Rip Off The Bandaid

Have you ever stayed in a situation longer than you should have?

Most of us have. But why? Why do we freeze into position?

I think a lot of times it comes down to avoiding pain. We stay in the pain we already know because it is far more comfortable than the unknown (even if the unknown leads to a better life).

I’m sure some psychologist can explain the psychology behind this, but let me see if I can get to the root as quickly as I can. If you know the situation isn’t right, then exit. The longer you stay, the longer you put off living your best life. This life isn’t a dress rehearsal and you never get today back.

So how do you move forward? How do you find the confidence to leave? Let me put this in my best small town vernacular that isn’t always politically correct…

Suck it up buttercup and rip the bandaid off!

Move on. Cry. Get it out of your system and then go live your life! Until you get yourself un-stuck or un-hooked from a negative situation you're just spinning endlessly in a tidal pool. People drown in tidal pools! Not to mention the longer you stay in the tidal pool you will slam into rocks and debris leaving you far more battered and beaten than when you entered the situation in the first place. It's never easier to stay. Get yourself out. If you need a lifeline, ask for one! People are willing to help, but you usually have to ask. There are a lot of good people in this world, the news just doesn't focus on them.

Writing the above is inspired by a situation I’m watching unfold. It also reminds me of my theme song from my medical journey when I was faced with tough decision after tough decision (the song is below). If you are facing a tough season, put on your brave! Seasons don’t last forever.

Rip off the bandaid!

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My theme song from 2007-2009 was Rodney Atkins “If You’re Going Through Hell”

Listen To The Song Here

[Verse 1]

Well you know those times when you feel like there's a sign there on your back That says I don't mind if you kick me, seems like everybody has Things go from bad to worse you think they can't get worse than that and then they do

[Verse 2]

You step off the straight and narrow and you don't know where you are Used the needle of your compass to sew up your broken heart Ask directions from a genie in a bottle of Jim Beam And she lies to you That's when you'll learn the truth

[Chorus]

If you're goin' through hell keep on going Don't slow down if you're scared don't show it You might get out before the devil even knows you're there

[Verse 3]

I've been deep down in that darkness I've been down to my last match Felt a hundred different demons breathin' fire down my back And I knew that if I stumbled I'd fall right into the trap That they were layin', yeah But the good news is there's angels everywhere out on the street Holdin' out a hand to pull you back up on your feet The one's that you've been draggin' for so long You're on your knees you might as well be prayin' Guess what I'm sayin'

"If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Knows)" is a song written by Dave Berg, Sam Tate and Annie Tate, and recorded by American country music artist Rodney Atkins. It was released in January 2006 as the lead-off single to his second album If You're Going Through Hell.