You get what you give: small beginnings

Photo by Hayley Murray on Unsplash.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. ~ Zechariah 4:10

When the path to achieving a goal becomes littered with challenges and setbacks, how do you respond…[read more]

When results and efforts disagree: defining growth

Photo by m. on Unsplash.

Now that we’ve surpassed the five-month mark into our new adventure on the mountain (see After the Leap), due to a three-week setback with COVID early on—as well as multiple challenges that have taken precedence—it often seems we have little to show for our efforts. Especially…[read more]

Letting go doesn’t mean loving less

 

At times, it feels like our journey through this one life is fraught with trials and setbacks more so than smooth sailing. Times when we could use an encouraging word, a hug or a shoulder on which to cry. A friend of mine is going through such a time and, earlier this week—despite my attempt to practice mindfulness (see ‘A month of mindfulness…’)—I allowed frustration over a situation out of my control to instead control my tongue. Unfortunately, this resulted in words spouted off between us, words that stung, words that could not be retracted. And, ultimately, a falling out. Although I tried to right it, the damage had been done and I realized the only thing I could do was to let go. To give my friend space. It doesn’t mean I love any less; it means I love enough to allow someone else to take my place. To pick up where I left off.

How do you know when it’s time to let go?

Photo courtesy of usamedeniz at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Everything is different, yet unchanged

Just because everything is different
doesn’t mean anything has changed. ~
Irene Peter

Irene Peter’s quote strikes me as simple, yet profound. It brings to mind the passage of time—how the seasons vary according to the earth’s rotation; how our looks mature as we age. Yet while outward appearances might seem different to a casual observer, that doesn’t mean that, inwardly speaking, we feel altered. Years ago, my sweet mama told me how she’d regard herself in the mirror and wonder who the little old lady was staring back at her, because inside she still felt like a young girl. Her then mottled skin, faded hair and weakened eyes made no difference to a heart overflowing with childlike wonder, despite surviving life’s disappointments and setbacks. I oftentimes acknowledge the same thought when I gaze upon my own reflection or review the recent transformation I’ve set in motion in my life. Knowing everything is different, but nothing has changed.

How do you relate to Peter’s quote?

Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The show must go on

 

[Image credit: digitalart]

Speaking of setbacks (see “keep on keeping on”), my next brick wall included three auras—those squiggly lights and shapes that 20 percent of migraine sufferers experience—in one day. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve been plagued with nine of these buggers. And then, the post-aura headaches zap my energy, taking my productivity hostage and dumping me on the sofa like a sack of potatoes. I did contact my specialist and plan to get in to his office for a consultation. In the meantime, I push through the work days, albeit slower than normal. And I show up to yoga practice, sometimes unable to complete a posture because of the stabbing pain in my head. For me, returning to the hot room—whether it’s following a few days’ absence or difficult day or even on a decent day—is like pushing a reset button on my attitude so I can continue to be a contributing member of the show.

How do *you* keep on keeping on?

Keep on keeping on

 

[Image credit: stockimages]

Let’s talk setbacks. I’m now a week into my 14-day plan  to change my life and I’ve committed to the whats, but every time I try to implement the whens, I run into a brick wall. The last setback was in the form of food poisoning—five hours of violent and painful, episodic and uncontrollable spasms in which my insides splayed open. All I could do in between bouts of “Oh my God I’m dying,” was curl up in a fetal position and cry for my mommy. But, (slow), lasting change is what I desire and, thankfully, all my plans are written in pencil (or at least can be modified with a click of the mouse). I also have a support system that rocks—a circle of a few close friends who are my “lifeline” when I feel like giving up. They swoop in, grab me by the proverbial boot straps and inspire [read: swift kick] me to keep on keeping on.

How is your circle of support?

Staying in the room

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize
how close they were to success when they gave up.
~ Thomas A. Edison

In Bikram Yoga, one of the mantras the instructors repeat (particularly to new students) is to “stay in the room.”  In 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity.  When the going gets tough.  When we feel like we’ve got nothing left to give.  It goes beyond the physical to the mental.  And it also holds true for life.  We can either manage the uncomfortable conditions that we’ll inevitably face, or we can throw in the towel.  Last week tested my patience big time on more than one level.  It would’ve been so easy for me to make excuses to walk away from the setbacks that kept threatening to pull me off course.  But I pushed through the discomfort and, sometime toward the end of the week, things began coming together.  Because I stayed in the room.

Is there something you’ve given up on too easily?

[Image credit: media10.podbean.com]