The ‘what ifs’ can be paralyzing.
What if I do? What if it does not work? What if it does? What if they don’t like it? What if I’m criticized? What if I fail?
Detach yourself from the ‘what if’ and create that thing you’re aching to bring to life. Create it. Share it. Repeat this process often enough and you will become immune to the ‘what ifs’.
Is knowledge power? Not exactly. Here are a few phrases some of us may say to ourselves when we see someone creating and exposing their work:
“That’s easy.”
“I can do that.”
“I went to school for that.”
“I can start that business too.”
“I can do better than that.”
Maybe we can. However, they are ‘doing that’. They are applying their knowledge ‘now’ and learning more along their journey.
Is it time to start your own journey?
Now more than ever, we are exposed to more information. Our brain is continually processing data. We can choose that data. Choose wisely. Time offers no refunds.
It was Thursday morning. I had come back for more. I remembered your neatly kept store, for I had been here before. Hurriedly, I crossed the street and approached your front door. Was I an eyesore? Did you anticipate a holy war? Would you have waited if I was a high-class sexy whore?
We crossed paths and without hesitation, you slowly walked next door. Expecting your prompt return, I walked inside and asked myself, “Is this the way you tend your store?”. Why have I returned? Why would I want more?
You talked about life and offered advice. I heard the same question, for you asked him twice. You questioned his reasons for becoming sober. Who will heal your soul, when your life is over? Slightly annoyed, he turned towards your store. He took a deep breath and then looked me over. I could not help wonder, “Will your words he ignore?”. You are teaching how, by ignoring your store.
Patience is my virtue, so I waited for you. After ten minutes, you continued your speech. My presence was strong but your attention was beyond my reach. Does this happen often? Perhaps you are blessed. Just like your store, you were well dressed. Perhaps your life’s goal is to offer advice, to those who will listen, without thinking twice.
Is your cause worth fighting for? Is it worth losing your store? If the answer is yes, then keep fighting on! If I one day come back and I’m looking for more, perhaps I will find a dusty locked door.
Tell me. I’ll listen. I may not care, but I will listen. Tell me. I may not have solutions but if you like, I can offer opinions. Either way, if you tell me, I will listen.
What’s on your mind? Tell me your thoughts. Express your fears. I have the time, the patience and two healthy ears. Tell me. I’m here. It’s late in October and Halloween will soon come only to quickly disappear, but God willing, for you, I will continue to be here.
Is it the bogeyman you fear? Do you always feel him near? Is he of flesh and blood or does he roam around between your ears? Tell me. I want to hear, for I too have had my own fears.
Nothing to say? Okay. Have it your way. Since you chose not to speak, to give you a glimpse of what I see, I will give you a sneak peek. Frustration, pain, and confusion are exuding your pores, while anger and fear are holding on tight until you put them in gear.
The gun you are holding, more than once, has caressed your left and right ear. You’ve tasted its barrel. You appear to have a low regard for life, for you always put yours in peril. How do I know this? That answer comes with a twist. I am you. Your inner child with an adult voice. Yes. That voice. When fighting your demons, in your head, I make the most noise. Why then do you choose to ignore me? Tell me. I’m here. I’m always here.
Is that the bogeyman I hear? Mine lies in your head. Yes, the same one that says you are better off dead. It constantly yells in my ear. It intends to feed me his shit and fill my being with fear. At times, I feel your frustration, pain, and confusion. Watching you suffer throughout the years, with the support of people who listened, I have learned to build faith. Where there is faith, there is no room for fear.
Tell me. I’ll listen. For you, against your demons, I will continue to fight. If you give me a chance and you choose to listen, in your darkest hours, my noise will convert into light, which will guide you through life and prepare you for even the toughest fight.
Please put the gun down and tell me you will listen.
Slices of Life. We all have them. For you, your largest and perhaps the most important one is when you married your significant other and brought him into your life. For him, it could be the day he divorced his fourth wife to pursue your affection. Perhaps an even stronger slice is the day he abandoned the life he forgot to mention.
Slices of life. Not immediately evident to you at the time, your birth became your first slice of life. At birth, fortunate children are welcomed by their father and his happy wife. To them, although not their first, this too is a momentous slice of life.
Against all odds, ‘John Doe’ babies who would otherwise only collect a few hours’ worth of slices, are given a great chance at life by our doctors and their modern devices. They did not perish. Instead, this incredible slice of life, with their foster parents, they will one day cherish.
Without having carved out their own significant slices and unprepared for a meaningful emotional connection, many young adults engage in meaningless, unprotected sex, which too often, to this world, brings a new life. A life that one day, when seeking more affection, they too might forget to mention.
Slices of life. We all have them. Some we want to forget and some we want to relive. To once again hit that home run… oh, there isn’t anything you wouldn’t give. While slices of life cannot be taken away, our choices in life can prevent us from ever feeling the same way. For some, this may sound comedic. It won’t to a once healthy athlete who turned to drugs and is now a quadriplegic.
Slices of life. To cut them, you don’t need a knife. You only need to be present, for you only have one life. Without an incision, no matter how grand your collection, if it selects you, Alzheimer’s will slowly cut these from your life. Has this thought crossed your mind? Are you scared? Don’t be. Instead, be prepared. Your faith will trump your fears. Carve out your own slices. Start now and continue through the rest of your years. Enjoy each moment while you live a meaningful life.
Slices of life.
You must be logged in to post a comment.