Originally posted on Facebook HERE
This is the view from our room in Cancun. Sweet! For whatever reason, I was thinking this week about the people involved in the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center who were faced with a terrible decision. Stay in the room and burn to death, or jump. Either way, you die. None of us will hopefully ever know what that feels like, or have to make a decision that dire. But – as the heat from the fire increased, the pain had to be overwhelming – and I would think, for the people who had the option to jump, it was the lesser of two evils at some point. What a horrible decision to have to make. The terrible things humans do to other humans is a discussion maybe for another day, I guess – because as I was thinking about this, it became clear to me that we often have tough decisions to make in life, and sometimes it seems like we need to let the pain become unbearable before we ever take action. Thank God the options available as a secondary action are usually nothing as bad as jumping to our own death, but while we’re in the midst of alcohol and drug use, or an abusive relationship, or a terrible work atmosphere – it call seem – internally – like there’s no way out. And really – in the vast majority of cases – there is always a way out. It’s just that the way is scary, and unknown. And comes with a lot of fear. So, the idea of making a change, even in the most horrible situations, can seem worse than just living with whatever pain we’re going through. Our minds create a terror mentality that resists all attempts to get us to look at counseling, shelters, and all the other options that are available. And so often – if we can break through that fear – freedom lies on the other side. But the pain of continuing as-is has to become worse than the fear of change before we act. It’s like we can’t start digging our way out before we hit bottom. I knew for years I was killing myself with drugs and alcohol. But, until (by the grace of God) I was presented with a new way of living my life that seemed much better than what I was doing, I wasn’t ever able to quit, no matter how many times I tried. And my life since that point has been incredible. What changes are you afraid to make right now? Is the fear of making a change stopping you from leading your best life? Time is too precious to be lived with people and situations that don’t serve us. Always consider all options. Then let your conscience be your guide. Not fear. Fear is the worst life strategy you can have. I wish you all the best on your journey
