The Thing You're Avoiding is Your Path Forward.

It was great hearing back from you last week. I really enjoyed the pictures you sent of the incredible art and building projects you are working on, well done!

Many of you have come to see me over the years as a result of feeling stuck. You may have hit a plateau or feel disappointed, thinking you would be farther ahead at this point in your career, relationships, or personal goals.

If that is you today, remember that feeling of inertia isn't a sign that you're failing. It's a sign of resistance. And that resistance is often pointing you directly toward your next chapter.

What if the obstacle is the way? The difficult conversation you're avoiding, the new path you're afraid to take—these points of resistance are where the real work of building a meaningful life happens. The "meaning gap" isn't an empty space; it's a wall of resistance we haven't been willing to face.

So, how do you start working through it? You need tools to engage with the resistance, not just bypass it. There are many different resistance training tools. There is no one size fits all but here are my top picks:

1. Meditation is resistance training for the mind; it's the practice of sitting with discomfort—boredom, anxiety, racing thoughts—and learning to stay present. It builds the muscle you need to face challenges in the real world.
2. Microdosing can act as a different kind of tool, one that helps lower the immediate barrier of resistance, allowing you to examine old patterns and beliefs with more openness and less defensiveness.
3. Psychotherapy offers a guided, professional space to unpack the 'why' behind your resistance, leading to lasting change and integration.

Ultimately, these practices aren't about finding an easy way out. They're about strengthening your ability to walk the path through the resistance, because that's where purpose is forged.

This week, ask yourself: What is one thing I've been actively avoiding, and what might be waiting for me on the other side of it?

Feel free to reply and let me know what you are resisting in a few short sentences. Sometimes just naming it gets the ball rolling.

Wishing you a great rest of the day.

Cheers,

— Dr. John Álvarez

PS. If you're looking for a clear strategy to navigate your resistance, booking a 1:1 session is the next step. That link is right here.
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