The Boulder

Imagine a boulder, just a bit taller and wider than you are. If you hid behind it, no one could see you if they were standing right in front of the boulder. If the sun were properly positioned, the boulder could cast a shadow that would swallow you up...you could hide within that shadow. If there were an immediate danger, you might feel safe and well-hidden behind that boulder. It sounds as if this boulder might be useful, at least at times, since it seems our scenario would allow you to step out from behind the boulder as you chose.

But I imagine, as has happened to me, that we encounter boulders as big as the one above that somehow trap us in shadows and perceived dangers, and lead us to believe we cannot step out from behind them. A boulder such as this may have a name: Avoid Yourself.

That boulder might be a voice in your head that says:

Avoid truths about yourself that you do not want to deal with: health, weight,

finances.

Avoid relationship issues with spouses, children, friends, and parents.

Avoid destructive habits and lifestyle choices.

Avoid moving forward through grief.

Avoid the work of loving yourself.

I am encouraging you to grab a paper and pencil or go to the Notes section of your smartphone and answer this question (in your set-aside time to ponder): how badly do you avoid yourself? Ask the question and let some thoughts bubble up in your mind. Write them down. For the next couple of days, simply let the question and continued thoughts simmer in your mind. Even as you read this, you are taking an important step in feeding your strength.

Until next time, thanks for pondering with me.