'We act consistent with who we believe we are.'

~ Tony Robbins.

Pardon the harsh language, but...

The title of this post is based on a belief I had about myself during a “Bucketing Session” at the close of 2022 going into 2023.

It's what led to a 15 month absence from content creation and marketing my business.

(The link above takes you to previously recorded LIVE video in the HARDSTYLE ACADEMY.)

In past posts... I've talked at great length about the Toxic Cycle but...

... what I haven't shared is how the Toxic Cycle itself is a bit of a paradox.

On one hand it seems like a curse.

(An endless loop of stories we trap ourselves in... keeping us from the goals we've been chasing for 6, 12, and 18+ months.)

And on the other hand it's a gift of salvation.

That's right.

A GIFT.

How so?

2 ways...

[1.] The TC is a form of voluntary suffering to grow in virtue and holiness. I believe it was St. Bernard of Clairvaux who said...

'The way you sin is the way you'll be purified.'

The very thing which descends you into a Toxic Cycle will likely be the same thing which leads you to freedom.

(Just like the belief about yourself creates your problem while simultaneously keeping you from solving the problem.)

[2.] The TC brings awareness to your conscience that there's a problem in the form of a "trigger."

At that moment 3 paths are laid before you, which you get to choose, as a response to circumstance:

1. The Depressed Path: this is where you become the wound. I.e., you become trapped in your cycle, remain a slave to circumstance, and never finish things you've started.
   
2. The Path of Passivity: this is where we live a life of avoidance. Ungrounded in our natural and supernatural identity.
   Which at it's core is an effeminate response, because...
   ... you intentionally avoid what is hard to remain attached to your base passions and emotions.
3. The Path of Ownership: this is where you take 100% responsibility, take hold of the wound, and create a new story.
   Which leads to secret path #4...
4. The Path of Contemplation and Atonement: this is the path less traveled.
   
   It can only be followed if you've taken ownership.
   Here we choose to seek (and live) the path Jesus of Nazareth lived.
   The HARD PATH.
   The Disciplined path.
   The path of amendment and atonement to conform more and more to the image of Christ.

What does any of this have to do with you?

Don’t avoid suffering.

It may very well be the thing which propels you forward.

But also... don’t go out looking for it.

When it presents itself, lean into it and begin the “Soul-Building” process.

Each Toxic Cycle is an opportunity for growth.

As I said, it can be your gift.

Or it can lead you to ruin.

And depending which it is for you, depends on...

... which of the 3 paths above you choose.

How does one determine the right path?

I'll cover that in a future post.

For now...

I appreciate your attention and reading this series.

In strength,

hec g.

P.S. If you're curious how I overcame the belief I had about myself, 'Hector is a F**KING Coward!'

Here's the Bucketing Session I took myself through.