Day 61 of 100 Days of Hope

Finding the Gift in the Struggle

By Julie Burningham, The Hope Coach

As midlife moms, we’ve all experienced seasons where life feels heavy—when everything seems to fall apart, when we feel lost, forgotten, or unsure where to turn next. These moments can feel dark and confusing, but what if they hold hidden value? What if feeling lost is not a punishment, but an invitation?

There is value in feeling lost.
There is value in feeling like everything is coming undone.
There is even value in forgetting.

Why?
So we can remember again.
So we can see how deeply loved we truly are.
So we can feel empathy and compassion for others walking their own hard paths.
So we can come home to what is real, true, and divine within us.
So we can feel the Savior’s love more profoundly and know He is guiding us through.
So we can reconnect with God and rebuild the foundation of who we are.

When we begin to see our struggles as sacred opportunities, not just hardships, we awaken to the deeper purpose behind them. The times when we feel most broken are often when our hearts are most open—to love, to growth, and to grace.

Midlife can bring its share of challenges—empty nesting, career changes, shifting relationships—but it can also be a season of incredible spiritual growth and renewal. It is a chance to rediscover your strength, your worth, and your connection to God.

As I’ve walked through my own seasons of loss and uncertainty, I’ve learned something precious: the struggle can be a gift if we let it be. It teaches us to see clearly, love more deeply, and trust more fully. It brings us home to ourselves and to our Creator.

So I ask you:
Will you see your struggles as a curse—or as a gift?

My hope for you, dear friend, is that you find peace, compassion, and light as you move through whatever you’re facing. May you remember that you are never alone. You are deeply loved, and this season has meaning beyond what you can see right now.

Here’s a short video where I share more on this message.

With hope and blessings,
Julie Burningham
The Hope Coach