Someone once told me that all feelings derive from their polar opposites. So, in theory, you cannot experience happiness, without knowing sadness or you cannot experience strength, without knowing weakness, etc. So, do I believe this to be true? Very deeply. In fact, I think it is one of the most important things to remember in life. Keeping us faithful in all that we endure through our individual journey. For example, how do people comfort others when they are feeling lost or hurt inside? We comfort them by sharing our own experience of that emotion and how we were able to persevere over time, reaching that opposite state of mind.
Empathy is what builds relationships. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes may be a cliché, but it is for me, a phrase that holds the key to any door. We will always be living in an imperfect world, filled with imperfect people. We all grow and learn in different time frames. Unfortunately, some people have only experienced Good so far, not able to relate to the other end of the rope. Then of course we have vice versa the situation. We all have the potential to reach our highest level of self-conscienceness, but let’s be completely honest, who truly works on finding that level day in and day out without letting life’s distractions affecting us? I certainly don’t. This is why we have people around us daily to help us. Loved ones, coworkers, strangers, enemies, etc. We are all individually functioning on a different level of feelings, thoughts, and emotions. This very fact is what draws us and undraws us to certain personalities, characteristics, and energies.
So, what am I saying? I am saying that life is a spinning wheel of emotions and that wheel will never stop spinning with, or without you. Therefore, just like death is inevitable, so are the unavoidable peaks and valleys we must go through in order to flourish. Embrace them both to their full capacity. Find beauty in not just the light, but even more so, the shadows. Why? Because the shadows are what build your mountain. How can you ever climb to the top, without starting from the bottom?