Who Do You Strive to Be?

When I was younger, my mother often taught us life stories with the use of visuals. She would use the most random things around the house to show my sister and I what she was trying to tell us. My favorite prop of hers was always when she used a napkin to create a road, a character, or a flower, however, my favorite story that changed my life was that of Play-Doh. 

Lately, a lot of changes have occurred in my life that have caused me to make various decisions that for many would appear too soon to make or life changing. While I shared my thoughts with my mother, she reminded me of the Play-Doh example she mentioned when I was younger. Have you ever played with Play-Doh? Did you consider the great life story Play-Doh can teach us? The example goes like this:

When you see a play doh, it is often found in the cylinder-shaped container. Let us pretend the Play-Doh represents you while the container represents society, your fears, addictions, relationship, school, or anything that you are struggling with as you read this.  The Play-Doh inside the container is trapped inside this container until someone decides to open the container and take the Play-Doh out. In our lives, our surroundings or circumstances trap us as well; we become so consumed by the addiction or toxic relationship we find it difficult to get out of the situation. Perhaps for you this step may also take some courage from you, therefore you prefer to stay in your comfort zone, inside the container, rather than experiencing the world outside of it. If you notice, the shape of the container also forms the shape of the playdoh. Even though we are aware playdoh is moldable and flexible, the container does not allow it to do so. When we take the Play-Doh out of the container, though, what happens now? Essentially, when you make the decision to flee from what has trapped you for so long, your surroundings change. You no longer have someone enclosing or shaping you, but rather are full of freedom. When this occurs, you also have the opportunity to start developing into the person you want to become. In this case, the Play-Doh will now have the flexibility to be used in any way. If you pay close attention, though, Play-Doh tends to attract any dust or lint that appears on the surface of where the Play-Doh is placed. I ask you then, what are you attracted to in your life? What is it that you are allowing to stick to you and become part of your life? When the Play-Doh is out of the container, you decide what you want to become without the pressure of the world or your situation. What side of the scale do you find yourself on: are you trapped and forcefully being molded by something or someone or are you on the other side of the scale living in freedom?

My hope after reading this blog is that you find yourself making a decision for your life. May you identify where you stand and where you want to be. Also, my goal is for you to use this example and pass it along to someone who may need to hear a word of encouragement. Hence, every time you encounter Play-Doh, you may remember this example and serve as a way to stop, breathe, and reflect on your goals. 

Written by : Rachel Garcia; Masters Intern at Olive Branch

If you need support, live in the Chicago area, and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.