CONFRONTING THE OBSTACLES IN YOUR PATH
Each day, we can learn something new from the oldest to the youngest.
I am inspired by the younger generation in their twenties, who have embraced fresh perspectives and attitudes towards life.
One example is my nephews, who possess excellent reasoning abilities and demonstrate a sense of equilibrium in their actions.
In my era, there has always been a stigma surrounding younger individuals, as they are often disregarded and overlooked by the older generation.
While the older generation may have faced difficult experiences, their coping mechanisms often affected their well-being.
They chose to ignore issues or maintain a stoic demeanour when facing life’s difficulties.
As time passed, some individuals appeared to undergo personal growth and sought therapy, while others were content to maintain the status quo and resist change.
These individuals remained stagnant and did not experience any personal development.
In the present day, we are presented with numerous chances for personal development and have many options available to confront our pasts as long as we are committed to putting in the effort.
People’s resentments toward others can act as heavy chains, weighing down their minds and preventing them from moving forward.
Negative emotions such as jealousy, envy, hatred, and bitterness can hinder our personal growth and prevent us from reaching our full potential.
It is human nature to gravitate towards familiar patterns and frequently rely on external factors, like their upbringing or cultural and religious beliefs, to justify their resistance to change.
In today’s society, it seems that people are more drawn to conflict than to the pursuit of peace and reconciliation.
In a world where life is perceived as a constant competition, forgiveness, apologies, and acceptance are often misconstrued as signs of weakness.
Rather than embracing them as integral parts of our journey, we often dismiss them as vulnerabilities to be avoided.
Frequently, we become preoccupied with insignificant issues that have no real impact, mainly when the individual or object in question is no longer part of our lives.
The most challenging aspect is ‘constantly dwelling’, which traps us in despair and the reluctance to embrace the past and progress forward.
How often do we revisit past events that occurred ages ago, only to resurrect them whenever the opportunity arises?
I used to let my past dictate my future, unable to embrace reality as it indeed was.
I found myself constantly revisiting the painful memories of my childhood and early adulthood, hindering my personal growth and preventing me from becoming the person I was destined to be.
It never occurred to me to consider my mistakes or how poorly I handled some situations.
I used to play the blame game, holding others responsible for my difficulties. However, I’ve come to understand that my actions granted them the power to influence me in such a manner.
I felt a surge of anger and frustration as I realised how I had let others mistreat me during my childhood, allowing them to control me physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually.
I still wonder why I didn’t stand up and fight.
During my childhood, I was small, filled with sadness, and trapped in my world. I faced my struggles without any help, feeling utterly isolated and alone.
When the majority holds sway, they wield formidable influence.
It’s a harsh truth that rather than growing into a well-adjusted adult, I could not accept that I would never be entirely accepted. This led me to seek validation, ultimately hindering my personal growth constantly.
Many years later, I soon came to the realisation that their acceptance would never be mine; I found myself sinking into a pit of self-pity, anger, and rage. I allowed these negative emotions to consume me, leading me down a path of self-destruction.
I felt that the only way to liberate my mind and soul from the pain of rejection was to bring an end to my life.
When you refuse to accept the things you cannot change, your happiness is at stake.
Releasing what no longer benefits you may not be simple, but it is your only choice if you want to avoid being stuck on a treadmill.
I never considered myself competitive because I constantly viewed myself as a failure, failing to meet my standards.
I was consumed by jealousy and envy, convinced everyone else’s lives were flawless and perfect.
I used to let my pent-up emotions and frustrations from the past consume me, causing me to unleash my anger onto the world and anyone unfortunate enough to cross my path.
My pain was causing me to inflict suffering on others. My misery was leading me to make others miserable.
Beneath the surface, there resided a compassionate, empathetic soul that was wounded.
The moment I understood that I was not alone and witnessed the diverse struggles of those facing emotional and mental trauma, I gained a newfound perspective. All I needed to do was open up to the right people who could help me release my sorrows and burdens, leading me to a place of safety and comfort.
Therapy, prayers, and strategic action steps were the tools that guided me through the majority of my struggles.
It’s easy to say, “Leave it with God,” and not take any action to help yourself, but true faith requires trust in a higher power and effort.
There are moments when I wish I had obtained the keys to freedom sooner, but I have come to trust that everything unfolds in God’s perfect timing.
I hindered my growth by resisting change and missing out on countless opportunities that could have enriched my life.
If I had the same mindset years ago as I do now, I might have become a mother and a wife or achieved great success in my career.
I plan to focus on expanding my knowledge, improving myself, and dedicating my energy to inspiring and assisting those who feel trapped in the monotony of everyday life.
It can be challenging to assist those stuck in their ways or have lost hope.
However, countless individuals are eager to release the weight of their past and embrace a life filled with joy and fulfilment.
The essential element for success in this endeavour is a willingness to dedicate oneself to the demanding work ahead. This entails acknowledging, accepting, and bracing for the inevitable challenges that will make this journey difficult.
There may be moments when you feel weighed down, but to find true happiness, you must push through the challenges that arise.
If you’re ready to break free from the chains of your demons and move forward in life, the first step is to seek counsel.
Joining Alcoholics Anonymous was the most excellent decision I ever made. Through the fellowship, I navigated the 12 steps and traditions alongside individuals who truly understood me. It was a transformative experience that allowed me to connect with others more deeply.
If you are committed to making an effort and being truthful with yourself, you can discover a resolution within any program.
I continue to avoid forming deep connections and close relationships because I struggle to navigate them. While I still harbour feelings of anger and rage, I am conscious of how I choose to release and express these emotions.
The past three years of my life have been nothing short of amazing. While I may not be flawless, I strive to improve myself daily. I have decided to return to therapy to address and overcome the remaining challenges in my life.
I refuse to let my past negative experiences control me any longer.
In everything, there must be a balance.
Natalie M Bleau
Scripture of Balance
