A time for clarity...

After reviewing the previous post that introduces the blog site, I thought that perhaps there may be the reader who wonders if there really are just two kinds of people: Resolvers and Cyclers. The use of these two identifying terms is intended to distill down to the simplest denominator the action behind constructive and healthy living. It is not intended, however, to identify only two types of people. Humanity is simple and complex at the same time and suggesting that human beings can be limited to such rigid terminology is absurd. Recall Scott Peck's book "The Road Less Traveled" written more than 20 years ago, referred to two types of people: Neurotic and Character Disordered individuals. So, there are others who have limited the scope of human behavior to simple terminology to stress particular aspects of the human condition. That is the effort in here as well.

People can be viewed through multiple dimensions and perspectives. The term "Resolvers" has its genesis in the idea that the successful individual, couple, or family that has been engaged in the program at Wellspring found success and resolution because they were motivated to discontinue behavior and or cognitive processes that for so many years have repeatedly resulted in destructive outcomes in their lives. True resolution, I have observed, is motivated out of the desire to bring something to an end. The "Resolver" didn't necessarily have their beginning as a resolver. Instead, this individual spent much of their life cycling through destructive behavioral and cognitive patterns. What separates the resolver from the cycler is that the resolver has considered self-examination as a foundation to personal freedom and an opportunity for personal and professional success. This person trades stagnation and dissatisfaction with life along with superficial or manipulative relationships for deep contentment and fulfillment regardless of life experience at the moment. "Resolvers" are tenacious about persevering and learning what they can and challenging not only their outer worlds, but their inner worlds as well. They have the willing spirit to bring something to an end and the ability to count the cost of bringing closure to something that is not productive or healthy to their self, first, and in relationship to another, second. That takes courage! I have admired many powerful stories of those I would refer to as "Resolvers." They are the recovering cyclers in our midst.

The term "Cycler" has its origins in the idea of repeating a behavior, thought process, or emotional reaction over and over again with the same outcome or conclusion. To be a "cycler" in life doesn't mean that it is a totally losing process. Many individuals that fall into this dynamic are well meaning and successful individuals in their personal lives and in their professional lives. It would appear such success would indicate balance and contentment. However; often such individuals are so broken and exhausted from years of over compensating and giving away their personal energy in life that the result typically is deep disillusionment and dissatisfaction with life and with the quality of their relationships. Though seemingly healthy on the outside of the individual, the story on the inside is quite the opposite. The inside story of a "Cycler's" life is like the scarring termites leave behind once they have eaten away the pulp of the wood. When stress is applied to the weakened area the walls may just come tumbling down.

The mere discipline of self examination along with the desire to learn from one's mistakes or experiences separates the dynamic of the resolver from those that cycle through life and relationship. I have observed that the cycler that holds tightly to the non-resourceful methods of life interaction derives a benefit from the experience regardless of the outcome. Our job at Wellspring is to identify the benefit these patterns provide and understand what motivates an individual to endure such destructive and painful dynamics over and over again without substantial positive gain. Nothing necessarily changes, it just feels like it has and for the cycler feeling is everything. The sharpest of intellects are over shadowed by the distortions of their feelings.

Hopefully, as a reader of this blog, you have a better understanding of the ideas referring to the "Resolver" and to the "Cycler." The theme of these two concepts will emerge from time to time through the context of these blogs. Other terms can be used to describe our deep and complex yet simple characteristics of our humanity. Limitation is not in our vocabulary at Wellspring. We see that people are only limited by their lack of imagination and courage, and by their rigidity towards themselves and towards others. Live freely! Live Well! Live with the Courage and with the permission to be the "Original" you you were designed to be!

next post..."The Original Self."