Survival Guide pt 1: Face It

So...life happens. We know that. We either know it because we've been told that one day it's more than likely going to punch us in the gut, or we know it by experience.

Imagine, if you will, that it just happened. You've been rocked to the core. You've messed up. You've been gut punched. You never expected (insert any crisis here)...

Guess what, whether this is some situation you created yourself because of some mistake or it's something that was totally outside of your control but is going to rock your world from here on out. You know what? In this moment, you have a decision to make...

You can run from it...or you can face it head-on.

Human nature is to move into self-preservation mode and batten down the hatches and do anything possible to try to avoid the pain. We avoid, we run, we dismiss, we retreat, we isolate, we fake it, and so on and so on...

Here's the thing, YOU DON'T HAVE TO RUN, actually, in the long run, it's better if you don't! Let me illustrate it with one of our favorite stories.

This story centers around the mighty Bison, specifically how they react when a storm is coming. While other animals will huddle together and run away from the storm, the Bison, in all of its strength and might, take the storm head-on, charging directly into its path. 

Many times, we find ourselves trying with everything in us to put as much distance between us and whatever storms we see on the horizon. By turning and running away we only prolong our suffering and lengthen our exposure to the elements of the storm, therefore, greatly increasing the suffering we endure.

The bison has it right...by charging into the storm and facing it head-on, it limits the amount of time it takes to weather the storm and how quickly its adversity is overcome.

When it comes to you and me, here are some truths you need to know:

TRUTH IS, you don't need to run away from it.

TRUTH IS, you don't have to face it alone.

TRUTH IS, you can survive this.

TRUTH IS, there is no need for shame.

TRUTH IS, fear does not have to win.

TRUTH IS, your feelings are real.

TRUTH IS, this might be hard.

You are not alone. You don't have to run. Those who love you won't shame you. Bravery is deep inside you. You have permission to feel the way you do. This will be worth it.

Make your decision. We're here to help. 

Know what this decision feels like? Be there to help.

LIES THIS SILENCES

I'm not good enough.

I'm now defined by this mistake.

I am ashamed.

I deserve this. 

The guilt will never go away.

This is too hard for me to face.

Life is ruined.

Nothing can help me.

I don't deserve help.