The Opposite

Some things we “know” because we think we know their opposite. And since we know what it’s not, then, of course, we know what it is. But here’s an important thing to remember: opposites are often inherited, given legitimacy because of their familiarity rather than their accuracy. Until we questions them, we inhibit our understanding and stunt our growth.Two small examples from everyday living:

1. 1. The opposite of disorganized is not organization and order; the opposite of disorganized is more likely simplification.
   2. The opposite of an unhealthy diet is not health food; the opposite of an unhealthy diet is cooking from scratch.

Two big examples from my work:

1. 1. I thought I understood addiction. But the opposite of addiction is not necessarily sobriety; it’s more often connection and meaning.
   2. I thought I understood poverty. But the opposite of poverty is not necessarily wealth; it's healthy relationships.

The opposite of your call, your passion, your thing, may be the misunderstanding that is inhibiting you seeing clearly what you ought to be doing. We invest so much time and energy trying not to be this or that—and this or that isn’t even the opposite of what we ought to be.New insights emerge when we question presupposed opposites.Better understanding often begins with releasing our grip on the neck of the thing we’re afraid of becoming.