Continuing my series of art print downloads based on the epigraphs in the Destined series, this quote is from Book 5 – Hunted: Alba’s Story, a Snow White retelling.
“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.” – Seneca
This one feels VERY appropriate as we close out 2020, doesn’t it? Yes, I think we would all appreciate fewer opportunities to prove ourselves, thanks, 2020. At least space them out a bit… 🙃
But if you’re in a mood to get deep with me for a minute, I have some additional thoughts:
The fear of adversity can take us to a dark and lonely place.
The desire for control smothers relationships. The desire for ease keeps us from taking risks that could bring far greater richness to our lives than comfort and ease ever will. It may sound crazy, but I believe fear of suffering can actually lead to greater suffering. The further I continue down the path of self-preservation-at-all-costs, the more likely I am to lose myself.
To live a full life, we must take serious risks, which means eventually we will probably experience real failure and suffering.
We fall in love.
We start something new that might fail.
We serve others in a way that could jeopardize our health and wellbeing. (Looking at you, pregnancy and childbirth…)
And we do it all willingly, not because we are totally fearless, not because we enjoy suffering, but because our love for what might be gained outweighs our fears.
In Hunted, my Snow White character Alba has spent years watching her dad go off and do dangerous things for his job, and now as an adult, she longs for nothing more than safety, security, and love. As a military spouse, I can relate!
But, as Alba eventually discovers, the best things in life require willingness to get your heart broken. Not because we fear bad things less, but because our love for what is good, beautiful, and true is greater than our fear of the price we might pay to obtain them.
And on that note, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
PS. Click the image below to download a high-res, print-ready PDF:
