Gun-shy

The term gun-shy was coined in 1884.  It 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 used or heard the term used, and in most 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 the context is really saying.  I am judging you and limiting my potential involvement with you based on past experiences.  It 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.  They are used to chaos and abuse so they continue getting involved in relationships with those behaviors.  There is some strange comfort in staying with what you know even though logically you know it is unhealthy.  To grow and be emotionally healthy, you have to step out of the comfort zone 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