Let’s get ready to roll.
Imagine for a moment that you or a loved one has just received a shiny new bike. It is the perfect size, the perfect color, and it’s all tuned up and ready to go. It is a VERY NICE BIKE. Generally, when out in the world being the bike it was made to be, it is moving without flaws or much unnecessary friction. Sometimes, it might be appropriate to get a lock for that new, shiny bike during the times it is still or being stored.
The lock is simply a tool. A small, quick combo lock might do the job. Occasionally a stronger, more sturdy lock might be necessary. Perhaps you end up acquiring a few locks to use for different scenarios. Maybe you only have the one mega strong, ultra complex lock that you tote around no matter what the situation.
That mega strong bike lock is AWESOME for those times the bike is in the midst of chaos. Or maybe, when there are so many of the same bikes around you rely on that lock to identify YOUR bike. If you lose the key or the combination, well shucks, now that bike is stuck. Yes, it is still safe, but it is now an exhibit and on exhibition. It is not doing the thing it was meant to do - to bring joy, excitement, recreation, exercise, adventure, life. TO ROLL! How incredibly frustrating that would be!
Fears and “shoulds” can be just like the mega strong, ultra complex bike locks of our lives. They also exist to protect something valuable - you. Their jobs are to protect you from the dangers of pain - real or imagined, imminent or not. When working properly, they often DO keep you safe. When they are malfunctioning or over functioning, however, fears and shoulds can end up being major impediments to the joyful functioning of your life that they were meant to protect in the first place.
We can learn what kind of locks we are carrying around with us. We do not necessarily have to fully understand every which way they work, but we would benefit greatly by learning which keys and codes unlock our particular fears and shoulds. Once we do that, we can then learn to take them with us without much unnecessary friction. We can utilize them more effectively when we need to be kept safe, and unlock them when we are ready to roll.
Do you have some locks that are keeping you on exhibition instead of adventuring through life joyfully? There are many resources available. My primary suggestion will always be to explore healing with some form of licensed practitioner. Discussing therapy can be such a challenging topic for so many, especially in certain cultures. I have benefitted greatly from getting past the stigma of therapy and investing into the time and process supported by a clinical therapist (find one in your area). I have also personally benefitted from amazing leaders, coaches, and facilitators that guided me in the process of unlocking my ideas and talents. I have NEVER been able to level-up alone. Most, if not all, of the most accomplished people in every field, sport, or profession have had help learning how to manage their locks and level-up. What about YOU?
Are you considering your next adventure or your next level? Are you ready to get unlocked? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me if you are interested in going deeper on this together.
Let’s get ready to roll! I hope to see you out there!
💛 CKO