Stop Running From What’s Holding You Back

There are times when we intentionally run from reality. We convince ourselves that our problems will automatically disappear if we escape from them. Honestly, taking that approach will only prolong the issue at hand. It will also be a constant reminder of what we are trying so desperately to avoid. Avoiding only amplify the matter causing it to be present in the back of our mind until we have the courage to confront it.

Without a doubt, pushing it to the side can bring temporary relief. The question is: for how long? The best way I can think to describe it is like placing a thin and small blanket in front of a large window, with the intention of preventing the sun’s rays from seeping through. The blanket can only do so much once the shafts of sunlight begin to fill the room. Similarly, we might think we are preventing the sunlight from disturbing us, but actually, we are not. One thing is for sure; by not facing the fact and seeking a larger blanket, we are only prolonging our suffering and heightening our discomfort. 

Click Here To Read: Make Yourself a Priority and Learn How to Bloom Like a Flower

Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter how much you try to stretch and forged with the blanket. The blanket will remain the same size. The problem will continue to persist, regardless of which side of the room you opt to sleep on. It will be you versus the sun in a battle where the sun always has the upper hand. Until you sit down and analyze the situation to find a proper solution, then you could begin to explore possible solutions.

Solutions Come When You Face What You’re Running From

After reviewing the facts in great detail, you will come to the realization that the blanket is too thin and small. Promptly, you become aware that the proper solution is to find a way to make the blanket bigger and thicker so the first sun rays of the morning won’t disturb your sleep. Now, you make it your mission to gather as much small blankets as possible and sew them together to create one large blanket to fully cover the window.

Soon, ideas begin flowing through your minds of adequate solutions you could consider. In this moment, you notice the options are endless. The only way you were able to discover that was because you decided to face the problem instead of running from it as opposed to of pretending it didn’t exist.

I used the metaphor above to showcase that things will continue to persist until we are brave enough to not shrink to them. Facing a difficult situation is no easy task and can be terrifying. The dread often does not ascent from the situation itself, but from the unfamiliarity of it and not knowing the right action to take. Automatically, the mind switches into avoidance mode as a form of self-protection. The fact is, the more we run away from something, the bigger it become.

Truthfully, we all have something we have avoided facing. In my case, that was the Baclofen Pump. The decision wasn’t an easy one, and I was scared of how my adult body would function without it. Believe it or not, I lived with it for ten years, with it came two replacements and countless of refills. The fear of being seen as “more disabled” caused me to prolong the inevitable, which was to get it remove for once and for all. Do I reget getting it? No! Because if I hadn’t, I would have always wondered whether it could have actually improved my disability. Also, it taught me a lot about self-acceptance and the true meaning behind advocating for yourself even when everyone thinks you are going on the wrong path.

The instant I got it implanted the first time, I immediately knew of the mistake I had made. Regardless of appearance and how it looked, I felt strange in my own body. As if it wasn’t my body, like I didn’t belong there. It wasn’t until I had it removed back in 2022 that I started to feel like myself again. That opened my eyes. It led me to embark on a journey of self-discovery, which made me realize the importance of  accepting myself just the way I am. The process of healing that part of myself that I didn’t know needed healing didn’t happen overnight. It took patience and discipline.

Running Away Only Delays the Inevitable

Scary? yes, it was. I was unaware of what life was going to be without it, granted I had lived without it for eighteen years. I had to be courageous and face reality by having it removed because I couldn’t continue pretending and prolonging the inevitable. As much I wanted it to be beneficial, it simply was not.

If I had refused to face the truth, I would have continued living in a hamster wheel. Every five years, I would have had to undergo surgery to have it replaced. One thing I knew for sure was that I couldn’t continue with that cycle for something that clearly didn’t work for me. Facing the reality was scary, especially when it became to the unknown. However, I couldn’t keep lying to my self and acting as if nothing was out of place.

Courage is what is needed when you are require to face the reality you have been running from. Sure, it can be difficult and daunting, as it may have the potential to disturb you from your comfort zone. I am here to tell you, and myself, that we have what it takes to confront the hurdles of life. Hurdles, we often find ourselves running away from. Who knows? For all we know, they might not be as big as we perceive them to be. The only way we can know for certain is to be brave and confront reality.

Stay Beautiful XoXo