What Is “Hard”?

I say “when life is hard” in the subtitle of this book, so I want to acknowledge that “hard” is relative. It doesn’t have to mean life-threatening, harmful, or trauma-inducing experiences.

But just because an experience isn’t “life or death” doesn’t mean it’s not hard. Something that’s a minor inconvenience for one person might be devastatingly difficult for another.

I’ve come to learn: many times, DISCOMFORT is what makes things “hard.”

• Job loss is hard in the discomfort of uncertainty, identity shift, and financial stress.
• Health scares are hard in the discomfort of losing control, facing mortality, and navigating the unknown.
• Relationship struggles are hard in the discomfort of vulnerability, unmet expectations, and emotional pain.

What you’ll learn in this book doesn’t remove discomfort. But it helps you find solid ground while you’re uncomfortable.