A good definition
for stronghold is a
major center or area of predominance. I
heard a sermon this past Sunday regarding strongholds. The pastor distinguished between an
environment and a
stronghold. The
pastor stated that you could change your environment, as it is not permanent. With some tweaks you can create a new
environment. However, as the definition
stated, and the pastor agreed that a stronghold is an entirely different
beast. A stronghold is such that an
area of predominance something that is not easily broken. You have to bust out of a stronghold. You have to escape it as soon as
possible. You have to consult with a
higher power to overcome your stronghold.
And you have to do something drastic to get away from particular
strongholds.
The pastor told a story about
how he actually moved his family out of a poor neighborhood and moved to a more
affluent neighborhood because everyone in the old neighborhood had a poverty
mentality. He stated that the mentality
of that neighborhood was so detrimental to those that lived there and anyone who
would move in there that no one could break that stronghold. Negativity breeds negativity. Once negativity gets a deep hold of the
person it is hard to shake it
I guess in a sense I did the
same as the pastor. I moved from Atlanta to Asheville to break my own personal
stronghold of always thinking that I needed a “professional” job and that my
passion for writing should only remain a passion. I believed that I could only
make money by working jobs that I don’t like i.e. “professional” jobs. It’s that old fashion mentality that you must
get a job, stay there for 30 years and then retire with a gold watch. The only problem with that is, you’re left
empty. You wondered where your life went
and why you let it slip away.
Since moving, I have
surrounded myself with like-minded people who are artist, writers, and
educators. They are passionate about
their craft. It is exciting to come
alive again. Just surrounding myself
with like-minded people is helping me to grow.
I would suggest that anyone who is struggling with a job they don’t like
or dancing around a passion to stop and think if your life would be better with
that horrible job or without following your passion. I assure you that if you don’t follow your
true passion and be true to your authentic self you are shortchanging your
life. Here’s a hint, when you are not
living your authentic life you WILL be miserable. You will remain miserable until you get back
to you!
Do yourself a favor. Follow your heart. Do what you love to do. You will thank yourself later when you are 80
years old. No regrets right!?
Enjoy the Journey!
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