Albert Einstein has been quoted saying, ” Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”  What is Webster’s definition of insanity? Deranged or unsound state of mind, unreasonableness or something utterly foolish. Do these two definitions agree with the other? I believe they do. I’d like to add my little thought, ” repeating the same habit, routine or behavior over and over and getting the same results is obnoxious.” What does Webster say about obnoxious? archaic, something unpleasant/harmful, objectionable.

Ok, so what am I getting at?

Once again I’m referring to feeling stuck. This time though, I will share my personal story about feeling stuck.

As a general rule I am a positive person by choice. I love to see the good in situations and people (maybe to a fault), I love to help others feel inspired, motivated and confident. There’s no better way to serve than helping someone feel love and support. That said, I am normal-whatever that really means. I have moments when I feel stuck and sometimes they last too long for my liking.

When I feel stuck, it most often feels like I’ve been working hard at something new only to find that it didn’t change things a whole lot. It also feels like a new adventure came full circle but somehow missed the connection-much like a spiral going on and on. One immediate thought is as long as the spiral is spiraling outside it has somewhere to grow; if it’s spiraling inside itself it will eventually run out of room. When I continue feeling stuck I can sometimes feel unmotivated or I lose control of my direction or my next step. Everyone has a different and personal experience with feeling stuck.

Eventually I get to the point where I know I’m stuck, I sometimes know why I’m stuck and what I should do to find relief. Taking that step can be a challenge though. Why is it a challenge is a good question with a number of answers such as motivation, self-confidence, trust, belief, having the resources and a bunch more reasons or excuses. Yes, I use reasons and excuses interchangeably quite often.

As I sit and ponder what I should be doing and what my next step will be, I am at a loss. At least if I was at a crossroads or a fork in the road I could choose one and go but either my eyes are closed, the sunshine, aka the future, is so bright that it’s blinding, or I’m just not quite there yet. My options aren’t limited, only my mind is. If I open my eyes, I may see a blank canvas with freedom to use it to create or re-create my vision. If the sunshine seems too bright and blinding I only need to shade my eyes and open my heart and if I’m just not there yet, I must keep on going until I come out on top of my dreams, visions, or goals.

Great! I have solutions, which one am I supposed to choose? Open my eyes to see the canvas and let my creativity loose, shade my eyes and open my heart or just move forward a step at a time? This time I will choose all three. I will begin one step at a time in forward motion. I will be open to possibilities, I will step outside of my comfort zone and create something wildly crazy built with my ‘big picture’ in mind.

I will choose to meet myself where I’m at with self-acceptance, with self-forgiveness and fortitude.

How have you moved past the barriers that made you feel stuck? Do you have an experience you’d like to share?

While talking with a friend the other day I was asked if I have regrets about a path I chose which ultimately put my big picture goal at least two years behind. I answered without having to think long about the question, “no, I have no regrets”. I have no regrets due to many reasons such as I learned a lot; I learned what I don’t want, what I do want, in what direction to head, a little bit about people and their behaviors versus their words and actions, I learned that some kindness, unfortunately, is only skin deep and I’m sure I’ve learned a lot more.

I can’t have regrets because it would mean I didn’t take that leap of faith. It would mean I didn’t step outside my comfort zone and explore my options. It would also mean that I didn’t meet some pretty great people who are still in my life. No, I have no regrets, only gratefulness for the opportunity even though it didn’t work out for the better.

What I lost is small compared to what I gained. I have new direction. I have a chance to start fresh, tweak things, maybe even reinvent myself and my goals. As Cherokee wisdom reminds me, I won’t let yesterday use up today.

There is an Italian proverb, “between saying and doing many a pair of shoes is worn out”.  We are all guilty of this at one time or another and I suppose that’s just human nature. For some though, it’s normal behavior. Too often excuses are made and they’re made in such a way excuses sound like legitimate reasons to the person who is making them.  In the end nothing gets accomplished to the fault of the excuses made-or the excuse maker. So you do this? Do you find ‘legitimate’ reasons why you shouldn’t begin eating better, exercising, finishing your project, walking your dog or taking that step toward personal wellness?

Nobody really has it easy, everyone only has it different.

Don’t wait until a more convenient time, better weather, more energy (unless of course you’re ill; except in the case of healthy eating), don’t wait until the beginning of a new week, new month or new year. Begin today, now. Imagine the feeling of accomplishment you will have when you set your intention, work toward it and finally achieve it!

List what you would like to accomplish. Start with one item and work down your list.

What is holding you back from beginning today?

Need or want help? Contact me: Dawn@InitiateWellness.com

I love books. I love reading. I’m most often guilty of reading several books at the same time-well, not exactly together but no doubt in the same day or hour.

I own a kindle, it was given to me as a gift and I love it! This brings me to my minor dilemma; when I decide to purchase a new book I often want the paper version. I want to be able to flip pages or have several chapters marked in order to reference back and forth. How do I know which format will make more sense for me? Which format will bring satisfaction and no regrets?

I love technology. I love growing with the times. I also love the simple things in life, I appreciate how things once were and I appreciate advancement; how things can be.

To buy bound or not to buy bound?

Sometimes change is what makes all the difference. Sometimes change is up to you and sometimes it’s out of your hands and you have to accept it. Change occurs in our personal life, our job, with family members and beyond; it’s how we react to it that matters most. 

When change is up to you, take the opportunity to make changes that will help you soar. Change your routine, change your thinking or change your diet for a day and see how it affects you or how it improves you.