“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”

Monkey bars are a staple on a lot of playgrounds. This playground equipment is typically a row of equidistant bars, rings, or triangles elevated high enough that you have to reach, jump, or climb to grab them. The goal is to get from one end to the other without touching the ground. Logically, you would have to let go of what you’re currently grabbing on to in order to grab the next bar, ring, or triangle in front of you. Otherwise, you’ll just be stuck hanging there; because getting across without letting go is physically impossible. This quote, by C.S. Lewis, makes this a beautiful analogy for life’s painful experiences. “You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”

But it’s not always easy to move forward. So take your time, rest if you need to, and remember that moving forward on the monkey bars can be painful in itself, especially when your hands are already blistered. However, the journey will be worth it.