We see orange barrels everyday on the roads and highways. They provide navigation signals, alerts, and directions. They may also signify a host of traffic related nuances. For sure, we steer around them. Mostly, we slow down. Maybe, it’s danger ahead - construction work, pavement disasters, or something concerning. The orange barrels warn us beforehand. Their bright orange and white colors are visibly noticeable. We cannot miss them!
Changing the course, what about the “orange barrels” that we see in our relationships? Many times, they too are visible, very noticeable, and usually represent repetitive behaviors that flash warning signals. Unlike the highway orange barrels, we tend to ignore them. We navigate right around them. Sometimes, we think we can change the negative behaviors that those relationship orange barrels represent!
Stop! Realize this! You are not Harry Houdini! You cannot remove the barrels; they belong to the other person – not you! Duh! If you keep cruising along, ignoring and excusing the actions of people and the signs that their bright orange and white barrels signify, you are doomed to crash! It is no secret that their actions have caused you excruciating pain and hurt you deeply.
Heed the warnings; steer around the danger zones; deal with folks as you navigate carefully. Because of their obtrusive negativity, they may have to be physically and emotionally removed so that your immediate and final destination can be reached pain free.
Don’t ignore what you see in your path! They may not change their course, but you can change your direction.
We are all on a journey of some type. We wouldn’t ignore the orange barrels on the highway; therefore we shouldn’t ignore them….. in our lives!
Photo credit: www.wnem.com