Take the Plunge
Have you ever wanted to try something new that seemed
promising and yet you did not pursue it? Every logical inner argument told you it could be interesting, fun, or meaningful;
and would probably make your life better. Instead of moving forward however resistance left you feeling afraid and stuck.
This can affect many areas of your life ranging from choosing a new hobby, to changing careers, or even finding a spouse.
If you see yourself here you are not alone, especially if you have been wounded by life either literally, emotionally or in
some combination. Fear and distrust can take control and make choices for you. When this happens no security measures
in the heavens or on earth will keep the things you dread most from finding you. Confusion, anger, and fear can become
a way of life. Psychological suffering like this is real and cannot be ignored or outrun. Is life really hopeless
with no way to make things better?
Activist, cancer patient, and poet Audre Lorde offers
a strong message of hope. "When I dare to be powerful to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes
less and less important whether I am afraid."
How do you accomplish this when you yearn for safety
and strive in every way possible to avoid being hurt yet again? Consider the way a disinfectant's stinging pain is different
from the pain of a wound. The disinfectant's stinging pain helps to heal the pain of a wound thereby restoring you to
comfort and good health. When you risk temporary discomfort or pain it can ultimately help to heal your wound.
This relates not only to physical wounds, but also to emotional ones.
When you follow your curiosity and passion (inner-truth)
you begin to say YES to the possibility of transitory frustration, pain, or disappointment and NO
to remaining stuck, wounded, and empty. It is only when you allow or even welcome the possibility of hurt or discomfort
that you become better able to pursue your dreams. Each wave of pain rises, crests, and falls slowly washing away
parts of your old stuck self, allowing you to see the treasure of who you really are and what you truly want.
You learn through repeated risk-filled experiences
that hurt and disappointment do not have to be a way of life. They are instead stepping stones toward something you
dearly want and were afraid to pursue given the cumulative effect of past hurtful experiences.
As you change your way of approaching life you can
begin to let go of fear based helplessness and become more courageous. Unfocused anger is replaced by discernment,
and emptiness by connections to self and others. It is a difficult task often peppered with fear and inner pain.
It is a message that as you become better able to tolerate intermittent waves of pain that your life can become happier and
much more fulfilling.
Patience and persistence help you to stop avoiding
pain so you can remain open to experiencing whatever comes your way; happiness, sadness, or anything in between.
Old wounds gradually heal and you become stronger. An inner-calmness (self-confidence / self-worth) begins to blossom
from deep within which allows fear and emptiness to be replaced by joy and fulfillment. Occasional hardships become
easier to face each time you use your ever-expanding shield of courage and hope to face them.
I therefore say to you, risk, stumble, laugh, cry,
shout, love, smile... Live your precious life with all of your passion and might. Be bold and TAKE THE
PLUNGE!
P
As you explore your life it can be helpful to have someone professional beside you who sincerely cares about your well-being.
If you have any comments or questions you are welcome to call me. Bill Grimsman, M.A. 206.919.1874
(confidential voice mail)
