While scrolling through Instagram, I saw a cartoon of a fish that was swimming in a clean fishbowl. The fish was looking into the fishbowl it had recently jumped out of. The previous fishbowl was so dirty- cloudy with green and brown murk, making it impossible to see through. The fish’s response was one many of us can relate to, “Oh wow.”
Looking at the image, I was reminded of situations I have been in that at the time felt fine because my vision was obscured. In the moment, I didn’t realize that I was swimming in dirty water because my entire environment was that way. It felt normal. Only when I found myself in an environment where I was able to see myself clearly was I able to look back and recognize what was unhealthy, and even toxic in my previous environment.
Perhaps there is a situation that feels like the dirty fishbowl right now. It could be a relationship, a work environment, a lifestyle choice or a difficult season. You may feel in the thick of it, unable to see clearly that there is something perhaps healthier and better. It may be easier to stay rather than take the risk to experience something better or different.
Taking a jump into a clean fishbowl can feel scary and hard, but it may be the step we need towards better emotional, physical, and spiritual health. If you are in the process of desiring a change, but unsure how to navigate the next steps, include safe people who can help identify areas that may be clouding your vision, and can help you find clear and clean water. Change is hard, but it can be worth it.
If you are navigating change in your life and want someone to walk alongside you in the process, please feel free to reach out to us here at The Refuge Center at 615-591-5262.
Written by Refuge Center Masters Level Counseling Intern Hannah Harriman.
