He looks both directions and realizes they’re walls. He’s found himself in between them and they are as tall as the 100-year-old pines, and they are closing in. He looks toward the sky for an escape, and he notices the envelope. As it falls, it dances and twirls as it dives his way. The envelope lands in his outstretched hands, he tears it open and begins to read.
Dear Friend,
So many of you end up here. I know this adventure can feel like walls closing in on you. Each day the walls get closer and closer. One minute all is good and then you look both ways and there they are – two massive walls – heading toward you from either side.
These walls will inevitably come together and when they do, they’ll end you in the process.
The squeeze has begun, the pressure is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Do you wonder what it will feel like? Do you wonder if crushing walls will hurt? Do you wonder if the pain will be over quickly and quietly?
They crawl closer and closer, and you can smell the moss that lives between their bricks. The grind of those walls makes an unforgettable sound, don’t they? That gnarl as they move across Earth’s floor will be unforgettable. That grind and gnarl makes my soul hurt too, but this is my job – to listen to those sounds and send these letters.
You’ve placed yourself between these walls. These walls are the walls of Now and Then. This ominous place is my home, and I’ve committed to reminding people who stay here of their impending doom. This place is rooted in fear, and it’s filled with negative anticipation, the air is so thick you can almost grab it, but there is a solution to prevent the inevitable.
Should you choose to escape this place before this crushing death that is a certainty when you sit between Now and Then, it’s your choice.
Choose a wall and scale. Look closely. That moss between the bricks gives way to handholds and footholds. Yes – it’s almost like staring at ladders and escape paths miles high, isn’t it?
Climb, my friend – climb!
On the other side of Now’s wall is peace. You’ll reach the top and plunge to the other side and you’ll land in a world of presence and learning and joy.
If that doesn’t feel right to you – then turn around and inspect Then’s wall. In the land of Then is a place filled with hope, new beginnings, and fresh starts – either way is a fine choice! Choose one and CLIMB!
Tear that moss, before those walls close in and deliver a punishing death. Climb as fast as your arms and legs will carry you and when you get to the top, fall over to the other side, and enjoy your new adventure in the land of Now or Then.
Should you choose to ignore my recommendations, and you sit down, I’ll be forced to clean up the mess – later.
Sincerely,
Anxiety.
He finished the letter, realized that we all find ourselves between these walls and he took the advice and climbed. Afterall, there’s no sense in sitting with Anxiety in its place of worship, in-between Now and Then. Get up – move and climb – and you’ll find yourself in the present moment or in a new future adventure. Both places are much more beautiful than the mess that resides between those two walls.
God bless all of you- and may He send peace and learnings to you during your times on this planet.
Much love- Trav
If you enjoy these posts, please subscribe to The Paperclip Thinking Blog and don’t be shy to leave a comment, because I love discussions & dialogue. If you want some good content – follow on Facebook and Instagram: @paperclipthinking