why embracing the struggle...

you go through makes you happier...

Author

Rob Blades
July 21, 2024

This shark is nightmare fuel but also…

long, frilled sharks punch above their weight when targeting prey…

Using their sharp, backward-facing teeth to nab fish, squid and other sharks twice their size. 

Amazingly, these sharks have remained basically the same for 80 million years, since before the dinosaurs went extinct. They live between 65 feet and 4,900 feet (20 to 1,500 m) underwater

you are probably wondering why a shark?

This Sunday, let's talk about something real—struggling.

You know those days when it feels like you’re swimming with a scary shark circling around? (now you know)

Well, it's time to face that fear head-on.

Struggling is a part of life, and guess what?

It's totally okay to have those days where everything seems to go wrong.

But we’re not here to dive into the deep end of doom and gloom here.

I want you to remember something important…

EVERYONE has bad days, and sometimes no amount of positivity can magically make things better.

And that’s okay.

But here’s the good news—God has a plan for each of us.

If today sucks, it's because something good is just around the corner.

Trust that the universe is setting you up for something amazing.

So, let’s embrace the struggle and turn it into something positive.

In Today’s 4-3-2-1:

  • 4 prompts to make you at peace with struggling.

  • 3 ways to turn that energy into something creative.

  • 2 affirmations to help you through.

  • 1 thing i have learnt this week.

❝

"The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow."  

- Robert Tew

4 Journal Prompts:

  1. Reflect on a recent struggle: What did you learn from this experience that you can carry forward?

    • Example: Write about a tough day at work and how it made you more resilient.

  2. Gratitude in adversity: List three things you’re grateful for even on your worst days.

    • Example: Think about the support you received from friends or family during a difficult time.

  3. Past victories: Recall a past struggle you overcame. How did it shape the person you are today?

    • Example: Describe a challenging scenario or project you completed and the skills you gained from it.

  4. Future focus: What steps can you take to turn today’s struggle into tomorrow’s success?

    • Example: Set small, achievable goals to help you move forward from a current issue.

3 Questions to Unleash Creativity:

  1. In the words of King Julian It is time to MOVE IT MOVE IT: Physical activity can help shift your mindset. Try a quick dance party or a walk in the park.

    • Example: Put on your favourite song and dance like nobody’s watching.

  2. Never be scared to express yourself: Channel your emotions into a creative outlet like drawing, writing, or playing music.

    • Example: Start a journal where you write down your thoughts and feelings each day. abit like you should be doing now 😉

  3. Connect with others: Sometimes a chat with a friend or loved one can provide a new perspective and lift your spirits.

    • Example: Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while and catch up or talk to your dog, they are good listeners, not cats though 👀

2 Affirmations:

"I am stronger than my pain and it is shaping me into a better person."

"Every challenge I face is an opportunity for growth and transformation even if I can’t see it."

1 Thing I Have learned this week:

Even I struggle…

I was writing an email for my portfolio and it was about health.

I wrote from the soul and it reminded me of a darker time in my life… It upset me at first but then I was at peace with it and felt this weird sensation of happiness, relief and also sadness.

We all have our battles, but the fact you are here is testament to the fact you are doing great.

Here is are some Non negotiables to start living by.

Even on the bad days, you’re doing great.

Robbo ‘The PVC Chief’ Blades

Quotes to Ponder

"Embrace the glorious mess that you are."– Elizabeth Gilbert

"Stars can’t shine without darkness." – D.H. Sidebottom

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." – C.S. Lewis