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The floor is lava

today26 May 2022 207 3

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You know what “The floor is lava” means if you’re a gamer. It’s a popular challenge used in countless video games. Depending on the degree of difficulty, it often symbolises failure, extreme challenge, and the blinking “Game Over” sign. The gist of it is that you have to cross the room without touching the floor (it’s lava = RIP), and you do so by using furniture or some such things to cross. You might know the term from your Internet travels and the many hilarious memes.

When all of life is lava

Sometimes, it feels like all of life is lava. Nod if you know how this feels.

Overwhelmed. Angry. Hopeless. Suicidal even.

Growing up is a nasty business, especially today. It was a struggle for me back then, and I am still figuring things out now that I’m all grown up. The pressure to perform, excel and be better than your peers. The demands (you believe come) from parents, friends, God, your boss – and yourself – stack the odds so high – and you can’t fly. It has to be said that what we think is demanded of us is a lot of times not true. God, for example, doesn’t demand from us, but rather seeks the dynamics that flow from a relationship.

Be that as it may, the internal battle continues and you find yourself waist-deep in lava, never mind trying to get from one challenge to another. Real-life allots no super abilities, magic ladders and secret tricks. Just figuring out who you are and where you fit in is a field of lava!

Mario, please throw me a lifeline

Things can get better. If you want to. With a bit of help, you can find your way through whatever you’re facing. All is not lost. The fat lady has not sung yet. The bell did not toll. It’s not game over. You can respawn. God is not going to throw you in hell for trying to figure life out. You are allowed to make mistakes. You can try again. Being alone isn’t so bad, and you don’t have to be alone. Be desperate enough to reach out.

You might think it – but you are NOT alone – everyone on the I AM Youth team has been there, and we want to help. We offer free WhatsApp counselling, or you can chat with us on our Youth Hotline.  I also want to throw in some things to help you get a little bit of perspective.

The road isn’t easy (it’s lava, after all), but you will find that you’re managing it along the way. You’ll discover that there are a lot of moments when life is bliss. A wonderful, exciting thing that is full of challenges and sweet victories. You begin to look at failures and disappointments as points for growth.

There are people who love you, they might not know how to show it in a way that makes sense to you, but they are there. The floor is lava, but with some help, you can make it across.

Reach out. Don’t Keep Your Struggles To Yourself.

Written by: Han

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