Hi Biblereader02, thanks for the question. 

The Lord calls on the disciples to take up their own cross. It is not a matter of taking up the cross that the Lord Jesus bore (that is impossible), but rather we are to carry our own cross.

What does this mean? It is often associated with the various “burdens” that each of us has to bear. But that cannot be what it means. For I cannot impose illnesses on myself; rather, they are imposed upon me. Even the often-heard statement, “Do not saw off your cross,” clearly misses the true meaning of the Lord’s words.

Back then, when the Lord spoke these words, anyone walking down the street with a literal cross was a rejected person. He was finished. Such a person went to the place of execution to meet a shameful death there before everyone’s eyes. We, too, must be willing to accept the world’s rejection. This rejection can end in death, but it usually manifests itself in much smaller things. Am I willing to accept that for my Savior? Then I take up the cross. I am challenged to do this daily (Luke 9:23). Someone who is hanging one a cross died there. His life came to an end. That's true also for the desciple: My life has come to an end, it's all about the Lord Jesus. 

The Lord first said that one must deny oneself. That means saying no to oneself. Then comes the part about the cross, which means accepting the world’s rejection. Are we ready for that? Every day of our lives (Luke 9:23)? Or would I rather just leave the cross behind? To follow the Lord Jesus means I accept His authority and "go" where He leades me. 

Hope that helps!