As we move along filling the pages of our own personal storybook, there are moments where we are faced with unique opportunities. It is within every situation we are given choices and options that are laid out before us. What makes this so intriguing is that life, when it decides to turn on these “blinking lights”, doesn’t give us much time to take action.

Unfortunately, those variables are normally right in front of us for a while before we become aware; whether intentionally or not. Our head’s must stay on a swivel or we’ll miss the nods from the gods.

This epiphany of sorts can bring about a gamut of potential outcomes. Maybe you’ve figured out that opening statement to begin that research paper you’ve been working on all semester; perhaps you’ve dialed in the perfect routine to optimize a dietary, physical or wellness goal, thus attaining the “life” most dream of; it may also be the realization that you’re in the wrong job, location or four years into a committed relationship with the wrong person.  

Maybe you’ve caught yourself in a perpetual cycle of repeating behaviors that have less than optimal impacts on your life. Always going for the “bad guy/girl”, only focused on the money when it comes to your job, etc. It isn’t until you fall apart, confide in a close friend or with family that you “see the light.”

All too often, most people will say that they are inadvertently blinded by the “grind” of their daily routine and that they never really notice the obvious clutter that ultimately diminishes their spirit. Conversely, you can be the person who is aware of what drags you down but choose to make excuses for these reasons and you’ve given up with addressing the issues and grown numb to the discomfort; or you incessantly hope for those detractors to right themselves.

There will come a time, a point, a place, where at the intersection of your heart, mind and place in life will collide. Things always come back to the surface. You will only be able to hold down or suppress the unresolved aspects of your life for so long. The masks we wear are made from different materials; Some stronger than others. Eventually they fall off.

Now in that same vein, think of the time we’ve wasted in hiding; look at what you could’ve used that time for. The gravity in realization is that you run out of places to hide and you are forced come to terms with the reality of your situation. Does it mean that it is all negative? All positive? No. It’s an opportunity to make decisions that can change your individual trajectory on many fronts.

As a majority of the tone of this blog post focuses on responding to the negative, I want to put this out there now. If you are paying attention to the signs, and are proactive about maintaining a positive heading in your life, this post won’t do much for you. Sorry. Keep doing great things and be sure to offer kindness, support and advice to those currently on the path to where you currently are.

The people that need to hear this know who they are and know exactly what I’m saying. There is a level of integrity in reading something that seems as if it were written for you specifically and acting on it. Here is your call to action; Consider this an intervention of sorts for a party of one.

If I have learned anything from my own journey it is the reality that the world is beautiful in a real F*cked up way. Your dreams, your faith, your soul, will be tested to beyond the point of breaking. Life has a sense of humor that humbles human beings in a way that reminds of us of just how fragile our existence truly is. You can open your heart and build a life with someone whom you thought was the “love” of your life; just to find out it was a lie the entire time.

You can face tragedy and loss on a number of levels and wonder what you ever did to deserve such a cruel existence. You can also be the guy who finds one hundred dollars on the street when you’ve just been let go from your job. You get my point. Life has incredible moments and shitty ones. How you negotiate these experiences will determine the depth of your story; your weathered path.

Allow yourself to process the pains and the pleasures. Your soul deserves it. Realize in that moment of despair that you have been given a gift. But while you do, stage the greatest comeback of your life. Realize that it’s not over for you but a chance at a new beginning. This is merely a transition from one chapter to the next. And be sure to keep a journal of your transformation so that as you move forward, you can reflect on where you began and REALIZE that you are making it each and every day.