"What does it mean to ‘overcome?’”
A couple weeks ago, I was having a conversation with Nancy John, and this question was brought up.
After a brief back and forth in sharing the initial perspectives on the topic, I realized that part of “overcoming” is not necessarily defeating or eliminating, but rather developing a different relationship with it.
The question shifts from “how do I defeat or eliminate XYZ?” to “what type of relationship would I like to have with XYZ?”
Far too often throughout my life, I tried to eliminate many areas that appeared to be obstacles.
Whether it was depression, anxiety, stress ... you name it.
I then began to realize that I don’t think it’s possible to eliminate those areas out of my life.
They always have been and always will be with me every step of the way.
Same thought process applies to adversity.
I don’t believe it’s possible to completely escape adversity or adverse circumstances.
In fact, I believe there’s meaning within the adversity, but that’s a topic for another conversation.
I proceeded by saying, “Nancy, I think you have helped me realize the hidden meaning behind, "Overcoming Odds’.”
To me, “overcoming” is about creating a space to develop a different relationship with the topic at hand.
If it’s stress, then the question becomes, “What type of relationship would I like to have with stress? What about XYZ appears to be stressful? Does it have to be stressful?”
The same model applies to all of the other topics above.
What does “overcoming” mean to you?
