I want to talk about the courage to grapple, and how important that is in life. Grappling is defined as “engaging in a close struggle without weapons.”
As a therapist working with couples and individuals, I’ve gained a bit of a unique perspective on how change works. And what I’ve discovered through working with hundreds upon hundreds of people is that those who are willing to do the work, “grappling” as I call it, get further more quickly than those who aren’t.
Grappling. Yup. That’s it.
You might have an image of a wrestling match or MMA fight in your mind right now. But I’m not talking about physical grappling.
What I’m talking about is the kind of grappling that happens in our hearts, in our minds, in our relationships.
Grappling is having the hard conversation with your spouse about the future of your relationship:
- even when your voice is shaky
- and even when it might be a helluva lot easier to talk about something else.
Grappling is confronting your inner demons, instead of allowing them to leak onto those around you.
Grappling is going TOWARDS pain, instead of away from it.
But grappling can also be claiming your power, and how good your life can be, especially when its vulnerable as hell to do so.
You can grapple with an idea, a feeling, an important next step in your life.
To really grapple with something is to saddle up close to the EXPERIENCE of it and hang on until some deeper clarity or truth emerges.
It’s not always an easy ride but it’s a ride well worth it.
What I’ve learned practicing in smaller therapeutic settings and in teaching in seminar settings, I will begin to take to larger audiences. Its important information and includes practices for leaders and for people looking to get the most out of life.
I look forward to connecting with you on that journey.