Life Is Not All Rainbows: 4 Powerful Secrets to Overcoming Challenges

Jen Crouse
Nov 25
4 min read

Updated: Nov 30

Each day when I wake up, I begin with a challenge. Because of my paralysis, I cannot simply swing my legs over the side of the bed and jump to my feet. Every movement takes intention and effort. I slowly guide each leg onto the foot pedals of my wheelchair, lift my body, and transfer myself into my chair.

At sixteen, this new reality felt like an impossible weight. Many mornings I did not want to try at all. Life felt unfair and overwhelming, and I asked the question so many of us ask in the middle of hardship: Why me?

Now, years later, I wish I could look that young girl in the eyes and tell her that her story was far from over.

I have lived a blessed life filled with purpose, and I have overcome more than I ever imagined possible. I now understand that the challenges I faced were shaping me into someone who could help others find their own strength and grit.

Below are the four secrets that helped me survive and even thrive through the challenges life placed before me.

One: Where You Focus, You Flourish

After my accident, I spent a long time grieving the loss of the use of my legs. I would look at my wheelchair from my hospital bed and cry. When I sat in it, I cried even harder. It felt like everything I knew about myself had been erased.

But there has always been a God given spark of grit inside me which has fueled my drive to overcome.

Slowly, I began to see my wheelchair differently. I focused on not seeing it as a barrier holding me back. It was a tool. My new legs.

Now, after spending more years in my wheelchair than I ever spent walking, I see how it has blessed me with freedom. The freedom to travel, to work, and to live a full and meaningful life.

Reflect and Overcome: What heavy thought is holding you back? How can you transform it into something that allows you to flourish?

Two: Grit Balanced with Grace is Essential

I have always been full of grit. If you tell me I cannot do something, I will see that as a personal challenge to prove that I can. But grit alone cannot carry anyone forever.

My constant need to be strong and push through everything led me into seasons of burnout more times than I can count.

This is why I created a practice that I refer to in my blog as gritty stillness. My morning routine has become a place where I allow myself to be both strong and vulnerable. It is where I surrender my weaknesses to God and remember that He is the one who truly guides my path.

Letting go of control has never been easy for me, but in moments of stillness I have learned that surrender is not weakness. It has provided me with the wisdom needed each day to move forward.

Reflect and Overcome: What are you gripping on to so tightly? Try gently placing it in God’s hands.

Three: Embrace Your Imperfections

Yes, I am a perfectionist. I believe this has grown out of years spent trying to prove that someone with a disability can be successful. I pushed myself harder than anyone else ever did, and my fear of failure only fueled that perfectionism.

By surrendering control and remembering that God has a purpose for each of us, I slowly began releasing the pressure I put on myself.

I soon found grace. Grace for my daily mistakes which then poured into having grace for others as well.

When life does not unfold exactly the way I planned, I have learned to let go and trust that God is shaping something meaningful even in the imperfect moments.

Reflect and Overcome: Who needs grace from you today? Is it someone else, or do you need to give this gift to yourself.

Four: Let Your Light Shine

In the book of John chapter one verse five it states, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” I deeply love this scripture, and I repeat it to myself often.

After my accident, it felt as if the world had gone dark. Yet somehow, I survived and was not overcome. This scripture is a constant reminder to me of how light will always shine through.

Throughout life, darkness will surround us. That part is not optional. But we always have a choice to let our light shine. We can choose hope. We can choose purpose. We can choose to overcome.

Reflect and Overcome: What tiny spark inside you is ready to shine brighter than the darkness around you?