Just Walk Away...

A good friend of mine suggested that I watch the movie Christopher Robin. So I did. At first I was put off by the talking stuffed animals. But as the movie progressed, they became less stuffed animals and more  living, breathing  creatures. As I listened to their dialogue, I was deeply affected by their opinions and philosophy of life. Pooh told Christopher Robin several times that he was a "bear of small brain," but he had plenty enough brain to offer rich concepts of abundant living.

I didn't write down or memorize these statements or these truths. If I watch the movie again  I'll stop and write down some of the quotes.  Pooh said something though that has stayed with me: "When I want to get somewhere, I walk away from where I've been."

If you're in a soul-numbing, dead end job, just walk away.
If you're addicted to narcotics or alcohol, just walk away.
If you're in a destructive relationship, just walk away.
If you're prone to worry and anxiety, just walk away.
If you're hanging onto anger and resentment, just walk away.
If you're hanging onto guilt and remorse, just walk away.
(add your troubling issue), just walk away.

"Walking away" also involves "walking toward." You may need to stay in your job until you find a new one or are financially able to move on. You may need more education to become qualified for that dream job. You may need to walk toward a counselor who can provide therapy and help. You may need to walk toward a psychiatrist who can prescribe medicine and counsel to guide you through withdrawal and chemical dependence. You may need to find a shelter for battered women to provide temporary protection and relief from physical and emotional harm. You may need to confide in and lean on a friend who can offer love and support as you find your way. You may need to find a church where caring people can help ground you in eternal truths. You may need to walk away from a church that offers easy answers for every problem. Finally, like Pooh, you may need to reach inside yourself and re-discover your center, become reacquainted with yourself, your own priorities, principles, and hopes and dreams.

In one dramatic scene, Christopher Robin woke up, realized that he had overslept and said, "Oh no! It's tomorrow!" to which Pooh replied, "It's usually today." And if a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, today is as good a day as any to take it.  Now you have to figure out which way to go. Pooh used Christopher Robin's compass to go north. If you're not quite sure which direction to go, north is as good as any. Better yet, take inventory of your options and choose the one that you think is best. Pooh, "What day is it Christopher Robin?"  "It's today."  "Ah, today. My favorite day."