I’ve been talking a lot lately about taking the risk to get out there and live your dreams, but I know that there are a lot of you out there who are dealing some really difficult times right now. And I know how hard it is to keep the faith when the blows are coming hard and fast, and you’re struggling just to keep your head above water. I know what it’s like when it seems like there is no hope at all. If you’re a regular reader, then you know by now that music is a big part of my life and one of my biggest tools for coping with the tough times, and today I wanted to share with you a song about hope and strength, and pushing through the doubts to the other side of fear and pain.
And because I do happen to be Canadian, I’m kind of obligated to share at least one Anne Murray song with you at some point, so today’s the day. 😉 The song is called “The Other Side” and it’s about having the faith to keep walking towards your dreams despite the fear, despite the pain, despite the doubts.
On the other side of doubt is faith
On the other side of pain lies strength
The journey may seem endless
When you know the road is rough
But on the other side of fear is love…
Change can be frightening; we can’t know exactly what will happen we set forth into the unknown. And doubts can be powerful, frightening things that make us question everything about ourselves, our decisions and our dreams themselves. But part of the journey of life is being open to the experience of it all. Even when circumstances seem worst, there is a balance in all things; where there is pain, there is the strength to endure it; where there is doubt, there is faith to overcome it; and where there is fear, there is love to dissolve it. As long as you don’t give up, you will always get to the other side of it all.
Life can throw some nasty stuff your way. And when it does, it’s either going to make you bitter or it’s going to make you stronger. Choose to become stronger. Allow yourself to rest when you need to. Take the time you need to process what’s happened. But don’t let the pain break you. Don’t let the doubts push your dreams aside. And don’t let fear dictate your path. Keep yourself focused on your dreams and goals, set your sails, believe in your direction and have the courage to leave the shore. You’re going to be just fine, and you will get through this.
I’m not going to lie to you. Following your heart and following your dreams isn’t always going to be easy. This is especially true when you’ve got all sorts of other “stuff” going on in your life. It’s hard to keep yourself going when it seems like everything is going against you. But Anne’s right – the mountains in front of you are mostly in your mind. Once you start climbing, you realize that they’re not as big as you thought they were. There is no problem in life that is insurmountable. And if you can keep yourself focused on that vision of what you’re trying to build with your life, it makes it easier to get through everything else.
I really do think that the most important thing you can when everything around you is going to hell is to keep working towards your dream in whatever way you can manage because it keeps you fixed on something positive, and that will keep you from losing yourself in whatever is storming around you. And sometimes that’s all it takes to create the lifeline you so desperately need at such a time. So keep your face to the sun and let those shadows fall behind you. No storm lasts forever, and everything is going to be OK; you are going to be OK. Never underestimate the healing power optimism and hope, because they are what will get you through to the other side of fear. They are what will get you through the pain.
photo credit: publicdomainimages.net cc
Where were you before, Nathalie? I went through a major depression that lasted years and I am still feeling the aftermath of it. It would not have happened if I was in touch with such articles. I actually gave in to all the voices around me that talk about me not being able to do this or that, being to old, being this and that, you name it it has been said. Shutting all that noise out was hard at the time, as it all fell together. I never had a problem in my teens or 20s. Yes, I found myself experiencing it when I discovered LOA and the like.
So, now I have my raft. LOA puts me in touch with me and reminds me of our source and tightens my connection to it, rather than falling by the wayside listening to ridiculous beliefs people have about everything. Especially the age thing. Damn. Why don’t they roll over and die then? I know it is harsh, but do not point out others for being too old when the limiting belief is your own. Since when is 30s old? That is how bad it gets and you can see the desperation of the populace.
We have touched upon this particular topic before and I love your posts and podcasts. They speak directly to me and remind me of the core of the matter and the fact that it will be ok! 🙂
LOL! Where was I? Dealing with my own crap, my friend… 😉
I’m in the same boat as you, A. I was first diagnosed with depression when I was eighteen, but looking back, I know it actually started a lot earlier than that. Twenty years later, I still can feel that particular demon lurking around inside sometimes. But, like you, when I discovered LOA, I realized I had a powerful tool at my disposal that gave me the means to accomplish what years of anti-depressants and therapy could not: I’m in control of things now instead of my depression controlling me. I know what to do now when I feel myself on that edge. And it always works. Someday, I’m going to write my own story down in book format because I think it might really give hope to people who are going through really horrible situations. But first I have to finish the book I’m currently working on…
The age thing is funny. And it’s such a perspective thing. When my father told me his cancer had become terminal, my first thought was that he was only 70 years old and that was still so young. My sister just looked at me and said “well, he is 70 you know… that’s pretty old.” She and I obviously have very different views about aging. But I know 80 year olds who still play tennis every day. I think you get old when you think you should get old or when you start to fear it. It’s all a matter of perspective and mindset. Live your life and be as old or as young as you want to be. 🙂
I look forward to reading those books! 🙂
I’ll be looking for beta readers for my first book in a about a month or so, if you’re interested. I’ll send a note out in my newsletter and post to my FB page when I’m ready to start looking people. 🙂