*Life is full of lessons, if we pay attention. When a lesson produces an “Aha”, light bulb moment for me, I call it an Everyday Epiphany. Here’s one of mine. What are yours?
Remember that saying, “No pain. No gain.” I remember it from a long-ago aerobics class. I didn’t like it. I don’t like pain. But I see the truth in the saying. Sometimes we have to deal with pain…or fear...or conflict in order to move forward and get the good stuff we want.
I’m pretty sure this is one of those lessons I MUST learn (I mean really learn and take to heart). It keeps coming back at me in different forms at different stages of my life.
An epiphany early in life
For instance, when I was a kid I’d stand at the edge of my street. Barefoot. The sun blazing. “Come over,” I’d hear, “Come on over.”
My friends lived across that street, and they were calling me to come play. Good stuff was over there – friends, fun, toys. Why hesitate? Fear of pain stopped me. The asphalt of the street was scorching. There was sharp gravel, too. Did I mention my bare feet?
Finally the promise of fun would push me. I’d look both ways and then…Ooch, Ouch, Ooch, Ouch… I’d wince my way across.
Have you faced something too?
That was me. Learning a hard truth at a tender age. Who hasn’t been in a similar spot? Hesitating in a warm bed on a cold morning. Thinking twice before taking the dog out in a storm. Snuggling on your couch before leaving for a party.
Most times we grit our teeth and go for it. The thought of the consequences compels us. Get out of bed and go to work or risk getting fired. Take the dog out, or she’ll piddle on the rug. Stay on your couch and miss friends and fun.
Life is full of these little moments, each one a decision point. Inertia, procrastination and pain-avoidance hold us back. But the good stuff is waiting just on the other side. I’m working on facing it and moving ahead. How about you?
RSS Feed
