In our work with individuals and businesses in the realm of total life management, we sometimes encounter the roadblock of pain. I’m referring to the type of pain associated with issue avoidance. This post from Runner’s World is very compelling illustrating what I mean. You can apply it to running, a fractured relationship or a workplace experience it doesn’t matter.
The gift of life does not reward us when we avoid issues in our 8 spheres of living. They only stand to either be a slow decay or an Achilles Heel in our time allotted here. Interestingly enough, my daughter asked me this morning whether I was sad about my older brother. My brother is a heroin addict and has been a substance abuser for the majority of his adult life. I explained to her that on a basic human condition level, I am sad for him. But I made a decision some years ago to not allow the crippling sadness (the type where my life was being sucked away and damage was being done to others I care about) be a part of my life. I did the crippling sadness routine for many years and it didn’t work.
We often look for things to cover up what we would like to avoid. Before my eyes were opened, I used my career and the success that came with it. By no stretch of the imagination do I have a problem or stress-free life, The breakthrough is found in that I don’t avoid the issues that come, or the pain associated with them.
So are you willing to join me in facing the pain?