At a Crossroads

I recently found myself standing at a crossroads. In one direction: the path I know well. The opportunity to remove myself, to run, to recoil, cried out for me. Trying to lure me in with its deceptive ease and pleas. In the other direction: the road less traveled. The opportunity for connection and belonging, to overcome fear, to heal, beamed rays of light just beyond the clouds, ever present along the way. I remained frozen. Panicked by the clouds, yet mesmerized by the light, all the while slowly backing towards the path I knew - a predictable downhill retreat, that only led to darkness and isolation, ultimately abandoning self once again. Though I had little confidence in navigating the road less traveled, I knew that it would come with support and lead to a freedom I have yet to experience.

When we are fearful, which do we honor and which do we challenge - fear of the known or fear of the unknown?

Overwhelmed by fear of the unknown, I turned my back and started to run. Yet, the further I ran, the less I felt the warmth of the light. Desolation consumed the road ahead, and I realized it wasn't the path I wanted to be on, yet again. Noticing that I was questioning my decision, I pivoted before it was too late, and found myself staring into the great unknown - filled with fear, longing, and hope. No matter how long we've been running, how far we've gone, or how hard we've worked to avoid, we can always choose to turn around and walk towards the things that fill us with fear. Though the fear is a constant challenge to face, I'm reminded of these words:

I see your fear and it’s big, but I see your courage and it’s bigger. You can do hard things. -Glennon Doyle

As you stand at the crossroads throughout your life, I wish you the strength, courage, and bravery to walk boldly in the direction of the unknown, fear and all, and that you find the support you need to not go it alone. #wecandohardthings

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I was recently faced with the decision to continue on with the support group I attend, while adding three new members, or to remove myself because of the overwhelm I was feeling.

I invite you to read about it in the related posts.