To be fair, every man that I’ve dated or had romantic encounters with had something good that drew me in. None of them were purely bad. For example, one guy, the worst one actually, had one of my favorite qualities. After work, he came home and asked me to read my poems to him, and then he cooked dinner for me and served me a plate.
That particular guy who I’ll call Tattooed Guy was tall and handsome, and I adored his deep, open laugh; he was a compulsive liar. In so many ways in my life, I’m leading myself into uncomfortable situations for personal growth to grow into a stronger version of myself. In spiritual growth, there are some things that are very painful and hard. For instance, not using men to prove that I’m attractive and not using men to stave off feelings of loneliness is challenging. I decided to get really comfortable with the uncomfortable feeling of loneliness rather than swimming into another relationship that I know is wrong. I decided to stand on the shore all by myself instead of swimming with known sharks hoping they won’t maul me. So I made this big decision that I’d rather be without a romantic partner than be with some guy who is an asshole who’s more trouble than he’s worth who takes away from instead of adding to my life. I decided that when I felt lonely, to turn loneliness into a study, to write poems about it, to taste it like bitter cough syrup which is extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant. In the last two weeks, my resolve has been tested. First, Tattooed Guy contacted me and wanted to talk. I haven’t seen him in years, and just the sight of his name or the sound of his voice gives my whole body an electrical charge. I was honestly conflicted, so I prayed. Eventually, in a very kind, but honest way, I said no. Then a week later, another man from my past who said he’s never loved anybody as much as loves me contacted me to chat. He’s also a compulsive liar. I said no. When it rains, it pours. A few days later, I ran into another guy from my past who actually looks better now than when I knew him. He has no ambition and is very immature. He wanted to start seeing me again. I said no. As I gain a stronger sense of self-worth, saying no is getting easier because I know I deserve something good. I’m not a perfect woman by any means, but I ain’t too bad either. I deserve a man who is honest and kind, and I’m willing to wait. I’m willing to be wildly uncomfortable at times. I know that I’m on the right road, but there are challenges, temptations, times when I’m hurt and injured, and I want a familiar man crutch. But I’m truly dedicated to healing and not falling for quick fixes and men who are too good to be true. On all of our paths to our better selves, there is going to be something on the side of the road beckoning us to take a short cut or to stop and give up, but there will also be something that will help you move forward too. Whatever your goal is right now whether it’s weight loss, a better job, or a healthy partner, you got this. Trust that you are worthy of the life you want. If you falter a bit, who cares. You can do it anyway. I completely believe in you because, sweetie, there are worse things than being uncomfortable.
2 Comments
Teresa Olson
11/7/2016 05:21:29 pm
I love your words! I love the way they have exactly the right cadence and flow and how they express what I feel in my heart and am not eloquent enough to express! I believe that the universe is constantly encouraging us to be strong and healthy and I am impressed with how you were able to 'resist' the temptations that crossed your path and you do deserve a man who is honest and kind!
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Jennifer
11/7/2016 09:12:27 pm
Teresa, thank you so much for reading my blog. The kindness of your words made me tear up. Thank you!!
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AuthorI hope my blog inspires you to believe in yourself more and feel less alone in the world. I, for one, am inspired by the imperfections of others who continue to rise up again and again despite life's challenges. May we find ways to inspire and support each other. Archives
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