“The best way out is always through”- Robert Frost

 

I’m sure, like any quote, there are many ways to interpret this one. So first, I would like you to think about what this saying means to YOU.

Thought about it? Okay, good. Now, I’ll tell you what this quote said to me…

My translation of “the best way out is always through”, is that the best way to move on from something going on in your life, is to accept it, experience it, process it, and then, move past it.

This philosophy can apply to so many different people, situations, and circumstances. These predicaments we find ourselves in can vary from a stressful homework/ work assignment, a class that you are struggling with, a breakup/ conflict with someone you love, fear of failure when trying something new, or really just any every day obstacle you have to tackle head on.

It’s especially important to have this mentality when you find yourself in a difficult situation because now you can, not only walk away with a lesson learned, but also take those preventative measures to avoid it from becoming a recurring problem. Once you know what you are capable of, what once seemed impossible, has now become very possible.

For instance, I’ll give you an example of a time when was afraid to try something new, due to fear of failure, and how I overcame it. When I was in my junior year of undergrad, I finally decided to put my insecurities aside and join my college track team. I had talked myself out of it every year before that because I felt I wouldn’t be good enough. “I never did track in high school, or even middle school for that matter. How would I possibly fit in on a D2 team?”.

After about two years of this mentality, I managed to muster up the courage to contact the coaches and join the team for their first pre-season practice of the year. I had always had a passion for running for as long as I could remember, so it wasn’t necessarily the “being winded” aspect of joining a track team that terrified me, but more so the meets.

With months of practice under my belt, I finally attended my first track meet. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. After my first meet, I decided I not only wanted to try short-distance, but jumping events and mid-distance, too! I felt accomplished. And I met some great people along the way.

Although track didn’t end up being my passion, it was my segway into weight-lifting, which does happen to be a big part of my current daily life. But, beyond that, it was something that allowed me to challenge myself in ways I had been afraid to previously. And now, instead of wondering “what if“, I can instead say, “I did“.

Of course, this is just one example of how, and why, it is beneficial for us to take on challenges head on, as opposed to avoiding it. Like any difficult, or new situation, it’s perfectly okay to have those “butterflies” or to have doubts about “what’s the point?”… but, what’s most important, is that you are able to remind yourself of all of the other times you have felt this way in the past, and managed to come out on top, or at least with a lesson learned.

So what if I wasn’t exactly an all-star athlete? I did the best I could at something I’ve always wanted to try, met some great people along the way, and tried some new things… and, as if that wasn’t enough, I also walked away with the motivation to try lifting, and LOVED it.

Sometimes when we walk away from a situation, we are walking away with a different outcome than expected, but that never has to make it a loss.

So, go through those tunnels, instead of searching for an alternative route. Put your all into that homework assignment, kick butt on that presentation to your boss, resolve that conflict with your loved one, and motivate yourself to try and challenge yourself every day! You are more than capable of being the person you aspire to be. So, never deprive yourself of an amazing outcome just because the road you must travel to get their may seem intimidating.

– Virginia Johnson

 

Are you struggling with focusing on your goals and taking them head on, afraid of taking the first step into something new, or are you just interested in talking to someone about things going on in your life because you simply feel that you do not as you should? Sometimes having a partner in your journey can help. Give us a call  to set up a free phone consultation at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando at 407-355-7378, and one of our Orlando Individual Counselors, Orlando Life Coaches, Orlando Teen Counselors, and Orlando Child counselors would be more than happy to help you, a family member, or a friend work on changing your life.