Tag: Struggle

There is always a problem

Published on by Kieran Johnson - The Generosity GuyLeave a comment

I’ve been trying to find a way to explain this concept which doesn’t result in depression.

Life is struggle, challenges, unexpected problems, obstacles, sickness, tiredness, and yes, depression.

Not all the time, but often and frequently.

At the same time, life is also joy, happiness, peace, completion, overcoming, laughter, fun and yes, exhilaration. We don’t experience these things in spite of the first list, but because of them.

We can experience joy in overcoming the struggle and challenges. We can experience peace in the turmoil of unexpected problems. We can experience fun and laughter in the shadow of the obstacles. We can experience a sense of completion amongst the tiredness.

But, it never ends. There is always another struggle and challenge to replace the one you have just overcome, and sometimes there are struggles and challenges that are with us always. (Cue the depression again).

So, we learn to find joy and rest in the struggle. Because when we look back, our greatest accomplishments were completed against the wind. The things we are most proud of usually are the things we achieved when the odds were against us, it was hard and we waded through some deep, tumultuous times to get there.

Don’t let it get you down. Find a way to be grateful for the challenges which are a creating a pathway for you to overcome them and achieve more than you thought possible.

I am Selfish

Published on by Kieran Johnson - The Generosity GuyLeave a comment

People will generally talk about and teach on the topic they struggle with the most. Because in that struggle comes the wisdom and learning, it doesn’t mean that the person has overcome the struggle completely, it just means they are wrestling with it.

It’s interesting to note that I talk most about being generous and how that is good for you. What that really means that I am naturally a selfish person. In just about all areas of my life I am a person who is wrestling with self-centeredness but striving for generosity.

It is tough and has been ongoing for as long as I can remember.

The reason I find it a struggle is that generosity is difficult, costly, time consuming and is about other people. I find it hard to think of others when I am so conscious of my own needs and wants, but not theirs. It is natural for me to only see the world through my own eyes, because they are the only eyes I have.

So, I immerse myself in the idea of giving because I know that giving is better than receiving, those who are generous will be blessed and will be a blessing – basically giving is good for you and the world.

Jesus lived a most generous life. He saw the hearts and the hurts of those around Him. He walked with them, laughed with them, cried with them, healed them, prayed for them and then died for them. His compassion for people is something I want to emulate.

So I talk about generosity a lot – not because I have mastered it but because I am still wrestling.