Stuck in the circumstances of life?

At some point, we have all felt trapped by the circumstances of life. We’ve been stuck in a low-paying job or a boss we can’t tolerate, we’re been in bad relationships we can’t see a way out of or struggled to achieve a goal that feels out of our reach. The good news is there is almost always a way to change and to rise above these circumstances.

It’s easy to blame our circumstances.

During my burnout, I put on quite a bit of weight. At the end of my time off I was examined by a panel of three physiatrists to determine I could continue to receive government insurance. It was a difficult time for me, and they all sympathized with my condition including the weight gain. I could have blamed my work, the high sustained stress, the excessive workload, leaving me no time to exercise or think about my health. I could’ve blamed the burnout itself, and told myself that I was just sick. But blaming others reinforces the trap.

Take ownership of the consequences of one’s actions

But I focused on rest and building strength, once I got healthy, I was able to pick a diet that worked for me and after a lot of hard work, and 12 months in time, I lost 18 kilos (40 lbs). It was my arm that put food in my mouth. I had the choice as to what and how much I ate.

“All this through him who gives me strength”

When I was a young man in night school finishing my degree, I struggled a lot. The classes were difficult and I felt trapped in the circumstances of life. I found myself turning over and over to Philippians 4:13, “ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” I went back to this verse during my burn out as I was seeking physical and emotional health, and I still look to it when I feel discouraged. We receive strength from our beliefs, from our friends and family and from deep within ourselves.

How can I take ownership for the consequences of one’s actions rather than blaming other people or circumstances?

Here is the benchmark: Healthy Christian Leaders — Demonstrate personal responsibility.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you often feel like a victim of circumstances?
Where do you feel trapped in your life?
How can you get out of this and who can help you?