“No Pain, No Gain”

Although it can be challenging while going through adversity, it plays a central role in success. I am not set apart from the fact that I have my own share of stories of overcoming adversity and how it has helped me overcome my own challenges. My belief is that bad things can lead to growth and development, which is a concept that has become a staple in recent years.

I have faced many challenges (some were more-so internal battles with overthinking and anxiety) and faced difficult decisions, but my faith in God has been the anchor that keeps me steady. Pain and uncomfortability serves as a crucial stepping stone towards reaching my full potential, and I have discovered newfound strength within myself through prayer and faith in God. When I hand over my worries to God, He grants me the strength and wisdom to navigate through the most challenging times. I have to remind myself in the moment that pain is not to be feared but embraced, and that when I face challenges with God by my side, I can conquer anything life throws my way.

Our faith can transform obstacles into opportunities and lead us to a path of growth, strength, and unwavering hope. To have this faith, it requires having trust in God’s plan for our life, remembering that we are never alone, and with God, victory is always within reach.

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that left them feeling isolated and misunderstood. I struggled to express my feelings and felt misunderstood, leading to depression and a sense of isolation. I discovered the concept that adversity and suffering can lead to growth and development, which resonated with me.

I wore my cloak of isolation like a badge; like armor, protecting myself from the potential hurt and disappointment that relationships could bring. I had become so accustomed to keeping people at arm’s length that the idea of opening up and trusting others seemed almost foreign to me. The fear of rejection weighed heavily on my heart, leaving me hesitant to form deep connections with others.

But it was during one of the darkest moments of my life that I began to see the glimmer of light that would eventually guide me towards post-traumatic growth. A painful event shattered my world, leaving me feeling broken and vulnerable, which I hate feeling. In the depths of my despair, I found myself turning to God in prayer, seeking solace and understanding.

And I found comfort in this, knowing that He could truly understand and heal my wounded soul. Through my faith, I felt a newfound sense of peace and assurance that I was never alone in my struggles. I have been practicing growing in this more, but I have also reached out to seeking sound advice. And I reached out to others who are experiencing similar pain, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping others.

I am grateful for every tear shed, moment of despair, and challenge I faced, and believes that I am not alone, and without them, I would have never encountered God and been able to grasp onto spiritual growth. So I hope that, like in the superhero stories, we can rise above our challenges and find redemption through the growth that pain brings.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

I’ve learned about post-traumatic growth throughout my reading on psychology, and this concept has become a beacon of hope for many individuals, as it allows them to embrace their pain and embrace their emotions, leading to personal growth. Through self-reflection, therapy, and connecting with other believers, I learned to acknowledge my pain and embrace my emotions, allowing me to heal from within and finding the root to the way I act and think that was detrimental to my walk with God. I realized that God was with me throughout my struggles, guiding me towards strength and resilience, and guiding me out of fear and anxiety.

In moments of vulnerability, I have surrendered to His grace and found comfort in the knowledge that He was using my pain to mold me into a better version of themselves, the true version of myself. Sharing my life and story with others has brought a sense of unity and connection, and the beauty of authentic human connection began to emerge. Even the stories of individuals in the Bible who faced adversity and found strength in their faith resonated deeply with me, encouraging me to strengthen my relationship with God and place my worries and fears at His feet.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Post-traumatic growth is not a linear process, but rather a series of small steps forward and occasional setbacks for sure. But I encourage you to view your struggles and pain as opportunities for growth and embrace the journey with faith in God’s plan for your life. I believe that, just as a seed must face darkness before it can bloom, your own pain can lead to a beautiful blossoming of your spirit. May we continue to grow and evolve through life’s challenges, knowing that our faith in God will always be the guiding light on our path of post-traumatic growth.

I have experience of avoiding discussing my trauma and experiences I’m going through while in college. Growing up how I did where discussing personal struggles was taboo, I felt hesitant to open up about my experiences. However, as I entered college, I realized that avoiding these conversations hindered their journey of self-discovery and healing. From reading philosophy and theology articles and books, I realized that avoiding discussions hindered my growth. Exploring different ways on how I can get closer to God personally, it helped me understand the value of adversity and the importance of understanding it as a stepping stone for personal growth.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Research in psychology classes revealed that individuals who faced high levels of cumulative lifetime adversity were more compassionate and willing to engage in prosocial behavior. This insight led me to believe that discussing my experiences could help me heal, increase my empathy, and make me more sensitive to others’ needs.

Taking the first step towards open communication with my thoughts and feelings was daunting, but it was essential for my well-being. Confiding in a trusted friend and receiving support opened the floodgates to start self-discovering and healing. Engaging in open discussions with friends, family, and professionals led to a positive shift in perspective. Talking about my traumas allowed me to process my emotions and gain clarity on their impact on my life. This process allowed me to begin embracing my identity and accept that my experiences were an integral part of who I am.

Anyone who is like me who are more reserved and stoic from past pain, I encourage you to break free from avoidance and embrace open dialogue. Your experiences, no matter how difficult or “not important” they are, are valid and can be instrumental in your growth. Seeking support, engaging in conversations, and embracing your journey is an essential part of discovering your true self and living a fulfilling life.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

As I’ve done research on wisdom and wellbeing, I began to reflect on my own experiences and how I’ve navigated through adversity. One significant lesson I’ve learned is the critical role of how we think about events. Instead of allowing setbacks to embitter me for longer than it has been, I turned to my faith to find strength and hope.

In the face of trauma, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to handle the situation. I have faced moments of helplessness. However, I found comfort in relying on secondary control, changing my own reaction to the environment, and trusting that God had a plan even in the midst of chaos.

Turning to my personal values and committing to behaviors consistent with those values became a source of grounding during challenging times. My Christian faith taught me to separate the struggles from my identity and recognize that my worth lies not in my circumstances but in the love and grace of God.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Post-traumatic growth, as a concept, resonated deeply with me. It is not about glorifying trauma or pretending that suffering is worth it; instead, it emphasizes the potential for growth and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about finding compassion, insight, and wisdom through the trials we encounter.

As I journeyed through my own post-traumatic growth, I discovered a profound connection between faith and mental health. Prayers and self-reflection became my solace, offering me comfort and guidance during times of distress. My relationship with God deepened as I entrusted my struggles into His hands, finding peace in His divine plan.

Since I’ve began doing art last August, examples of artists like Richard Diebenkorn and David Hockney, who produced remarkable works despite their suffering, remind me of the transformative power of creativity and resilience. In my own life, I’ve experienced moments of breakthrough where my faith in God or my struggles inspired me to create art and express my emotions in calming and meaningful ways.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

However, again, it is essential to recognize that the journey of post-traumatic growth is not linear. It involves embracing the complexity of reactions to pain, acknowledging both positive and negative outcomes. While adversity can lead to growth, it is also crucial to take care of our mental health and seek support when needed.

As an upcoming junior in college as a fairly new Christian, just entered my second year in the faith, I believe that our faith can serve as a guiding light in the darkness of adversity. God’s love and grace provide us with the strength to face challenges and find hope in the midst of pain. Through prayer, self-reflection, and the support of our community, we can embark on a journey of post-traumatic growth, knowing that God walks beside us every step of the way.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

In conclusion, my faith has been a cornerstone of my post-traumatic growth journey. Embracing my values and trusting in God’s plan has allowed me to find wisdom, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity. Let us remember that it is okay to seek help, to talk about our struggles, and to lean on our faith as we navigate through life’s challenges. We are not a burden.

May we all find strength and growth in the embrace of our faith, knowing that God’s love is always present in our journey.