Short Story: Es Fácil

There was a phrase that was spoken to fill in the rare silence in a Cuban household, especially after a difficult conversation about health problems, money problems, family problems, etc. "No es fácil" eased the conversation. The direct translation is "it's not easy", but when it's shared, it has more of "it is what it is" sentiment. These words became ingrained into our way of being. Believing that facing each challenge that comes at us could not be easy and that others were actively working against us to make it harder.

I'd listen and accept these words as fact. Life is not easy. Every challenge, whether internal or external, felt never-ending. It was common to lose sleep and not have an appetite until everything was settled. This phrase unknowingly predisposed us to desperation and despair when there was a small inconvenience.

I had seen this mindset grow and mature in others. I didn't want to live a life filled with anxiety and resistance to change. Then I heard "no es fácil, pero tampoco es difícil" and that one difference gave us a sense of hope and perspective when speaking of challenges. We know it won't be easy, but it isn't that difficult either. It felt like it was only as difficult as we wanted to make it. The desperation soothed itself and there were more possibilities than what was right in front of us. That phrase was a stepping stone. It didn't resonate completely, but it got me to face challenges through acceptance and solutions.

It wasn't until I started wondering why we were predisposing ourselves and future generations to believing that life has to be hard, when it can be easy. When you prime your mind to face challenges believing that it will be easy, then challenges no longer look like the big, scary challenges of before. Instead, they look like learning experiences because now you know that what you are facing is temporary and life goes on regardless of what changes or stays the same. It feels like being grounded in yourself and believing that everything is working out in your favor. Even when you face rejection - which no longer look like big, scary rejections but instead like pivots and redirections that are protecting you and preparing you for greater things.

There are still times when a situation feels so overwhelming that it can't be easily solved, but then I remind myself that it can be that easy. Es fácil.