Overcoming

Life is about overcoming…whether we want to stop bullying, break an addiction, exercise more often, or even something as simple as spending more time with our loved ones. In order to take steps forward, we have to accept the existing situation, admit the need for change, then start the process. Change can be a crippling feeling. Status quo is so much more appealing since it’s within our comfort zone, even though change could take us to a whole new level of freedom and personal growth.

Every time we seek to change, we have to learn new things, new habits. We overcome the obstacles that were in our way. We overcome that little voice that often times tells us we can’t and prevents us from moving forward.

When I first came to America, I had to take a school placement test and I was put in the 10th grade. I was 14 years old. No one gave me any pointers on what high school was like. I was sent in with no tools or even a clue of what I was walking into. The first few months, I dreaded going to school and cried every single day on my way home. Here I am, an introverted girl, feeling like an outcast who spoke very little English, didn’t dress to fit in with the rest of the girls, and had no idea how to function in this new environment. I had a massive mountain called “culture shock” that starred me in the face every day. I started feeling depressed and defeated. I had no friends, no one to talk to or even eat lunch with.

I had a choice to make, I can stay as is, since I was starting to adapt to this new life style, or I can do something about it. What a scary change, especially when I didn’t have a full grasp of the American culture. I chose change because staying as is was not an option for me. I started to force myself to be more outgoing, by reaching out to others and forming small conversations. I studied the culture and the behavior of others. I signed up for soccer even though I had no idea what I was doing. Every day I would be terrified as I walked to practice but felt so exhilarated after. I joined a few clubs and slowly started making friends. I definitely wasn’t the most popular student in school but I sure made a small impact. I never ate lunch alone again. I graduated with such a sense of accomplishment not just academically, but also personally. I forced myself out of my shell. I did what I never thought was possible and I conquered that mountain without compromising my beliefs.

When we succeed we overcome whatever is crippling us and we embrace the changes, the new us, the growth that comes with such a feat. I encourage you to look at what’s crippling you from moving forward and advancing in your life and face that situation and seek freedom.