There are just some things you can’t know, until you know
Sometimes you don’t know why a person would do a thing until you’re there. At least, not until you find yourself in that particular situation, doing something similar.
There are just some things that you can’t know until you know. Until then we can be pretty judgmental. “Why would anyone do that?” “Can’t he see what he’s doing to himself?” “Doesn’t he get it?”
Our criticism can be downright harsh. I’m convinced there are some things we can’t understand until we experience them. Until you’re there yourself, you don’t get it.
Experience is a strong teacher. It can make us more compassionate when we see others making our same mistake. That keeps you from being overly critical of others. But experience is not always enough to bring about change.
Especially when it comes to things that are addictive. You can’t get it until you’ve been there. Why would you continue doing something you know is undermining your relationships, your career, your joy? It’s hard to explain or understand—until you’ve been there.
Recently I was interviewed by a friend who inspires teachers. Though we’re both educators at heart, we weren’t so much talking about teaching as we were discussing our own shared experience in doing something we both waited far too long to do.
If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll check it out.
I know sometimes we have to do a lot of wandering around before we ask directions. We somehow have to make our own mistakes. But at some point we need to turn the page and reach out.
I believe nothing will be as important as the people in your life. But you’ll have to let them in, or invite them. Every one of us will need encouragement and support along the way. It’s guaranteed.
The best form of encouragement and support you can get is from someone who has been there and gets it. Someone who understands the game and sees the bigger picture, and doesn’t brow-beat you into making the right decisions.
You don’t want a guide who hasn’t been down the road you’re on, or a coach who hasn’t played the game. You want a real person who has made the same mistakes and gets it, and is not critical. Someone who knows where your true potential lies, and will lead you to find it.
I hope you already know who that person is and will reach out to them right away. But if not, then it’s time for a conversation. No commitment, no risk. Just a talk.
Here’s to reaching out,
Tim
PS—I’m offering a special package. It’s nine weeks of one-on-one coaching, plus I’m throwing in an Intensive Video program of nine modules, containing 5-7 incredible videos each. The videos are yours to keep to refer back to as you continue your journey. It’s an opportunity to take control of your drinking. I guarantee the results you’re after.
