Emily, great post! I'm glad the analogy had the desired effect! As I've reflected on my personal 'elephant chains' over the past couple weeks, I've realized just how silly some of them are! Truly we will be much happier and confident as we chose to let go of the failures of the past and step forward with unwavering determination and faith. Thanks again for your post! (And especially the fun picture!)
The presentation made me feel similar about my life. I haven't identified anything yet that I feel is a simple obstacle to overcome--but I haven't been able to to so. I think this is the irony in it all. I don't think the elephants realize or even THINK that there IS an obstacle (the chain) there--instead, they have accepted the chain as part of the worldview and cannot escape it. I wonder, how do we think "outside" the box to fairly evaluate ourselves?
This analogy really affected me too. I had a similar experience with running. Before my mission I always believed that I would never be able to break a 7 minute mile. I had tried to in Jr. High and no matter how hard I ran I was always way off the target. My mission trainer was a crazy runner who set running goals along with mission goals. Through small sacrifices I was able to get my mile down to a 6:20 before I headed back to the US. It took a lot of mental work to make that happen... and I'm sure there are hundreds of other "chains" keeping me from success.
Wow, Courtney! You had time to work on running a sub-seven minute mile on your mission? Emily, I really enjoyed this post. To me, I either don't notice those obstacles or have a feeling of apathy because in my mind they are so small. However, to think that all the elephants have to do is apply a little strength and they would be free.
Emily, great post! I'm glad the analogy had the desired effect! As I've reflected on my personal 'elephant chains' over the past couple weeks, I've realized just how silly some of them are! Truly we will be much happier and confident as we chose to let go of the failures of the past and step forward with unwavering determination and faith. Thanks again for your post! (And especially the fun picture!)
ReplyDeleteThe presentation made me feel similar about my life. I haven't identified anything yet that I feel is a simple obstacle to overcome--but I haven't been able to to so. I think this is the irony in it all. I don't think the elephants realize or even THINK that there IS an obstacle (the chain) there--instead, they have accepted the chain as part of the worldview and cannot escape it. I wonder, how do we think "outside" the box to fairly evaluate ourselves?
ReplyDeleteThis analogy really affected me too. I had a similar experience with running. Before my mission I always believed that I would never be able to break a 7 minute mile. I had tried to in Jr. High and no matter how hard I ran I was always way off the target. My mission trainer was a crazy runner who set running goals along with mission goals. Through small sacrifices I was able to get my mile down to a 6:20 before I headed back to the US. It took a lot of mental work to make that happen... and I'm sure there are hundreds of other "chains" keeping me from success.
ReplyDeleteWow, Courtney! You had time to work on running a sub-seven minute mile on your mission? Emily, I really enjoyed this post. To me, I either don't notice those obstacles or have a feeling of apathy because in my mind they are so small. However, to think that all the elephants have to do is apply a little strength and they would be free.
ReplyDelete