The hard thing brought me through hell, but also to that which exists on the other side.

The hard thing prompted me to question and doubt, but also provided the pieces I used to build my

confidence little by little. It made me ask the tough questions, the ones maybe I didn't want to

hear the answer to, but also gave me the power to transform those answers

I didn't like. The hard thing meant forfeiting being the expert in my world in exchange

for the role of student in a foreign arena.

It gave me new ladders to climb, new possibilities to reach for.

It showed that true growth requires a willingness to be the beginner.

It took some people out of my arms, my circle, my work, and in some cases my life

altogether, but always seemed to open the door to those souls better aligned, to those

conducive to the journey and the process. Let's remember what the hard thing is.

Beyond the pain, because we all know it does bring that.

Beyond the challenges, because there are certainly many.

Beyond all that exists the hope and the change and the promise.

Robert Frost says the best way out is always through.

Through because it's the chaos, the haze, the darkness of night that shapes us.

It's in being broken that we learn to rebuild our world with the pieces, and perhaps most importantly. We learn that such a rebuilding process is possible to begin with, that the now is not mandatory or permanent.

The hard thing, as it turns out, is nothing more than a transaction.

Turbulence for the view above the clouds, fear in the moment, for confidence in the future.

It's learning that although life sometimes appears to paint a picture of conformity and helplessness, there's always a path leading to the very place we need to go.

It just asks we find the courage to walk it.

Churchill has said the pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.

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