#12 Getting up: a conclusion

Before I wrap things up, I want to clarify something. Throughout this series, I have talked about the need to look inward. But looking inward doesn’t always mean that you have some problem that needs to be changed. I just mean that you should assume that your reaction could be improved before you just go out and change where you are. 

I feel like that doesn’t paint this clearly enough, so here’s an example. If your job sucks and you start beating yourself up over it, looking inward might mean that you stop assuming that you are doing something wrong, or even that your job is particularly crappy. You might need to simply go from blaming any one thing at all, to simply saying that it’s a tough spot to be in. That’s still a change inside of you that doesn’t really involve changing your situation. Ultimately, growing can take on many forms. It isn’t always a formulaic process. 

And there you have it. Honestly, I can’t believe it has been two weeks of this! I have lived so much life in this chapter of my adventure that it feels like it has been two years! And the best part is: I know that this is just the beginning! I know I talked about it like one big transformation, but getting back up is a process. It takes insight into why you fell down in the first place. Courage to go through with rising again. And ultimately, it takes a lot of heart to really make the change happen. 

And all of the above is what I pray for you. I was watching Tarzan the other night, and a thought hit me: that kid stayed clumsy for a long time. I think that’s the biggest part of getting up and growing that really discourages many: it’s messy. It might feel like twelve steps backward sometimes. But I have come to discover that sticking with it grows us in ways we don’t even realize. 

Here’s an example. Ever since I left working at one, I have been actively going to the gym (ironic, I know.) And one of the things I have enjoyed working on is my pull-ups. Before I started this new job, I could do 2 or 3 at one time. That was it. But two days ago I went to test my max, and it went up to five! I wasn’t trying hard on the job or anything. I just showed up every day and did my best at everything asked of me. 

I know that isn’t a huge jump, but it proves my point that we don’t always notice our growth. And if we quit too soon, we might miss out on what could have been. What if all the pieces were falling into place, simmering like a pot ready to boil, and the thing that pushed you off of the burner was just a little speck that would have floated away in the steam? I know it’s tough. I know it’s hard. But it could be that you have found something really worth it, and that you need to put in the effort to defend it. You’ll never know until you try.

So try! Find yourself in the struggle. Ask yourself: in what area have I fallen down? Have you given up on a dream, a hope, an ideal? Is there something you always wanted that now seems too hard to chase? I would encourage you to find that thing, and to take those first steps to chase it. I pray you find that courage, because when you get back up, the world falls into place and you feel a sense of relief like no other. I pray you find your way,

And until next time

May Peace be your Guide.