The Burdens of Life: Revealing Our Painful Secrets
Many of us have hidden and sometimes embarrassing secrets. We may think that if we talk about our burdens they will make us appear weak or vulnerable, and so we go on our merry way living life as though nothing is wrong.
But, when we carry a heavy burden without any support, it often has a profound effect on our emotional and mental health. This can manifest itself in a number of ways – from anxiety, depression and isolation to self-destructive behaviors like drinking and drug use.
This doesn’t have to be our fate though. We don’t have to be prisoners to our pain. Instead, we can free ourselves by choosing to confront and reveal our hidden burdens.
We may be scared to take this step, as we worry what our friends, family and co-workers will think if they find out our painful secret. We might think that once they know they’ll never see us in the same light again.
But, the truth is, it is only by opening up to our inner demons that we can begin to heal. Not only will it free us of the weight we carry around with us every day, it can also give us the opportunity to gain new understanding and perspective of the issues that plague us. We can no longer bury the past, but use it to help us to build a stronger, more fulfilling life.
Taking that first step of exposing our secrets may be frightening, but by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable we will be allowing the healing process to begin. The courage and strength it takes to reveal our pain can empower us to work towards making life more manageable, so that our burdens are no longer burdens but learning opportunities.