The BS Files are kinda like the X-files – full of myths and urban legends and mysterious things. I feel that it is my duty to tackle them (occasionally). Because, you know, the truth is out there.
Case #21. If it’s easy it isn’t worth much. Bullsh*t!
There’s a pretty well known myth out there that anything worth having is worth working for. It’s tied to that wicked old protestant work ethic, and a related belief that we have to earn our worth. If we aren’t busy earning our worth, we aren’t worth anything.
There’s a subtle implication to that myth that if something is easy, then it isn’t really worth anything. Certainly it’s not worth as much as those things that we have to work hard and struggle for, right?
Sure, there’s satisfaction to be found in pursuing something even if it’s difficult; in having the tenacity to finish something that wasn’t easy; in mastering a skill that takes lots and lots of practice. And yes, it’s true that we learn through adversity, and our characters are developed by how we respond to challenges.
But that doesn’t mean that there’s no value in ease and easy things. (I bet you can recognize the black or white thinking in that by now, right?)
What about those things that come easily to us, our natural gifts? Aren’t those worthy of using and developing and sharing? Don’t you think we were given those for a purpose?
And what about those wonderful things that just seem to drop in our lap? Or the things that just work out? The friends that are so easy to have in our lives? The places in nature that give us calm, ease and peace? The things that we need that we just seem to find?
Truth: There is a place for ease. It’s a sweet balance to the hard-won and difficult experiences. All of the things that come with ease have value and worth and can be treasured, too. We just need to remember to treasure them, too. We can give them the value that they are worth!
In the meantime, remember these things: You are loved. We are all loved. Let’s all be kind. And in all things – progress, not perfection!
Love and light,
Maggie