Trey Johnson looks over his notes during an editing session. (Trey Johnson/Quiet Kid Media)

I’m at a point in my life where I understand that getting hurt is a part of the process.

It’s not supposed to be easy. There are some things that I have to go through to get to where I want to be.

My plan and God’s plan are different. Not completely, but there are some minor differences that raise my eyebrows. I just feel like it doesn’t take all that. There has to be another way we can go about this.

“No,” said God. “Unfortunately, this is the only way to get to where I’m taking you.”

This reminds me of the movie “Avengers: Infinity War.” Doctor Strange looked into the future to calculate the possibilities of defeating Thanos. When Tony Stark (Iron Man) asked him for the result, his response was just one. Additionally, Doctor Strange did not tell Stark the entire prediction. Strange simply provided Stark with a destination. Their mission would cost Stark his life.

I believe Stark would have looked for other options had he known he would die. However, his purpose was bigger than just his life. His actions would end up saving the world.

Don’t Hurt Me

God only provides us with the destination. The journey includes a lot of character development that we would probably pass on.

I’ve learned that no one wants to be hurt. Some of the things I’ve heard recently include:

  • “I don’t like to waste other people’s time and don’t like mine wasted,” during a conversation on relationships.
  • “Don’t f*cking record me, b*tch,” from an upset player after a tough loss.


Pain is a real thing. Embrace it. I know it’s uncomfortable. Yet, that is where true growth occurs.

The FHSAA state championship football games are set. I’ve seen more tears this season than ever before. As teams get knocked out, the culmination of the season-ending becomes too much. All good things must come to an end. 

However, in a world where social media has tricked us into believing everyone is OK, no one wants to show their true pain. It’s hard to constantly put on a face, portraying a happy-go-lucky persona.

Quiet Struggle

I was discouraged. Over the last three months, my plans weren’t exactly panning out the way I had hoped. I had to look at myself in the mirror and have an honest conversation.

“Am I supposed to be doing this?” I asked myself. “The money is low, and the bills are due. What you’re trying to pursue is not serving you.”

It was rough. But now I get it.

I turned 23 years old in September. I’ve been calling this my “Rookie Season.” The last three months have been “training camp.” Oh, the growing pains I experienced in that time. 

Entrepreneurship is not easy, especially in the beginning. You must be a strong individual to weather that storm. I learned I could stand the rain. I’m no longer afraid of the dark clouds and thunder.

I’m not in an entirely different position. My circumstances are still the same. But I’m excited because I realized that I was the spark I needed. The lessons learned have allowed me to step further and beyond my comfort zone.

I’ve learned that I must get comfortable being uncomfortable until being uncomfortable becomes comfortable.

It will take time, but I am committed to the process. 

#StayQuiet