Get Out of the Way!

The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her;  but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes.

C. JoyBell C.

 

By the end of my senior year in high school, I had learned that everyone had a cross to bear.  I also learned that a time would come to pick up the cross and carry it. 

I dragged my cross around for many years trying to find healing and probably attention as well.  I grew very tired of the effort it took and those around me grew very tired of hearing about it.

Unfortunately, I assumed that carrying my cross would be the solution, not understanding that it was just another step in a long process.  Although it is easier to pick up and carry a cross rather than drag it, it remains heavy and impedes progress.

Eventually the thought of setting down my cross floated across my consciousness, but my cross was an identity and a label.  Even though I no longer needed the cross, it was too frightening to consider who I might be without it.

After a while, I unburdened my self in a safe space and gathered the courage to move forward.  I felt lighter without the cross and became amazed at how much easier it was to navigate without it. 

One treads lightly after such a burden, but healing awakens the spirit and the willingness to run the risk of living life again.  Forgiveness welcomes the warm sun that brightens the dark within, encouraging the heart to open again.

Refusal to allow our past to dictate our present or future strengthens the spirit.  The biggest obstacle is our self.  We must learn to get out of our own way. 

Lay down your cross ... your baggage ... your guilt ... your grief ... or whatever it is you are dragging around.  Get out of your own way and start living again!