Let life happen for you

There is so much out there on gratitude and optimism. It can be annoying and suffocating to hear all the time.

You know what is also annoying and suffocating?

Feeling like crap. Being crabby, uncomfortable. Feeling like your life is insignificant, like you have no actual impact in the world. Feeling that you have no real goals or ambitions because what is all that great for you to do.

That is an annoying way to live. And a limiting way to live.

I don't believe life should be all roses and gratitude. You have to accept the life you live. Accept the darkness, pain, stress, and goodness in all forms.

Why?

Because its your current reality.

Acceptance does not mean stagnation. Acceptance creates self awareness. When you are self aware you can not longer live in ignorance of the reality you are in. Acceptance leads to possible growth and change as you accept that you have not been working hard, cutting corners and avoiding difficult tasks or conversations.

It places you at a cross road. It forces you to make a choice. Continue on the road you are very aware you are on, or make a change.

You may hit this point and slip back thinking where you are is not so bad and you're comfortable on the road you are on.

Great. Then you have accepted your reality and can continue on actively choosing to live how you are.

But many times what ends up happening is you become aware and think "YIKES. To change roads is a lot of work. I don't know if I want do put in all that effort to change my reality."

So what happens when you're in this position?

Lean into it. Lean into the nagging feelings that are pulling you in two different directions. It's easy in the moment to stay on the path that you are on. But have you looked at the road in a while?

It may be horribly paved, leading you to nowhere good.

Turn your head and look at the other. It may take a lot of initial effort to turn and bring all your stuff at this left handed turn. The on coming traffic is your guilt, fear, resistance.

Shoot the gap.

That is just one rotation of the wheel. One action.

Maybe you undershot and you swipe the curb a bit. Oh well. You adjust and keep moving to the new road.