Why do we try so hard to be perfect? I was talking with a client the other day and she asked, "Are other people like me or am I the only one who feels like my life is a mess?" I assured her that she is not alone.

What I've noticed is that we very often live parallel lives; the life we present to the world, which typically looks pretty neat and tidy, and our private life that contains our own inner struggles.

When I told my client that she laughed and said, "In the country I'm from it's just the opposite. People are trying to convince each other how difficult their life is." I thought how funny, two sides of the same coin.

But where does that leave us? I believe our authentic self lives beyond the either/or. It's not about being happy or sad, easy or difficult, tidy or messy. If you're growing at all, you are going to encounter struggles. It's part of being human.

Just like a plant must push through the dirt to gravitate toward the sun, we must move beyond our limiting beliefs if we want to live the fullest expression of who we are. There is wisdom in our resistance. It shows us where we get stopped. If we listen, Spirit will reveal a way through.

Take some time this week to embrace your struggles. Instead of turning away, berating or judging yourself, give thanks and acknowledge that Spirit is communicating to you. Through divine discontent you are receiving the inspiration for your next level of unfoldment.

Affirmation: My life is unfolding in divine order. Spirit is guiding me every step of the way. I give thanks.