When you are the obstacle you’re meant to avoid, the journey gets complicated. I spent a long time knowing something was off with me, recognizing my thinking as somehow different—stranger than my family’s way of seeing the world. But for a while, I didn’t realize it was me and not them. Our defense mechanisms are incredible in how they keep us safe from assuming responsibility.
For a time, I got really into accountability—hyper-aware of my role in everything—but eventually, it started to feel a bit self-defeating. I had to pull back and find balance. Now, I realize that while I’m not the root of all my problems, my mind can certainly create stories that keep me stuck. So, I do my best to sidestep my obstacle mind whenever I can.
It’s a delicate dance, trying to navigate around the mental traps we set for ourselves, but at least now I can see them for what they are.
Like You Mean It 