Chapter 1: The Reality of Overcoming Obstacles

It is often said that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but is that truly the case? Each day, individuals encounter setbacks that can feel insurmountable, plunging them into dark, isolating places. For some, these challenges may lead to a transformation that leaves them unrecognizable. It's essential to recognize that overcoming obstacles is not as simple as it appears in inspirational quotes or self-help articles.

We must encourage one another during difficult times. Here, I share insights gleaned from my own experiences with grit and grace that may resonate with others.

I’ve always had a knack for problem-solving, drawn to challenges as if by an invisible force. If you were to label me overly optimistic, especially in my youth, you'd be right. I firmly believed there was a solution to every issue.

This mindset was put to the test in 2004 when a severe gastrointestinal episode left me with debilitating fatigue, excruciating pain, and numerous food sensitivities. My primary care physician was stumped, and I found myself consulting a variety of specialists, from medical doctors to naturopaths.

A friend suggested I might be dealing with environmental sensitivities, prompting me to leave my beloved countryside home for a sterile apartment. I was relentless in my search for answers.

Although I didn’t achieve full recovery, I improved enough to embark on a three-year retreat in a foreign land. However, shortly after arriving in a small prefabricated chalet in France, my health took a turn for the worse.

Within a year, I had dropped to a mere 84 pounds, yet my spirit remained unbroken. While those around me panicked, I continued to nourish myself with the few foods I could tolerate, convinced that I would eventually find a solution.

I learned that grit, to me, was the determination to take even the smallest step forward. This resolve has sustained me through significant life changes—divorce, losing my home in a volcanic eruption, and severing ties with an abusive mentor.

Challenges may not be pleasant, but if we persist and take the next step, we can experience growth both during and after the struggle. As Ruth Westheimer wisely stated, “Our way is not soft grass; it’s a mountain path with lots of rocks. But it goes upwards, forward, toward the sun.”

In my earlier years, I could be quite stubborn, resembling a bulldog with its bone, but this often led to burnout. I soon discovered that grit alone wasn't sufficient to navigate life's challenges; I needed to practice grace as well.

After my retreat, I relocated to Hawaii, seeking solitude. I had become so sensitive to various foods, scents, and toxins that I struggled to distinguish what caused harm and what provided healing.

Courage took on a new form, manifesting as a commitment to self-care and compassion. Instead of relentlessly seeking answers, I learned to trust my body’s wisdom, respect my limits, and allow myself to rest. Gradually, my body healed, and my world began to expand.

I realized that I didn't require endless vitamins or misguided medical advice; the sun, sky, and ocean collaborated to aid my recovery, as did the tranquility of nature, far from my triggers.

Disconnecting from the world to prioritize one’s health is no easy feat. The desire to keep pushing forward often overshadows our instinct for self-preservation.

But if we don’t heed our own needs, who will? It’s crucial to listen to them early and often to avoid reaching a breaking point. Self-care and self-compassion are intertwined, each essential to the other.

“This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment. May I give myself the compassion I need.” — Kristin Neff

Eventually, I identified my mast cell disorder, thanks to my own research, despite medical professionals being unsure or dismissing my symptoms as psychological. The specific disorder, Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia, went unrecognized until 2016, a full twelve years after my initial symptoms began. I finally received a diagnosis in 2019 following a serious episode triggered by a fire ant bite and a smoke alarm.

Today, I still grapple with dietary restrictions. While on a low-carb diet, I discovered my intolerance to high protein levels, and I must also manage carbohydrate intake to avoid pre-diabetes.

One might wonder if my body is suited for this world, jokingly suggesting perhaps I was meant to exist on another planet where sustenance comes from air.

Yet, there’s no need to worry. I can still enjoy non-starchy vegetables, moderate amounts of protein, and healthy fats. I'm certainly not at the point of needing a feeding tube, as some individuals do.

Over the years, I’ve developed enough resilience to tackle this ongoing challenge. I continuously seek the next small step while balancing grit with self-care, compassion, and grace to avoid burnout. This balance allows joy to coexist with struggle.

My heart goes out to those who hit rock bottom without the resources I have. Let’s extend support to anyone grappling with hardships, ensuring they don’t have to face them alone.

Subscribe for more of my stories.

Chapter 2: Insights from Resilience

In the video "True Grit and Grace: Overcoming Adversity & Thriving with Amberly Lago," Amberly shares her inspiring journey of facing challenges and emerging stronger, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-compassion.

Chapter 3: Navigating the Homeschooling Journey

The video "TOP 5 OBSTACLES HOMESCHOOLERS FACE + SOLUTIONS|| HEART FELT ADVICE" discusses common challenges faced by homeschooling families and offers heartfelt advice and practical solutions to overcome them.

Liked the story? Join Sweet Publications!

Sweet.pub is a family — ? Short, ? Long, ? Niche, and ? Deep.

Discover the stories that will make your ? beat!

This article was published on August 27th, 2024, in the Deep. Sweet. Valuable. publication.