Have you ever been told that a certain meditation, exercise routine, or treatment will definitely change your life? Maybe it’s a new self-help book, a diet plan, or even a therapy technique, with the promise that it’s the “one thing” that will transform how you feel or think. The reality, however, is that this one-size-fits-all approach often falls short, especially when it comes to the complex interplay of our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Let’s break down why this happens using a simple analogy I came up with recently. Imagine each of us has hundreds, if not thousands, of glasses filled with water. Each glass represents a different aspect of who we are—whether it's physical attributes, emotions, beliefs, or messages we've internalised over the years. Some of these glasses serve us well, while others might be holding us back.
Now, let’s take a closer look at one particular glass labeled "Self-Love." There’s a line about two-thirds up that glass that signifies the point where you truly feel self-love—when you genuinely believe you are worthy just as you are. The challenge is, reaching that point is different for everyone.
Imagine you’ve just been introduced to a meditation practice that's supposed to help with self-love. For you, trying out this new practice is like adding a single drop of water to your glass. If your self-love glass is already filled close to that line, one more drop might not make any noticeable difference because you’ve already done a lot of inner work. For someone else whose glass is only halfway full, that same meditation might be more impactful, helping them get closer to reaching that line. And if you’re just one drop away from achieving that sense of self-love, that meditation could be the catalyst that finally pushes you over the edge.
But here’s where it gets tricky. Some of us might have metaphorical barriers on top of our glasses—maybe due to past trauma, deep-seated beliefs, or difficult life experiences. Let’s say, for instance, you’ve internalised the idea that you’ll never truly love yourself because of something painful you went through. In that case, you might have placed a lid on your self-love glass. No matter how many drops of water you pour in, nothing’s getting through until you address that barrier first.
This analogy can apply to so many areas of life, not just self-love. Think about exercise: we’re often told that a certain workout plan will change everything, but if your body is already struggling with pain or past injuries, just jumping into a high-intensity routine might not work. You might need to remove the barriers—whether they’re physical limitations, fear, or past experiences—before you can even start filling that glass.
The key takeaway here is that progress, whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, isn’t a straight line. It’s not about finding one magic solution that solves everything. Instead, it’s about understanding where you are in your journey, what barriers might be in place, and how different strategies might contribute to the process. For some, a new meditation practice might be the final drop they need; for others, it’s just a start, or perhaps it won’t do much at all until deeper issues are addressed.
So next time you hear that something will definitely “fix” you, take a step back. Ask yourself where you are right now and what your unique needs are. Sometimes it’s not about finding the one thing that will change everything, but rather finding what will help you take the next step forward on your journey. Remember, it’s all about context—what works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. The path to growth and healing is as individual as you are.
😊 A Smile and a Thought 🤔
Why did the glass go to therapy?
Because it couldn't handle all the emotional "fillings"!
“Change is not a process for the impatient or faint of heart. It requires courage, consistency, and the willingness to pour into yourself even when the glass feels empty.” - Brené Brown
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