"It's just not fair."
Half the time, we blurt that short phrase without truly knowing the meaning of it.
As a young child, when our parents said no to a popular toy that we wanted so desperately, we would kick, scream, or cry (perhaps all of the above) so loudly in belief that our world would end because it was so unfair. As adults, we become bitter and believe it is not right when others receive a promotion over us when we may be the harder worker. We become envious and frustrated when we see others smitten in relationships but may be having problems with our spouses, ourselves. From the time we are young, we are all raised to have this unspoken mindset that life is simply unfair each time we do not get something we want or when something better happens to someone other than ourselves.
But when it comes down to it, is it really an unfair life? Or, just a meaningless phrase that places a title over a feeling of frustration?
In order for fairness to exist, there has to be a balance between what is right and what is wrong.
In the moment, certain circumstances may feel unjust; however, once time passes, it is easier to realize that everything eventually evens out. Like one of my favorite quotes states, "For every dark night comes a brighter day". It is impossible for one person to have any more hardships or bountiful times than another. Every person possesses a nearly equal balance of both. The richest of men and women often go through life believing happiness is tied with material items but never discover the true happiness that others of lower income and stronger relationships with those around them embody. But both types of people are happy and rich; whether it be monetarily, by the love and support of friends and our family or by being in a simple state of contentment.
While we all often experience moments of joy, we all face similar tragedies too, just in different periods of our lives. For example, some children lose their parents at a young age, others when they are older. Nevertheless, the hard times are still obstacles everyone experiences at some point. We all face the same highs and lows. Our lows just might come at someone else's high, making it reasonable that the bitterness and feeling of unjustness is often on the tip of our tongues. But later on, we will reach the highpoint that we were so envious of before while the other person is experiencing our low. There is a constant trade-off which is why fairness really does exist in our lives.
Life truly is a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs but how we handle the journey is what matters the most.
Whether we would like to believe it or not, life is fair. It is important to remember in tough situations that there will be a time down the road that is far greater than the pain or hardships you are going through in the moment.
Try to find the light during dark times by turning negative situation into a learning experience or growth.
If you can't find the light, make it.
Spark a change within yourself.
