When Life Weighs You Down…

Published on by Kimberly Novak

A friend of mine sent me this picture saying it could be the beginning of a great blog post. I was not only honored that she was thinking I could write a great post, the timing of it was perfect. This week I have had something very heavy that I’ve been carrying around with me since the divorce.  I’ve been patiently waiting for the matter to be resolved and it’s just not happening. This message from my friend came at a time when I really needed it.

When I first looked at the picture I was surprised because I was not focused on the butterfly, I only saw the rock.  I could relate more with it than I could the butterfly.  I have to admit that freaked me out! When I look at the rock I see the pressures that have been building up.  I see my worry attached to the rope.  I wondered, what will it take to clip that rope and set the butterfly free?  Then I thought, what will it take to set me free?

Long story short there have been circumstances out of my control that are causing this matter not to be resolved, yet I am the one carrying the weight.  I have tried countless times to let it go.  I even have placed it in my worry box; when I have something I need to let go and let God, I write it on a slip of paper and lock it up inside.  I’ve had this matter in the box since December 2010.  Even when the circumstances were good for this particular matter, I still had some distress.

As I was dealing with the events of the week I kept thinking back to the picture.  I wondered, what do I need to do in order to cut my rope on this particular circumstance?  What do I need to do to release myself from this strain so that I am free to move forward?  I also questioned, is it time to sever the tie, or do I still have things to take care of before I can do that?

The only reasonable answer to those questions is that I will control what I can, and try to better the situation.  With the hope, that once I do, my bond will be broken and I will be set free.  I decided since it’s been over a year I better write it down again, as a reminder that some things I cannot control.    After doing so, it is a little easier to see the butterfly.  I can also see where the string is tied.  It looks like all it needs is a little tug and the burden will be released.

So my friends I ask you, what is weighing you down and what will it take before you can tug?  I’d love for you to share, leave a comment and begin to set yourself free.

Kimberly

Courageous Butterfly,

6/13/12

On a side note, I’d like to dedicate this post to my Women’s Renewal Team.  Joy & New Hope 2012.

 

12 thoughts on “When Life Weighs You Down…”

  2. Great post. I can relate to the anology; of too much time spent focusing on the rock weighing me down. You have made me stop and think – to work out how to cut the rope to set me free…..

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    1. Yay Elizabeth! Imagine how beautiful the world would be if we were all free from our problems. People would be happier, which in turn would make the outcomes of so many life situations work out for the better. Plus there would be so many more butterflies fluttering around the sky! Take care and thanks for your comment.

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  3. I love it 🙂 This picture had a huge impact on me when I saw it. It reminded me of how I felt the months before I attended women’s Renewal in 2011. I was pulled down by such a huge boulder! A boulder made of shame, sadness, resentment, self-doubt, fear, self-loathing, expectations others had of me, and numerous other psychologically cancerous emotions.
    Going to Women’s Renewal was the first big tug on that rope attached to that boulder. The rope was frayed, but it took the love and support I found in my Sisters throughout the following year to completely remove that rope. My life has been forever changed. I get tied up still, but now my sisters are there to untie me and become the wind under my wings carrying me until I can fly on my own again.
    I can’t begin to express to others that are tied up and dragged down by life how important it is to be willing to open up to people and let them see the REAL you. It’s terrifying, but the rewards are unbelievable. Dragging those things holding you down into the light and sharing those things with others releases you from the power they had over you. Then you’re free to fly like a beautiful butterfly that just emerged out of the chrysalis.
    ~ Jen

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    1. Jen, you have become such a beautiful friend! I love having you in my life. I agree that the renewal as forever changed me as well. It’s amazing how in just one weekend your entire life can be changed. I never thought I would have so many new friends in my heart after that experience.

      Thank you for your comment, I hope that it will inspire other’s to share their stories.

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  4. Been having a rough time lately myself. Headed to your blog this morning to see if I could find some insight from you to help me through.
    I am trying so very hard to be forgiving of my ex and his woman. It is something I work on daily – as I know that is what God wants of me.
    What bothers me the most is my desire/need for him and her to apologize to me.
    I know they never will – but still I hold that hope in my heart.
    I think that is what keeps holding me back from true forgiveness.
    I believe they do not think they did anything wrong. And that continues to haunt me.
    I do not understand how anyone could not see the wrong they did by becoming involved with one another before ending a marriage.
    While I am becoming more content with my own life. Glad for the many blessings I now enjoy – I still hold this resentment – and it at times destroys my spirit.
    I pray that God will someday soon help me to let go of the resentment and hurt that I continue to hold onto so I can truly move on and let go.
    Just needed to vent!
    Thanks for this lovely blog Kimberly.
    Blessings – Love – and Hugs!

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    1. Phyllis, do you think if they apologized to you it would make it easier for you to forgive them? or could it actually make it harder hearing it directly from them? I have often pictured the scenario in my mind of being apologized to and all it does is anger me. One may think that even without an apology from their lips they are feeling guilt and remorse, but do we really want them to live with that? Love your enemies as you would yourself. A very special friend of mine has been encouraging me to pray for them in order for me to find peace in my heart that I am looking for when it comes to forgiving. My question was, how in the heck do I do that? Somedays it is hard to get the words out but I do think it is important on the path to peace and forgiveness that we try. I have found more than one scripture reference try this link http://biblehub.com/matthew/5-44.htm

      I hope this helps.

      Hugs,
      Kimberly

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  5. Kimberly,
    I doubt it would make any difference.
    I guess I always feel that I need to apologize when I harm another and so I expect it of others.
    Who knows – it might actually make things worse.
    I actually do not think either of them have any guilt for what they did. I know she didn’t – as when I called her after he confessed – she said she wouldn’t apologize for loving him. That made it quite clear then and there that she didn’t have any regrets and did not feel she had done anything wrong.
    I will try what your friend has suggested – praying for them. I know that is what God wants me to do – and maybe by doing that – I can find it in my heart to REALLY forgive.
    Thanks!
    I will check out your link once I post this.
    Blessings and Hugs!
    Phyllis

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