In life, there are emotional highs and lows. There's a rhythm to these things. October was spectacular. Fall Festival, my birthday, Halloween with the candy and costumes, especially getting to see Tim again. It's only natural that mountains create valleys, but I can't remember the last time I fought so hard against the downhill portion of this ride. I know where I'm going, and I know that the valley leads back up to another mountain, but dang it, I don't want to be depressed during this season! I don't want to be board of my entire music library, I don't want all my food to taste and smell bad. I don't want the autumn colors to be dull and muted. I don't want to feign interest in sports, movies, games, friends, and family. November shouldn't have to suck!
Some things I just can’t control. I know that for the next 5 months, I’m going to drive home from work at 5:00 pm in total darkness. At least I have a home, a car, and a job. Why can’t I choose to enjoy that experience? Why must I go though this emotional valley? I know from living in my skin for 30 years now, that this is a process that I must embrace. Even the valley can be enjoyed, so long as I stop fighting against it. I can choose slide down the mountain, clawing and tearing at every little limb and shrub along the way, or I can embrace the melancholy, even enjoy the subdued season.
I can use this time to shed the overgrown responsibilities of my life. Reclude a little. Grow a lot. I can walk boldly into the dark because I know that joy WILL come in the morning. I have absolute certainty that rain falls, sun shines, and mountains follow valleys. Jesus taught me not to camp out. Yes, we must go though the valley, that’s not for me to decide. But don’t camp out. Don’t sit down. No stopping, standing, or parking. Don’t obsess about it. There is a balance in embracing the somber season without growing attached or fixated on my own suffering.
It’s ok to be sad sometimes. Please, don’t beat myself up. I am valuable. My wife, parents, siblings, friends, and infant daughter all love and cherish me. They are all relying on me while at the same time, they realize that I am not their savior. It’s ok for me to be sad sometimes. They don’t think less of me for it. It’s not weakness, its natural, and everyone knows it. Take the time that I need, they’re happy to give it to me. More than just meeting up on the mountain tops, they want to be with me in my valleys as well. All the time. They love me. Don’t shut them out. They need you to help them though their own valleys, show them how it’s done. Teach them not to camp out in the valley while still validating their valley experience.
Feeling better? Good. Now it’s time for some real talk. Yes, you will pass though this safely. BUT, there are some things you need to watch out for, so you don’t end up extending your stay by accident. First, be careful of your music. You learned this the hardest way. Don’t listen to sad music, or music that glorifies depression. You don’t have to listen to freaking Disney songs for a month. Just be choosey with your music. Be careful with Emancipator, stay away from Ladytron, absolutely none of that crap you listened to when you were young. Seek new stuff. Making new memories will help build the foothills of the next mountain.
Next, you need to get some exercise. NEED. Get up early. Do it in the morning, before it hits you, while it’s still cool outside. While all the restaurants still smell like breakfast. Go. Run. This is the single most productive thing you can do right now. Prepare for it the night before. Check the weather. Lay out your clothes. Queue up your play list. Drink plenty of water. Eat a banana. Get ready to run. You must plan this out and prepare for it in order to sanctify it. Holiness takes preparation. I’m going to thank myself ahead of time for doing this.
One more thing. The internet is the best place to hide, maybe too good. This one’s up to you, but... I’d appreciate if you’d consider staying away from electronics for a while. You decide you’re own limit. Playing video games and surfing the net is too inviting. Come camp with me says MGSV. No one will find you here. I’m sorry Snake, I have to be careful because you are a toxic friend. Moderation. I have many projects that don’t involve a computer screen. Completing any one of them would do me a world of good. Please don’t make me ask again.
Tomorrow will be the most beautiful day of Raymond K Hessel's life. His breakfast will taste better than any meal you or I have ever tasted.
Some things I just can’t control. I know that for the next 5 months, I’m going to drive home from work at 5:00 pm in total darkness. At least I have a home, a car, and a job. Why can’t I choose to enjoy that experience? Why must I go though this emotional valley? I know from living in my skin for 30 years now, that this is a process that I must embrace. Even the valley can be enjoyed, so long as I stop fighting against it. I can choose slide down the mountain, clawing and tearing at every little limb and shrub along the way, or I can embrace the melancholy, even enjoy the subdued season.
I can use this time to shed the overgrown responsibilities of my life. Reclude a little. Grow a lot. I can walk boldly into the dark because I know that joy WILL come in the morning. I have absolute certainty that rain falls, sun shines, and mountains follow valleys. Jesus taught me not to camp out. Yes, we must go though the valley, that’s not for me to decide. But don’t camp out. Don’t sit down. No stopping, standing, or parking. Don’t obsess about it. There is a balance in embracing the somber season without growing attached or fixated on my own suffering.
It’s ok to be sad sometimes. Please, don’t beat myself up. I am valuable. My wife, parents, siblings, friends, and infant daughter all love and cherish me. They are all relying on me while at the same time, they realize that I am not their savior. It’s ok for me to be sad sometimes. They don’t think less of me for it. It’s not weakness, its natural, and everyone knows it. Take the time that I need, they’re happy to give it to me. More than just meeting up on the mountain tops, they want to be with me in my valleys as well. All the time. They love me. Don’t shut them out. They need you to help them though their own valleys, show them how it’s done. Teach them not to camp out in the valley while still validating their valley experience.
Feeling better? Good. Now it’s time for some real talk. Yes, you will pass though this safely. BUT, there are some things you need to watch out for, so you don’t end up extending your stay by accident. First, be careful of your music. You learned this the hardest way. Don’t listen to sad music, or music that glorifies depression. You don’t have to listen to freaking Disney songs for a month. Just be choosey with your music. Be careful with Emancipator, stay away from Ladytron, absolutely none of that crap you listened to when you were young. Seek new stuff. Making new memories will help build the foothills of the next mountain.
Next, you need to get some exercise. NEED. Get up early. Do it in the morning, before it hits you, while it’s still cool outside. While all the restaurants still smell like breakfast. Go. Run. This is the single most productive thing you can do right now. Prepare for it the night before. Check the weather. Lay out your clothes. Queue up your play list. Drink plenty of water. Eat a banana. Get ready to run. You must plan this out and prepare for it in order to sanctify it. Holiness takes preparation. I’m going to thank myself ahead of time for doing this.
One more thing. The internet is the best place to hide, maybe too good. This one’s up to you, but... I’d appreciate if you’d consider staying away from electronics for a while. You decide you’re own limit. Playing video games and surfing the net is too inviting. Come camp with me says MGSV. No one will find you here. I’m sorry Snake, I have to be careful because you are a toxic friend. Moderation. I have many projects that don’t involve a computer screen. Completing any one of them would do me a world of good. Please don’t make me ask again.
Tomorrow will be the most beautiful day of Raymond K Hessel's life. His breakfast will taste better than any meal you or I have ever tasted.
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