The Beauty of the Struggle: Loving and Learning Through the Body

I’ve been thinking about the first time I joined a new exercise class. It was intimidating. Everyone else seemed to flow so naturally, moving with ease into poses that felt impossible for me. I remember a friend once telling me she could hold the splits so comfortably that she actually fell asleep in them. I was stunned. My own memory of dance class was the complete opposite counting every single second until the teacher finally released us from the pose. For me, that struggle was its own teacher. It taught me patience, endurance, and a deeper respect for what the body is capable of.

Struggle has its own beauty. It’s the slow, steady climb like hiking up a mountain instead of taking the train to the summit. The train rider can describe the view from the top. But the hiker? They know the whole journey. They’ve felt the burn in their legs, learned when to pause for breath, and discovered the power of persistence. Each step becomes part of the story.

When we work with the body we have and not the one we wish we had we uncover hidden strengths and insights. The deliberate pace of growth builds resilience. Every stumble, stretch, and breath teaches us more than simply “getting there.”

The true reward isn’t the perfect pose or the fastest time. It’s the journey itself the small victories, the surprises, the way we come to know ourselves better along the way. Sports, movement, or any kind of physical practice can bring joy not just because of achievement, but because of the lessons tucked into the struggle.

Every step, every breath, every sensation is a way the body whispers who we are becoming.

✨ Reflection for today:

• How can you love and care for your body more deeply?

• Where can you bring more innocence, openness, or wonder into your day?

Today is an opportunity to slow down, listen, and let your body be your teacher.

Me and my dad at the finish of the Three Peaks.