The Benefits of Pain

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Pain is a necessity. Life is only made beautiful through the contrast that agony gives joy. It propels the need for success and is the driving force behind persistence. Today, I learned this lesson the hard way, after attending a dance clinic which was in preparation of upcoming tryouts. I arrived early, with all of the essential paperwork in hand. The dancers seemed friendly, and I talked with several other girls whom I’d previously met. As we stretched I felt at ease. Then the music began and we were asked to perform various tricks across the gym floor. About ten minutes in, I found myself to be lacking in experience and skills. The stunts we were asked to perform were far beyond anything I’d ever seen. I became frazzled and the practice quickly slid downhill. Half-way through, I was tempted to walk out in order to save myself further embarrassment, but I remembered my goal and pushed through every humiliating moment.

When the practice finally ended, hair amiss and make-up streaked, I was forced to face the fact that my life experience amounted to a dizzy mess. Walking out in tears I called my mother who told me, “You knew this was going to be hard. If this is really what you want, then make it happen.” Her words reinforced the fact that success is only achieved through grit.

Pain is a fundamental building block in life. Contentment only breeds complacency. To feel wholly content is a privilege that I can’t afford, because without pain I wouldn’t reach my full potential. Today, I gained a deeper understanding of what happiness means to me; I find happiness after pushing through grueling experiences to find victory waiting at the end.  I’ll be attending the clinic again tomorrow, with the determination that only distress can propel.