A Loss of Control: Is It Obsession or Self-Protection?

The question of obsession is one that many of us live and grapple with in our daily lives. We may feel pulled in different directions, unsure of which path to take and sure about the meaning of the feelings that besiege our minds.

We can be consumed with thoughts, feeling as though we are out of control. These thoughts can spiral, growing ever deeper and darker, until we feel as if we are drowning in a sea of uncertainty and doubt.

Are these newly-realized thoughts a result of obsession? Or, are they merely a way of protecting ourselves from things that could unsettle our fragile worlds? This can be difficult to answer, but is a vital question we must address.

When confronted with this issue, it is natural to feel a degree of fear and vulnerability. It can be hard to identify a sense of ownership or authorship when such profound emotions are looming. We may wonder how our actions will come to define us and, more so, if we will ever find ourselves again.

In such situations, it is important to bear in mind that obsession does not constitute self-control. It does not mean you are in command of your inner-most thoughts and feelings. Instead, obsession serves only to distort, distract and disconnect.

It is possible to possess a certain degree of control without resorting to obsession. For instance, making small changes in everyday life can help us to effectively address and combat the more problematic aspects of our lives.

One of the best strategies for avoiding obsession involves understanding our own limitations. This can be incredibly intimidating, as being honest with oneself can be difficult. In addition, we must understand that striving for perfection is a far more harmful endeavor than attempting to perform tasks to an adequate standard.

To further comprehend the implications of obsession, consider its relationship to our closest relationships and connections. If we become overly-focused on one person or circumstance, it can lead to feelings of neglect towards those around us. Obsession can cause us to lose touch with reality, living in a never-ending cycle of emotions and reactions.

Due to its highly-addictive nature, obsession can have damaging repercussions. It can even manifest itself in physical symptoms, such as exhaustion, headaches and stomachaches.

Moreover, failing to differentiate between dedication and obsession can be counter-productive. It is synonymous with a loss of productivity, turning meaningful tasks into ones filled with joylessness and stagnation.

Understanding the difference between obsession and self-protection is essential. Seeking understanding is the best way to move beyond the realm of obsession, providing us with the tools to decipher between emotion and rationality. As frightening as this may seem, it is also an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and develop a healthy sense of emotional wellbeing.

Wrestling with the complexities of our own minds is a journey that must be experienced in order to be understood. To those asking the question 'Am I obsessed?' the answer is rarely a definitive yes or no. Rather, it is a matter of reflecting on the balance of emotion and reason, and of learning how to maintain equilibrium in life.