As we begin to see through our own disguise, as we start to strip off the layers of our own deception, we begin to feel free - unburdened. It's almost like backwards thinking, like convincing ourselves that letting our crazy show is the only way we can survive. It gets tiring carrying our own baggage (problems) on top of keeping up a disguise. By letting the "crazy" show, not only gives us less to carry - It also is our first step to fixing the crazy and finding peace in all this chaos. I've found that it's easier to admit that I'm struggling with something, but it's even harder to actually start dealing with that problem.
I'm more of a "talker" than a "do-er" when it comes to facing my problems. I can talk about how I need to change and how I want to change, but actually doing - actually stepping up to the edge of the cliff and taking that leap?? I might need a push. But that's OK! The point is that whether it's a push or a leap, that feeling of falling is terrifying and exhilarating, and when I reach the bottom, I will be changed.
And(!) Everyone's fall is different! Everyone's cliff is different. Branches, storms, mud, snow, hot weather (I hate hot weather... bring on the snow!), slopes, plains, jagged edges, peaceful rivers, raging rapids.... you get the picture. We all hit different things on our way down. The point is, the challenge is, not to cling to those things on our way down. We need to finish the race... er the fall! Ok, enough about ourselves and our battles. Why do we open up to others about our battles? Why write your story on this site?
And(!) Everyone's fall is different! Everyone's cliff is different. Branches, storms, mud, snow, hot weather (I hate hot weather... bring on the snow!), slopes, plains, jagged edges, peaceful rivers, raging rapids.... you get the picture. We all hit different things on our way down. The point is, the challenge is, not to cling to those things on our way down. We need to finish the race... er the fall! Ok, enough about ourselves and our battles. Why do we open up to others about our battles? Why write your story on this site?
There is something to be said about the courage we gain from others. You never see a one man army, even though it may sometimes feel like we're on our own. Many us have started to realize that we (EVERYONE) is fighting a battle. We were not created as a species to give up. It is not in us. That is why we feel pain and sorrow, because we know all is not right, that something needs to be fixed. Our battles, most of them, come from that desire for all to be set right. To me, I believe that we begin telling our stories, out loud, because it gives us courage to keep fighting. We know all is not lost, all is not without hope because we continue to fight. Even though it is painful, the pain lets us know that we are still alive and fighting. When others know that it is ok to not be alright, to be broken inside, we can have help picking up the pieces. The more the merrier! "We're broken people!" There's two reasons why those lyrics are so amazing to belt out... alone and with a crowd: one - we're admitting that we are not ok... SO freeing! and two - WE'RE... we're not alone!! We're not singing alone, we're not fighting alone. We tell our stories, Tyler and josh play these songs because it gives us courage to step out of the shadows and feel the warmth of the sun again. There is a comfort in words, and a comfort in being surrounded by people who are saying those same words, singing the same lyrics.
SO, after this long rant - I guess what I'm trying to say is - keep fighting. Don't be afraid of the cliff you are on. Step off the edge and if you hit something on the way down, keep falling. The ride might be long and tiresome, but the end is the bright morning sun. Keep sharing your story, don't be ashamed or afraid of your battle. You were made to fight.
“Don’t give up. Push through the droughts. Channel the inevitable disappointments into your craft. Break molds. Think. Create. And most importantly, stay alive. And in the meantime, make it about others. That seems to work. Stay strong. Live on. Power to the local dreamer.”
“Don’t give up. Push through the droughts. Channel the inevitable disappointments into your craft. Break molds. Think. Create. And most importantly, stay alive. And in the meantime, make it about others. That seems to work. Stay strong. Live on. Power to the local dreamer.”