The Heat...the Burn...the Cool.

Have you ever caught yourself having a true moment of clarity? For example: you build up a certain situation in your mind, it gradually becomes a source of anxiety, and then it occurs to you that it should have never become so in the first place. Well, earlier this week, I found myself having this exact experience. It's certainly not the first time and I know it probably won't be the last. But why do we sometimes forget a lesson already learned?

One thing I've noticed through the years is that there are certain patterns in my life. The patterns aren't necessarily set behavior. Usually, they tend to be more broad based and tangential. (I'm sure most folks can relate.) But every so often, I find myself re-experiencing a certain feeling or situation and I have to ask myself: "Haven't I been through this before?". I'm going to refer to this little premise as: "The Heat...the Burn...the Cool".

The Heat - This is the moment when someone or something new has suddenly stumbled into your life. It's a clear moment; you are immediately aware of what's happening and all your senses are open to it. You feel like you're on fire. The excitement is such a rush that you don't realize you may have inadvertently left yourself wide open for disappointment. (Such is life, no?)

The Burn - This is the period of time when you begin to dwell on whatever has transpired. At first, you are excited by the possibilities and you feel like the sky's the limit. But you start to replay bits of conversation in your mind and find that you're second guessing your initial feelings. You begin to suspect that the situation may not be everything it was cracked up to be. You become frustrated with doubt which you know is completely unwarranted. Suddenly, the single most burning thought running through your mind is: "I need to know what the Hell that was all about!".

The Cool - This is when you decide to take action. The uncertainty has finally reached a level which is no longer acceptable. The whole thing feels silly. The time has come and you make a move. Now, the result may not be what you were hoping for. Yet you may also find that there is more to the story. What truly matters is that you did something about it. You realize that the bag of bricks you've been carrying should have never been picked up in the first place. That weight is now off your shoulders. The moment of clarity follows soon after: "Everything is cool. So...why did I get so worked up about this?".

Now, if it seems like I'm being intentionally vague here it's because I am. Not too long ago, I felt the Heat for about three weeks. I nursed the Burn for about 5 months. And as of last week, I finally stepped into the Cool. It's such a relief.