You may have heard a similar script in your mind, running on repeat.

I’m not good enough… I’m the exception to the rule… I’ll always come up short… I have the worst luck… Life has it in for me… I’m such an idiot…

If not, that’s great. But if any of these statements resonated, I want you to know that you are normal, not broken.

I used to feel crushing shame.

I was ashamed of who I was, how I acted, how I needed validation from everyone around me to know that I was worthy of existing. Every single day, shame and embarrassment governed my life. The fear of attention made the need to people-please the focal point of my daily living.

Even as young as I was, I already

Change is hard to make.

As powerfully reassuring as an eye into the future would be, none of us are endowed with one. It’s hard, but it’s part of the game. Just like a life lived without difficulty is without satisfaction, the ability to step into the future knowing exactly how your decisions will play out would take the necessary spice out of life. Challenge is integral to our purpose and fulfillment.