In Denial

Sometimes we are in denial about things. Things we don’t want to acknowledge or confront. Especially when those “things” pertain to us or someone we love dearly.  We just don’t want to think that “thing” can be true. After all, it wasn’t part of the life plan or dream.

Yet being in denial only hurts us in the long run. It hinders growth and having a healthy relationship with others. It hurts our ability to be able to live life with true joy, abandon, and love.

It’s almost as if we are crippling ourselves on purpose instead of admitting truth.

I don’t like to think that certain truths are a part of my life story…but they are. And the more I can admit that and embrace them, even if they are ugly, the more I can turn those things into strengths or ministries to others.

When I simply get adamant that something is not true about myself, or a loved one, I stop time. I stop growing. I stop moving forward as a person, and I stop living. I cut off the life giving, flourishing part that God can breathe into me. My life and love is stunted.

I admire people who can admit –even if it’s painful – that they need help or that they have issues. I admire people who can reach up and out to climb through those hard things. They know how to navigate rough waters because they want to learn, grow, and become better and stronger.

I hope I can be like that. I hope that instead of being stubborn, I can listen to others when they try to lovingly point things out to me or I can admit when something needs attention in order for me to continue flourishing in life as an individual.

I don’t want to live my life in denial.

It takes a great deal of courage to overcome issues in our lives. Whether they pertain to unhealthy relationships, emotional issues, or physical ones…. Life can be just as full if not fuller by simply reaching out for help. 

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s something to be proud of. For many don’t have the courage to reach out and get better at all.  And a life wasted – is no life at all.