Story

Have you ever thought… boy, once I’m through this, it will tell a great story someday… ?

It’s a difficult thing to consider when you’re in the midst of a struggle or even just a busy season. Feelings of frustration and hopelessness are the easy things to settle into. You might just want to stay solemn and afraid and angry, and grumble to your friends about your current state of life.

Sometimes it’s okay to feel those feelings. To grieve over “this isn’t the way it should be.” But we can’t stay there. We have to be able to pick ourselves up and move on.

Zooming out on my story is the best way I’ve found to deal with this. When I reach a roadblock in a situation or have a hurtful conversation with someone, after I’ve allowed myself to have some hard feelings (very difficult for this Enneagram 9…) I always at least attempt to see the big picture. To turn my thoughts toward 5-10 years in the past, and 5-10 years in the future.

When I see how far my story has come, and turn toward where my story will go, it’s much easier to think of my current struggle with hope. I WILL get through this! On the other side my life might be crazy-different, but it’s all part of a bigger story. And it will be a great one to tell.

31Days of Five Minute Free Writes is a participation in Write31Days, which takes place every October. See the rest of my craft-practicing posts linked up here.