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Leadership Thought #298 – Avoid Wallowing In the Darkness

February 15, 2012

Wallowing in Self-Doubt | by Sandra Ebejer | The Writing Cooperative

The cure to wallowing in the darkness is to seek the light.

Sometimes life is heavy.  There is just no way around it.   We lose people we love; our own bodies break down, and other personal or professional challenges appear unexpectedly.  When this happens it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the adversity of the moment(s) and wallow in despair.  You can sometimes feel like the famous statue of Atlas who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.  When this happens, you need to count your many blessings and seek out opportunities for joy, love, and support.

What we focus on expands.  If all your energy is channeled into negative thinking don’t be surprised if this only makes you feel worse.   No matter what happens to you the only way out of the darkness is to reach for the light.   The light shines down on you through the generosity of your own spirit, the strength of your close relationships, remaining true to your core beliefs/faith, and recognizing the many blessings that surround you.  It all comes down to context and perspective.

I’ve always believed that true happiness is a result of having a positive impact on others, not just focusing on ourselves.  It may sound counter-intuitive, but when you are feeling down, I encourage you to be a source of comfort and support to someone else.   You won’t have to look far to find someone who has it even more difficult than you.   Don’t get too caught up in your own little world.  It’s far too easy to surround ourselves in a bubble of our own making.

It’s also important to know that when things get difficult, being vulnerable can be a source of strength rather than weakness.  When you need love and support from others, ask for and be open to help.  There are many good people out there and they will line up to help you if you are putting out this energy.

Lastly, instead of internalizing everything and isolating yourself, open up and communicateAvoidance never works.  Repressed feelings only emerge stronger later and/or are manifested in the form of further physical pain and suffering.  It also makes the people in your life feel less close to you at a time when they strive for a connection.

Do your best to avoid wallowing in the darkness when the light is always within reach…