When you encounter pain, what is your first response?

When you encounter pain, what is your first response?
To stop it, right?
If I slip while cutting a tomato, it only makes sense to pull my hand away.
But what about emotional pain?
Should you indulge the same reflex?

Emotional pain is different than physical pain.
It can be deferred, if you choose.
But like most other deferments, there is a cost.
You’re likely going to pay a bit more in the end.
Maybe it’s worth it…maybe it’s not. Who’s to say?
The bill always comes due, though.

Deferment is a complex equation.
It only works for a certain period of time.
If you wait too long, the bill collectors will call.
If you wait longer yet.
You’ll find yourself losing your chance to choose.
The bill collectors always get their pound of flesh.

Do you remember the game Chutes and Ladders?
There are some parallels here.
The emotional baggage is akin to the big slide.
You are near the top.
You feel like you’ve got your game in the bag.
Then…
You find yourself on your butt,
Back at the bottom.
Everything you thought you had gained will be lost.
It will be meaningless
Deferred emotions will be your achilles heel.
They will not let you rest.

In layman’s terms, if we don’t take care of our shit,
That’s what we’ll build our lives upon.

Resist the urge to defer.
You’ll thank yourself later.