All week, the words of this song by Carrie Newcomer have been repeated in the soundtrack of my life.
The only way out is through
But the only way through is in, again
Where the soft soul waits
And hearts beat and break
And the real wars are waged and won
-Carrie Newcomer
It’s been my mantra, “The only way out is through. The only way out is through.”
The only way out is through has been the lifeline that’s kept me going when radiation treatment got tough.
Radiation treatment is focused on potent energy. High-powered radiation rays are directed carefully and precisely to areas where cancer cells were and could be. It’s not without collateral damage to all the quickly growing cells in whatever areas are being targeted in radiation; this is most often skin cells.
As my skin has slowly surrendered to radiation, it’s been painful, uncomfortable, and generally not fun. Still, Carrie’s words, “The only way out is through,” became the reminder I needed.
I knew I would get to the other side, and I understood the lessons of the “through time” are the kind of lessons I don’t want to learn but offer deep transformative invitations.
The only way out is through…This short phrase reminded me that I wasn’t doing this for entertainment; radiation is done because it works and serves an important purpose.
The only way out is through…through is where the alchemy of transformation happens.
Carrie writes in her song, “the only way through is in, again/Where the soft soul waits/And hearts beat and break/And the real wars are waged and won.”
The only way out is through, but it’s also IN. We don’t get through without also going in.
Into the pain.
Into the questions.
Into the purpose.
Into the heart.
Through is the middle and the end. (I’m muddling through, and I’m through with radiation…the middle and the end.) Sometimes, the lines blur, and we are unsure if we are in the middle or have found our way out.
The only way out is through (or in). These words have offered me consolation, guidance, and hope. May they be the same for you this week.
(Listen to “The Only Way Through Is In.” See what word or phrase speaks to your life and your challenges. Maybe there is a mantra that speaks to you in her words.)
A Blessing When The Only Way Out Is Through (And In)
In the twists and turns of our shared human life, when the only way out of challenges is through, may you muddle through by going in. Into the questions, the pain, the purpose, and the twisty paths. May you be surprised by gentle encouragement and sage wisdom from those who have gone before.
by Mary Oliver
I do not know what gorgeous thing
the bluebird keeps saying,
his voice easing out of his throat,
beak, body into the pink air
of the early morning. I like it
whatever it is. Sometimes
it seems the only thing in the world
that is without dark thoughts.
Sometimes it seems the only thing
in the world that is without
questions that can’t and probably
never will be answered, the
only thing that is entirely content
with the pink, then clear white
morning and, gratefully, says so.
from Blue Horses
“May you know you don’t walk alone.” 🙏
Congratulations on getting through radiation!These words have rung true for us these last few years as well.