With all the focus on success it’s easy to overlook the valuable lessons we can learn from the more difficult parts of our journey. Below, you’ll find some very interesting insights from some of the most fascinating members of the community.
Jackie Dallas
I firmly believe that we learn just as much, if not more, from our struggles than from our successes. When you succeed too soon, it can be easy to mistake fortune for hard work and you may develop the impression that what you achieved was easy. Alternatively, when thrust unprepared into a spotlight, you may suffer from imposter syndrome. Read More>>
tricia samsal
Suffering is the ultimate teacher of Gratitude. I’ve lost a lot over the past couple of years- almost lost my business in 2020, I’ve lost friends and family, but through all of that loss everyday I’m just Grateful for the ones that are still in my life and for the fact that I still have my business. Success is more a celebration of your work. Read More>>
Elena Rayo
When my husband was dying of cancer—he passed away three years ago—he endured immense physical suffering. As his primary caregiver for four and a half years, I experienced a great deal of pain watching someone I loved so deeply go through that. Seeing his body fail, feeling his anger and despair, and standing by him through it all was incredibly hard. Read More>>
Tiana Tranowicz
I grew up in a very poor family. For me, days of excitement weren’t vacations or outings, they were when we got to go to the “free store” (our local food pantry) and pick out food. That experience taught me lessons success never could. Read More>>
Ben Workman
Success gave me platforms, exhibitions, and accolades. It brought my art to the Louvre, to Dubai, to collectors and galleries around the world. But suffering—suffering taught me who I truly am. It taught me that healing is not found in applause, but in surrender. That identity is not built on acceptance, but on truth. That the deepest beauty comes not from technique, but from testimony. Read More>>
Genardra Pugh
Two of the greatest lessons suffering has taught me, which success never could, are how to suffer well and persevere. As I began my professional journey to become a licensed counselor, I encountered challenges both academically and professionally. I faced doubts about my abilities from myself and others, microaggressions, toxic and stressful work environments, difficult colleagues, and the heavy burden of self-advocacy as a minority. Read More>>
Dominique Atwood-Hamilton
Suffering has taught me things that success never could. When I first moved to the countryside, I felt stripped of everything I once leaned on; my independence, my community, my rhythm. It was humbling, even disorienting, to start fresh and not know what parts of me were meant to stay or what needed to be left behind. Read More>>
Patrick Avard
It’s more than a saying, life truly has peaks and valleys, ebbs and flows, and ups and downs. And I firmly believe you learn more in the valleys than on the peaks. It’s easy to keep going when people are patting your back and telling you how great you are. Read More>>
Ranbir Puar
Suffering, at times, has brought me to my knees. It has taught me about having faith, in myself and in something greater than me. It has showed me how incredibly resilient and resourceful I am. It’s also shown me how capable I am. But, perhaps more importantly, it’s shown me how important it is to have love and community in your life. Read More>>
