The Rune Dad

Sometimes, not everything is what they seem. Nauthiz ᚾ represents the feeling of need that forces us to question our circumstances. What is holding us back? Why do we feel stuck?

My freshman English professor at Trinity University once gave me the greatest advice, that, to this very day, I continue to reflect on in times of indecision. She advised that no matter how beautiful the prose you’ve just written, if you’re stuck, if you have writer’s block, you must delete it. Start over. Maybe, find a folder or document to copy it into for later references, but delete it. Sometimes our greatest masterpieces must be slashed for progress.

Need requires us to rethink our strategies. Perhaps you have strong ambitions that seem to not be progressing. While your ambition is valid, is it possible the endeavor is too great for the present? Maybe you’ll ultimately succeed if you shift your goals to something more obtainable for the moment. Sometimes we are required to shift our perspective to see the next best step.

As the father of a 4-year-old, I have become a Frozen 2 aficionado….that’s actually a copout… I’ll gladly watch it again and again (I tear up). In Frozen 2, there’s a scene where Princess Anna has received a magical message from her sister, Queen Elsa, but realizes shortly afterward that she has died (or so she thinks…) She breaks out into song (as Disney princesses are wont to do) and sings:

Can there be a day beyond this night?
I don’t know anymore what is true
I can’t find my direction, I’m all alone
The only star that guided me was you
How to rise from the floor
When it’s not you I’m rising for?
Just do the next right thing
Take a step, step again
It is all that I came to do
The next right thing

Beautiful, right? That song is overlooked, I believe. Princess Anna describes her feeling of despair, and not knowing what to do next, she just does the next right thing. I won’t spoil the movie, but her next move, born from that moment of despair, yet clarity, is what unclenches the plot and saves not just her people, but their misunderstood enemy, as well.

Sometimes, the action that disappoints or frightens us most, is the next right thing. When stuck, for forward progress, we must be willing to let go of what is trapping us, and think boldly. Let it go… Let it …(couldn’t help myself). Use fresh perspective. Flip it on its head and do the unexpected. Your goal may be slightly postponed, but now, it’s possible.

P.S. If you’re familiar with runes, watch Frozen 2 again. I don’t know if it’s on purpose, but that movie is stuffed with references.