Reality Set In

The early passion of new romance, of love is often blinding. We see the beauty we seek and we believe we will finally achieve fulfillment.

Most new situations in life, be they romantic, career related, or with family or friends, are often shrouded in a veil of beauty of our own creation. A new friendship seems to fulfill exactly what we have been seeking. A new job seems to offer the exact challenges and opportunity we desire. We cast this image of perfection before us, blind to reality. We choose to see the new situation as exactly perfect, and exactly what we were searching for. We choose to overlook the difficulties and shortcomings in exchange for our perception of perfection.

Reality sets in with the passing of time. The bloom fades off the rose. The daily grind of going to the same job, the drudgery of washing the same laundry, the stress of dealing with the same problems, resentments, fears and frustrations: these are the realities that set in over time, tarnishing the perfection of our vision.

In these moments, when reality sets in, we can choose differently. When reality sets in, we often protect ourselves and withdraw into isolation. Instead, we can trust that we are exactly where we need to be at the moment, and let go of fear.

It is not always easy to return to a peaceful mind, when reality sets in. Our hurt, our fear and our anger replace the vision of perfection we have created. We forget that we have a choice, and in any moment, we are free to choose peace. We can always choose again.

The following poem describes what happens when reality sets in.

Namaste, friends

The spirit soars

then walks alone

when reality sets in.

Passion burns

then freezes solid

when reality sets in.

Hearts collide

then fracture apart

when reality sets in.

Legs entwined

cross rigidly distant

when reality sets in.

Lips mingle

jaws clench frustrated

when reality sets in.

Joined together

now apart and alone

when reality sets in.