Something to Read When Feeling Defeated (or Deflated)

It gets better.

Photo by Jerry Zhang on Unsplash

Have you ever looked at a mountain? Like, from afar? If not, do so now. Sit with that image for a moment or two. Notice the sunset (or sunrise, depending on your predilection). Observe the distant trees and the snow. And, most importantly, look at the mountain itself.

Notice its peaks. Notice its valleys. Witness how it grows taller and taller before eventually dipping. Focus on the dip. On that low point. Then, follow that line as it grows taller, taller, taller, taller. Eventually becoming taller than its previous peak. This is life.

Your life resembles this mountain. My life resembles this mountain. Our lives resemble this mountain. Each of us, in our daily, weekly, and yearly moments, experience peaks and valleys. Some days you will feel up. Other days you will feel down.

But gradually, subtly, ever so noticeably, things will get better. And better. And better. Eventually, you’ll reach a peak that is higher than anything you’ve experienced before. You’ll find yourself at a point where you stand above it all. At the top.

And yet, as you continue along the path, you will once again move down the mountain. To a valley. However, if you zoom out, you’ll notice that your current valley is higher than previous peaks!