Have you ever stopped to see if your addiction is a sign that you need to heal? Probably a reminder to pay attention to something — something you’re running from.
Sometimes, what we perceive as passion or talent can actually be a coping mechanism or worse still, a means of escape from our inner pain.
I know there are things we do to help us heal or probably process our emotions, but there are some we do to avoid facing our pain. It’s important to know the difference. Is it for the love of it? Or you’re running from something?
Personally, I’ve found solace in writing and designing. These creative outlets help me clear my head and process my emotions. However, when I find myself binge-watching movies, I know I’m trying to avoid something — a thought, a feeling, or a memory I’d rather not confront. You see the difference? It’s important to pay attention to yours too.
I’ve noticed this pattern in others too. Some people seem like high achievers, constantly working without rest. You have a hard working employee or colleague and you’re happy God has blessed you with such. What if their drive stems from a deep-rooted pain rather than genuine passion? What if it’s not their nature as you think? What if it’s their only way of desperate escape from pain?
Sad — but we often hail people for things that isn’t the definition of their true personality.
I use to know someone who was always on the go, sometimes taking on work without pay, and pushing themselves to the limit. Sickness eventually surfaced, and that was when I saw that the person’s hardwork was a shield which protected them from the weight of emotions.
What if you’re not addicted to romantic Korean movies because you love how they act? What if it’s because there’s a yearning for love you’re trying to avoid — thereby finding solace in other people’s fantasies?
What if the reason you’re addicted to movies is because it takes you to another world, thereby forgetting your own pain in those moments?
What if the reason you’re addicted to chocolate is because it makes you think of your joyful childhood and forget adulthood struggles?
What if you’re not addicted to cooking because it’s your passion? What if it’s because it’s the only thing that ever gets your full concentration — cos you’re paying attention to the right ingredients and quantity to avoid a disaster dish?
What are your coping mechanisms? Are they helping you heal or masking your pain? It’s usually better to process the pain than avoid it. I kid you not — I’ve been there.
Take a step back, reflect, and you’d be able to explore healthier ways to confront and overcome your pain. Stop running sweetie, face it!
Till I’m back to stir the drink, stay gbam!
