[Escape the Darkness] Fight for the Light and Step into Your Life
Birth of Clarity #37
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In the lowest points of my life, especially during my drinking days, I remember feeling like darkness was suffocating me. Like I was being smothered to death and I couldn’t escape. Wherever I turned, the darkness followed me. It wanted to consume me.
It wanted to become me.
The more I succumbed to my alcohol addiction, the smaller my world got. I stopped looking outward and instead, closed myself off. I isolated. I fell deeper and deeper inside myself, looking for comfort from my pain and an escape from the big bad world.
I allowed myself to get lost in the darkness because I gave my addiction too much freedom. I gave it the shackles and handed over the keys.
Even when I was physically around people, it felt like a darkness was working away inside of me. I could taste it. Dark thoughts flooded my mind and my soul struggled. My heart battled valiantly but was often overwhelmed. I felt possessed by this darkness.
I’ve spoken to numerous guys over the years who have described their addictions in a similar way. I remember one man telling me that his gambling addiction was like playing poker with the devil - every time he tried to leave, the darkness closed in and he was tempted back to the table with another promise of victory. He couldn’t escape.
Similarly, that’s how many men have described their addiction to pornography.
Deep in depths of darkness, they feel compelled - possessed - to keep clicking. Link after link. Scene after scene. Image after image. Destined to keep watching, never able to shake the novelty, excitement, risk, lust, fear, variety and/or escapism - despite the pain it causes.
However, experiences of drowning in darkness are not limited to addiction.
Financial fuckups. Marital mistakes. Parenting problems.
When I experienced money troubles in the past, it felt like the world had closed in. It felt like someone had blocked out the sun’s light and I was scrambling around in the dark. That’s why it is so important to fight for the light.
When you’re lost in the dark, keep searching for the light.
When darkness consumes you, - you can describe darkness as fear, worry, anxiety, or whatever works for you - you feel so small. Like you have no energy. No power. But I’m here to tell you; you do!
You have the power and strength within you to overcome anything.
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Fight for the light
If you find yourself consumed by darkness, open your world back up and let the light back in.
Get out into nature
Speak to a therapist
Meet up with friends
You can do so many things to bring light back into your life. It’s important to try anything and everything.
Flip your perspective on your situation
Break things down into manageable tasks
Escape your comfort zone and challenge yourself
Reach out for help, open up and share your struggles
These are just a few things you could do, however, if you feel like the darkness is still inside you; get rid of it. I’ve witnessed the destruction darkness can do. I’ve experienced the devastation it can do from within.
Breathe in the light, expel the darkness
Navigate it out of you through meditation
Sweat it out of your system through exercise
Hopefully, these suggestions can help you. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle.
The worst thing you can do is retreat inwards. That’s counterproductive and damaging. It allows the darkness to take control.
“You cannot defeat darkness by running from it, nor can you conquer your inner demons by hiding them from the world. In order to defeat the darkness, you must bring it into the light.”
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Whether you’re navigating the shadows of addiction, financial struggles or relationship challenges, it's easy to feel consumed by darkness, to believe that there is no way out. But as I've learned through my own journey and the experiences of others, there is always light to be found, even in the darkest of times.
It takes courage to confront the darkness. By embracing the light within and tackling it head-on, you will emerge stronger, wiser and more resilient than ever.
Don’t give up. Don’t let the darkness defeat you. Fight for the light. You might not see it straight away but keep searching. Don’t retreat. Keep fighting.
I believe in you.
Step into life
Before I go, I want to leave you with this:
In the battle against darkness, it’s important to step into life.
What do I mean by this?
Be present in the moment
Embrace the human experience
Live life intentionally and purposefully
Intentionally living a life bathed in brightness will benefit you greatly when darkness descends, which it inevitably will. Consistently living your life in the light will help illuminate the way back to safety better than if you were always entertaining the dark.
Build barriers of light around your heart, impenetrable by darkness. Create a life and way of living that nurtures your soul.
For example, to escape the darkness of porn addiction, stepping into life would consist of pursuing an existence geared towards unselfish endeavours. It would involve a more natural way of living far removed from the unnatural consumption of digital debauchery.
As you continue to embrace this human experience, remember that "stepping into life" isn't just about avoiding darkness; it’s about creating a vibrant, full existence that doesn’t leave room for shadows to creep in.
Each day is an opportunity to strengthen your commitment to living fully and brightly.
Surround yourself with positivity, engage deeply with those closest to you and cherish every moment of connection. These actions build a fortress of light that not only guards against the darkness but also guides others who might be lost in their own shadows.
Step into your life.
You won’t regret it.
Here are some helpful articles related to today’s post:
Thank you for reading: “[Escape the Darkness] Fight for the Light and Step into Your Life.” If anything in this article resonated with you and you’d like to ask a question or comment, please get in touch:
Check out the last post: “Flashback: What! It Wasn't Front Page News?”
Take care,
Birth of Clarity
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