TM - 80 - What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome in your existence?

[on_holy_ground]

Obstacles in our lives can take on many forms. Many of them are things that cannot be touched or seen, and yet they pose more problems than something physical that might be blocking our way. How is it that we can define that which has created the greatest problem, when at the time, all obstacles seem to be the greatest that we have ever faced?

As I took the time to think about that question, I came to the realization that many of my greatest obstacles and challenges have resulted from traditions, customs, or superstitions. The beliefs, or in some cases the lack of belief, that each person has, has a great impact on how they behave and what they do with their lives. Many of these things are passed down from one generation to the next, and it can be very difficult for someone to let go of something that they have believed to be true for as long as they can remember. Sometimes, it can be impossible.

The ability to show people how to look beyond what they have been taught, and to see that there may be another way of doing things, is something that I have strived to do throughout my later life. And while I have not always succeeded, I will continue to try and to hope that we can all learn to change ourselves for the better.

Comments

[aricamuse.livejournal.com]

*walks into the church to see Darius. Smiles when she sees him.* How are you doing Darius?

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius looks up and then smiles as he starts to walk towards her, his hands held out in greeting. "I am doing quite well, and yourself?"

[aricamuse.livejournal.com]

"A lot better," she replies, nodding at him. "I wanted to come by and say hi, maybe talk a few minutes if you had time."

[she's also showing by now :) The baby is due in October]

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius smiles, casuing his eyes to crinkle at the corners just a bit. "Of course I have time. I'm always delighted to speak with you and your family."

[aricamuse.livejournal.com]

She smiles and sits down. "We appreciate everything you've done for us." She pauses for a moment. "They caught some of the men who hurt me. They're going to trial in New York. I'm starting to get to a point where I think I might be really ready to let go of this... I mean I know I can't every forget it, much as I wish I could..." She looked up at him, wondering if he understood what she was trying to say.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius sits beside her and nods. "Letting go of what we cannot change is a part of growing as a person. We are made up of our experiences in life. What we endure and overcome is a part of who we are, and to forget would be to change who we have become."

He then smiles softly. "Perhaps the apprehension of these men will help you to let go."

[aricamuse.livejournal.com]

"I don't want it to go to trial. I was hoping they would cut a deal or something, but they won't."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"It is my understanding that they generally only do that sort of thing in this country if there is a chance they may not win at trial, or if they are trying to get the person to testify or otherwise help with another case."

[aricamuse.livejournal.com]

She nodded. "I'm scared to face them again."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Softly, "They won't be able to hurt you this time, and I doubt you will be able to truly put it all behind you, until you can face them. After all, if you don't, then in a way you will be letting them win, whether they go to prison or not."

[aricamuse.livejournal.com]

She nodded and gave a small smile. "You seem to tell me what I already know but need to hear. Eric's afraid the trial might be too much stress for me and the baby..."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"When is the trial set for?"

[aricamuse.livejournal.com]

"It's in a few weeks," she said softly. "They did plead one of the men out. That's how they got the other three." She shook her head.

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

Eric sighed and stepped inside the church. He still wasn't comfortable here but he really wanted to talk to Darius... get some advice. Arica may be comfortable with talking to Eskevar (her counselor) but he wasn't. And he didn't want to confide in anyone within his division either.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius saw Eric come in, and made his way over to greet his friend. "Hello, Eric. It is good to see you again."

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

"It's good to be here and in one piece," Eric said, smiling.

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"I can imagine that it would be."

He ushers Eric deeper into the church as they talk. "Is there something that I can help you with?"

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

Eric paused for a moment. "I just wanted to talk. I know I could speak with the counselor at the office but... I don't really trust him that well."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"Has he done something to cause you to feel that way, or is it just a 'gut' thing?"

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

Eric smirks. "It's one of those gut things. I mean he's helping her and that's what really matters, but I don't want to talk to him."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

Darius nods. "I have known people like that during my life as well."

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

"Nice to know I'm not alone," he said. "I wonder if it's because something about him bothers me or if I'm just becoming paranoid."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"With all that has happened to you and your family, it would not be unusual for you to be more concerned about the character of the people that you choose to talk too."

[eric-weiss.livejournal.com]

"True, but I know he's helping her." Eric shrugged. "It's been a long week."

[on-holy-ground.livejournal.com]

"Would you like to tell me about it?"