Wednesday, August 6, 2014

What's Your "Achilles Heel?"

                                   
In Greek mythology, Achilles was a demigod and hero of the Trojan War. When he was a baby, it was foretold that Achilles would die young. To prevent his death, his mother dipped his body into the River Styx, which offered powers of invulnerability. Unfortunately, the heel she held him by was not washed over by the waters, and eventually he was killed by an arrow to the heel.

Today, "Achilles heel" refers to one's unique weakness---that which in spite of overall strength, can lead to our downfall. This might refer to a physical vulnerability, but often refers to a weakness of character or other attribute that can cause us to struggle, suffer, or fail. 

What is your Achilles heel? For many of us, it is fear, which is the hallmark weakness of humanity. Fear of death, fear of loss, fear of failure, abandonment, humiliation, or lack. For some of us, our Achilles heel is low self-esteem, or self-pity, or addiction, or impulsiveness. It can be greed, or aggression, or stubbornness, or pride. Whatever it is, it's an ongoing theme in your life, and it may be pulling you down.

This week, I invite you to consider what your Achilles heel is, or was. (Maybe you've resolved it through therapy, spiritual practice, or other life experience). But if not, now is a great time to take an honest look at what's holding you back from expressing the full impact of who you came here to be. If you need help, by all means seek it. There are resources available for any type of issue you might have.

Good luck, and have a fantastic week.

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