As I watch what goes on in society, I'm struck by the Power of a Single Thread. Read on and you will see what I mean.
I've heard and seen a phrase tossed around lately that goes something like this, "Everyone around you has a story that you know nothing about." There is definitely some truth to that thought. Each of us is a product of the experiences we've had - our story. Some of those experiences are good, and others - not so much. Nonetheless, we have been shaped by the various events of life through which we have walked. What I've found fascinating of late is just how impactful certain events continue to be in my life and in the lives of the clients in my counseling practice.
It seems that our life journey has a profound influence on who we are and how we view our days. Having said that, I often advise people to not let their past dictate who they are today...to create a new narrative for themselves if they so desire. However, often times that one "thread" never goes away - and probably for good reason. As hard as we try to wipe away certain events from our journey, that's simply not how the human mind works. It's not a whiteboard that can be erased and rewritten upon easily. I think many folks enter counseling expecting it to be an "eraser" - an activity that will help them remove an unhealthy or painful experience in their story - the "thread." When that doesn't happen, they assume counseling didn't work.
But here's the thing...that event is part of your story. It isn't your whole story...and it doesn't have to define what happens to you moving forward. But, it is part of the tapestry called your life. Our goal should be to recognize those events, understand them, and realize the impact they have had on our life. Then, we reconfigure areas that need tweaking in order to keep walking down the road as a heathy individual. You see, without a storm there is no rainbow...without conflict there is no resolution...and without strife there is no peace.
So what's the "thread?" Think about a favorite blanket - maybe one that is plush and warm - the kind you want to wrap up in for that coveted Sunday afternoon nap when it's raining outside. Let's assume that blanket is a solid navy blue. Can you picture it in your mind? Now...picture a big WHITE thread running right through the middle of that NAVY blanket...the thread. If we pull that white thread out, it will leave a mark and weaken the blanket, perhaps even causing it to begin unraveling. Instead, we leave the white thread and learn to accept it as part of what makes the blanket super comfy.
That, my friends, is the Power of a Single Thread. You have one in your life. You may have a number of them. I confess that I do...things I would rather erase than own. But I am where I am today because of those things. Let me encourage you to embrace the white "threads" in your life and appreciate the part they play in making you the person you are today. Perhaps you need some help learning to appreciate those threads? Don't be afraid to reach out to a therapist, counselor, pastor, friend - someone who can help you begin to recognize the value of your experiences, both good and bad. My prayer for you is that you see your white thread in the middle of your navy blanket and embrace it. Allow it to be a comfort rather than a defect. A simple reminder that God works all things together for good. Finally, enjoy a good nap soon - you deserve it!