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Gun-shy

The term gun-shy was coined in 1884. Gun-shy is an adjective used to describe being easily frightened by the firing of a gun or being apprehensive, mistrustful, or scared due to previous experience. I think about the times I have either used or heard the term used, and in the majority of the cases, it was in discussions about relationships. “I am gun-shy to get into a relationship after I was burned in the last one.” Sound familiar? Now think about what you are really saying. I am judging you and limiting my potential involvement with you based on past experiences where someone else hurt me. The same can apply to friendships and business relationships. It all comes down to judging, and we all do it.

Our past is supposed to be a teacher to ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes throughout our lives. Unfortunately, there are so many living in the gun-shy cycle. All they are used to is chaos and abuse so they continue getting involved in relationships of all types with those behaviors. There is some strange comfort in staying with what you know even though logically you know it is unhealthy. You have to step out of the comfort zone, however you choose to define it, and try new experiences; otherwise, you will continue to live in the gun-shy world.

“When your past controls your present, what does that say for your future? Get out of the past and into the now.” – Rodney Williams

Rodney