It’s not an exaggeration to say that having the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel can make or break you. Having no proof that things will get better feels dark and draining, and it makes you start questioning the “point” of just about everything.
Even the barest glimmer of proof that things will get better can be enough to remove a substantial weight from your shoulders and make you feel optimistic again. So when you see that light, here’s what you shouldn’t do.
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APPLY IT TO YOUR OWN LIFE:
We’re sure you’ve been there. Just when it looks like things are going to get better, you start seeing ten more things that “aren’t right” or that could possibly “go wrong.”
The funny thing about having a spark of hope is that you can become very protective of it and incredibly fearful that it might get accidentally snuffed out.
{After all, when you’re in the dark tunnel and you’re a bit miserable, you’re not exactly afraid of someone stealing your sunshine.}
But once you’ve got some proof that things are looking up? Now you’ve potentially got something to lose, and that’s terrifying.
So in our terror, we fixate on more problems. We create drama where it doesn’t need to be. We invent stress and paranoia out of thin air. All in a ridiculous impulse to distract ourselves (and everyone else) from our hope (… as if we could).
It feels weirdly comfortable to create more problems when you’re used to having problems. It’s far scarier to revel in hope when you’re definitely not used to having it.
Resist the impulse to hide from your hope or to create more tunnels for yourself. Because while piling on the problems might feel oddly comfortable, all they’ll ultimately do is stress you out, detract from your quality of life, and make it that much harder to turn what’s just a hope right now … into concrete reality.
How is this #ClarityGem sitting with you today? Leave us a comment below to let us know!
WHAT #CLARITYGEMS ARE ALL ABOUT:
Sometimes it’s just better to avoid long blog posts and cut straight to the point!
Think of #ClarityGems as your weekly shake of the good ‘ole Magic 8 Ball … you never know what might bubble up and how it might be exactly what you need to hear today.
And instead of just a beautiful, inspirational, and shareable image (which is a nice start), we’re giving you some quick thoughts about how to interpret it … because inspiration without action is pretty, but kind of anti-climatic.
Tweet it, share it on Instagram, or forward it along to someone who needs to hear it today … and tag us (@ClarityonFire) to let us know how this Gem is inspiring you!
Much Love,
Kristen + Rachel
I find myself doing this and it’s a nice reminder to just not. It’s easy to get used to just feeling defeated that even when you see that silver lining or light at the end of the tunnel I end up thinking it’s a mirage instead of holding onto it. Thanks for writing this timely post- at least timely for me.
I’m glad this post was so well-timed for you, Sofia! It’s so easy to get comfortable with the feeling of defeat and discouragement … to the point that you can hardly believe it when you see that light at the end of the tunnel. So you build new tunnels because you’ve gotten so used to being in the dark.
If nothing else, this #ClarityGem is about allowing yourself to feel hopeful again and to expect great things to happen to you. Definitely keep holding on to that light!
This post is perfectly timed for me! You’re right, it’s scary when there’s actually something to lose. Negativity is easier than positivity. Love this.
You’re totally right — positivity takes way more courage than negativity, especially when you have something to lose. But in the long run, negativity is actually WAY harder, and it’s never worth it. I’m glad this message showed up at just the right time for you!