Do Tough Stuff

Life is Hard.

Do Tough Stuff.

Be strong.

Suck it up and Deal with it.

The struggle makes you stronger.

Have you ever heard any of these statements before? Do you think they are true?

I grew up in a family of adventurers, so doing hard things and being strong was greatly encouraged. I remember as a preteen going out in the woods with my brothers and huddling under a piece of carpet in the rain to see how long we could stay warm. I remember rolling all the windows down on the chilly coast while wearing a tank top for the very same reason. I remember ignoring scrapes and counting bruises as "war wounds". Being tough and strong wasn't just encouraged, it was part of who we were.

Photo Credit: parentmap.com

Fast forward to adulthood and a lot of that hasn't changed. I still absolutely delight in physical challenges, being tough and conquering something. I LOVE hiking more than anything because it reminds me so much of those fun, "tough" times as a kid and handling life's challenges with strength and perseverance not optional for me, it's part of who I am.

But, as I've grown and had a family there's a lot of "tough" I've let go. I don't have to work so hard to make things work that just don't. I don't have to pursue relationships that aren't mutually beneficial. I don't have to do things just to show I'm tough... or to try to prove something to others. I don't have to do hard stuff just to do hard stuff. 

Why?

Am I not being strong, tough, brave, or doing hard stuff for the greater good? If I did more tough stuff would I be a better person? Should I be pushing into things that really are just difficult with little to no reward???

No.

I do tough stuff every. single. day!

I don't need to add onto a list of difficult and hard things to make myself feel better or to try to prove something to others or myself, I can pass them up. I'm a mom and I do tough stuff and stuff I don't want to on a daily basis and that is where I should be putting all my strength and energy.

It's okay, Mamas, to say "no". It's okay to not do stuff that just plain sucks when you don't have to do it. You do hard stuff EVERY DAY and you are an absolute Rockstar! Don't let anyone tell you different. You are strong, brave, and tough as nails.

Much love,
-Joy