When we see the potential in another person--or in a situation--but others cannot yet see it, this can cause us to feel very isolated.

Others may view our instincts and judgment as potentially flawed.

Worse yet, they may question our sanity.

A lonely place this is to live.

A vulnerable place.

It may be hard to trust ourselves, and stick with our initial commitment. Especially if we are committing to a person who himself/herself does not yet see his/her own potential. Or if we are committing to an unpopularly regarded/misunderstood situation.

The more we practice trusting ourselves, the better off we are.

This does not mean that we will always be right.

But if we never trust ourselves, we will never learn that we might be.

Which would truly be a shame.

We are, after all, each endowed with a unique set of abilities and experience. When we do not share these with the world, we may be denying others the opportunity to benefit.

When we do not support the potential in other people/situations, we may be similarly doing the world a disservice.

So we can chose to either live out in that vulnerable place--out on the perpetual limb--or keep clinging to the tree trunk.

With the realization that sometimes the limb will break.

And sometimes it will provide a launching place.

Of course clinging to the tree trunk carries its own risk.

Because even the sturdiest of tree trunks have the capacity to rot, or be felled.

 

yellow boat/foggy day

Popham 2012

~~~~~

Dr. Lisa's Bountiful Blog is read on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast. Show summaries are available on the Dr. Lisa website. Subscribe to podcasts of the show through iTunes and let us know what you think. 

Comments

[David Coleman]

Thanks Lisa... This came just at the right time. I used to be a "limb sitter" but as of late, I have been a "trunk hugger". I prefer the view from the limb much better!

Dave