Former President Obama had to Suffer for it & So Will You, If You Have a Passion

Published: Sun, 10/20/19

Man Cannot Remake Himself Without Suffering, For He is Both the Marble & the Sculptor

- Alexis Carrel

What Are You Willing To Suffer For?
Following your passion isn’t as it’s portrayed in the movies. It can be hard and absolutely dispiriting but a necessary part of the life experience.

I know. I'm gonna be the next Superman. I'm cool wid it.

Former President Barack Obama knew exactly what he was in for when he ran for the Presidential elections in the US. The former President said he “absolutely” has been the victim of racism during his time in office. That is, without a doubt, the case, although some would disagree, of course, history will confirm the truth.
The former US President suggested the criticism he faced from “ the Southern states” was a result of the color of his skin.
Why would he put himself through that?

Mr. Obama has faced repeated questions about whether he was born in the US – despite there being overwhelming evidence he's an American citizen. President Donald Trump was among those who suggested Mr. Obama is not really American and that his birth certificate is a fake.

And that was literally the tip of the iceberg. Over his two terms, he suffered a unprecedented barrage of hate, but that was required to fulfil his dream. He and his family had to suffer the most disgraceful attacks on him personally and professionally. But that was what it needed. Could you keep your composure and focus under such media vitriol?

Viktor Frankl said in Man’s Search for Meaning, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.’

Check out the YouTube video and see what Mr. Obama had to bear and let it encourage you:

Click Here!

Life is not about living in this idyllic bubble where you’re happy 24/7, never encounter any obstacles, and avoid all criticism. That’s not realistic. It isn’t even desirable. It doesn’t stimulate any growth. You know that truism, ‘You need to have skin in the game.’ Well, the skin in this game is the hardships and the struggles you will have to manage on the way to your goals. There is no other way, no matter what the media tells you.

That’s why it’s essential to be striving for a real passion. I know the idea of following your passion has become the whipping boy of many self-help guru’s. And I’m not saying you should follow a passion lightly, but I believe in my heart there is merit in pursuing one. Just don’t expect it to be easy. You have to face the challenges - and they will come; the reasons why you are doing what your doing needs to be strong. Your conviction has to be crystal clear because to join that elite club of achievers, you must suffer for what you believe in.

I don’t dwell on it because I know it’s a part of the process, but I had to suffer for the privilege to write what I’m passionate about. I’ve been rejected countless times, my ideas disparaged, I’ve seen disappointing sales results, blocked by gatekeepers, laboring to find subscribers, struggling to improve my writing, struggling with self-discipline, dealing with hateful comments from ones who should know better. And still, I proceed.

And you Gentle Readers have the same challenges for the things you feel strongly about. We both know if you stand for something, you will be willing to suffer for it.

As Aristotle said, “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”

That's not what we are about or you wouldn’t be reading this email. But what strategies can we employ to face the inevitable. Buddhists believe suffering must occur no matter what choice we make. And if you ascribe to this philosophy, what do you really have to lose? The trick is choosing what you are willing to suffer for. Let’s not be like the majority of people who are suffering for the wrong reasons. Sometimes life will ask you to take a harder route, but that is because you have demanded more from it.

Suffering is a part of life. It’s part of pursuing something meaningful. Nothing worthwhile has ever been created without any degree of suffering.

Former President Obama understood this, Mohamed Ali understood this, Tyler Perry understood this and so many others who have done great things throughout history and our lifetimes.

So, the question is a simple one. Are you willing to suffer for what you love or suffer for nothing? I have faith in you, Gentle Reader. Choose well.

Peace

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