Roadblocks
I drank coffee, and I had thoughts. Maybe I shouldn't drink coffee...
If you would like to listen to a read-aloud version of this post, you can do this here:
Winding roads, unexpected turns and unforeseen barriers: They challenge us, shape us, but they don’t define us—unless we let them.
Roadblocks come in many forms. Sometimes, they’re an actual thing: a fallen tree blocking our path. Sometimes, they’re the metaphorical block: self-doubt and fear. But even doubt and fear feel real…
Perhaps roadblocks are a test, the universe's way of asking us:
How badly do you want to reach your destination?
But maybe that’s just wishful thinking. In any case, I remember a time when self-doubt was my constant companion. It whispered in my ear, told me I wasn't good enough, my dreams were too big, my abilities too small. These are the rocks I hung around my own neck—on a pretty durable chain.
Of course, there were also circumstances beyond my control: Financial hardships when I was growing up, losing a parent way before I was ready (well, we never truly are, but she was too young by any stretch of the imagination), the way my brain works (or rather doesn’t)—all of it tested my patience and resilience, and some of it made me want to give up. External boulders, but they have the annoying habit of getting friendly and cohabiting with those other rocks on that durable chain…
However, they also did good things on occasion: Forced me to slow down, consider my options, find a new way and leave a well-trodden path behind me.
Each roadblock allows us to pause, reflect, and reassess our journey. We learn to adapt, have to be flexible or resourceful, and develop maybe even something akin to tenacity.
Navigating Through Roadblocks
It’s a funny one, because how do you navigate through something blindfolded? “With one of the senses that don’t rely on sight”, some may say. But often, we don’t even acknowledge a roadblock’s presence. We deny it exists; we ignore it. Pretending nothing’s wrong ultimately only prolongs our struggle.
Getting comfortable around that big old boulder and acquainting ourselves with it helps, though: Is it an internal barrier, like fear or self-doubt, or an external one, like a lack of resources? That durable chain of rocks we (not so lovingly) hang around our own necks, or those boulders that just show up but like to cohabit?
Open heart and determined spirit. Both “Obstacle” and “Opportunity” start with an O. It’s the difference between a barrier and a milestone I guess…
The very idea of The Creative Cure is that mental well-being information should be available to everyone, and that creativity is not a magical unicorn for a select few. That’s why my newsletters and read-outs are free.
It takes time (and sometimes even expertise ;)) to craft this content, and your support is appreciated—that’s what keeps The Creative Cure free for everyone. If you would like to support my work, here’s what you can do:
Support The Creative Cure by making a one-off donation (you can put in the minimum, or any amount you like).
Have a look around my webpage. I have a range of services and online courses available that might be helpful to you, or someone you know.
Share The Creative Cure with your creative friends. Spreading the word is hugely appreciated.
A lot of the roadblocks that I encounter are ones that my mind self-imposes in order to maintain order, or when the path from point A to point B is not clearly spelled out. This is where having external input can be useful - other people might be able to explore other avenues that I myself might not see.