
Somehow, we are taught to avoid frustration, failure and mistakes. True, they are all uncomfortable. But they usually lead to growth and strength.
So today is Thanksgiving. I personally have so much to be thankful for as I know you do as well.
But when I grab that drumstick, I hope I will remember to say a little thanks for the struggle as well.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tom
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