the art of life

When we go through a crisis, we think something is wrong. We think things shouldn't be like this. I've felt that, when I was wracked by depression and anxiety and desperate for relief from the pain of those conditions. 

But I also see that crises represent a chance to make a fresh start - a real new beginning, which can only come about through pain. 

Through my journey of recovery, as I stopped drinking and tapered off benzos, I embarked on a new life, but it was only because I had to change. It was out of that same desperation for relief that I already mentioned. 

It was the only way. Changing brought relief. It's like art. With art you absolutely can't represent things the way you think you're supposed to. Likewise, you can't find real relief in the ways that seem to you that they would lead to relief. 

You have to do what seems hard and unnatural but, as you're discovering, is the path to life.