We all face difficulties and challenges on a daily basis. They are inconvenient, disruptive, and annoyingly persistent at times. Some originate from our external environment, where we have no control or protection against them. Others arise from within, emotions we’ve repressed or sudden bouts of anxiety over who knows what. The anxiety strikes out of nowhere. Sometimes over absolutely nothing we are aware of, or a minor interruption that has happened in our world.
We each have different ways of dealing with disruptions in our lives. The majority of us run from our problems. Eluding them for as long as we can, hoping they will fix themselves or just disappear. This will never be the case, even though we try over and over again to avoid the discomfort through avoidance.
Then there are a select few who recognize the significance of facing our challenges head on. Being open and vulnerable with a significant other about our feelings. Taking on a task we know will be difficult but has to get done at some point or another. These people know they can’t outrun the storm, so they choose to face it.
When a storm is rolling in on the Upper Midwest prairie, the buffalo shows this resilience most animals do not. They instinctively know that if they head directly into the eye of the storm, it will be over quicker than if they run away. They choose to face the frustration of the storm instead of delaying the inevitable. This saves them time, pain, and energy. Think of all the energy we waste trying to run away from our own storms! If we just recognized that this is the path of least resistance, it would be done and overcome much quicker and with less stress.
Not only is it empowering to face the storms of your own life, but it is healing. When we overcome any obstacle there is a sense of relief and release that only the resilient will understand. Having just a taste of that and reminding yourself daily to face your problems can have a deep impact in your confidence and wellbeing.
We can’t outrun the storms, they will eventually catch up to us. But we can take the wisdom from the buffalo and face them, no matter how uncomfortable. No matter how much we resent them. No matter who or what stands in our way. Speak your truth, get that task done and over with.
The more you practice facing your fears, the less fear will keep you stuck in this never ending cycle. It will only bring you ever closer to healing the wounds you’ve burdened yourself with for so long. Face the storm, it’s worth your time and energy.
Comments