Stay there or get out

I’ve been trying to develop a rhythm. The summer is in front of me and I hope to have a lot accomplished before it ends. I think we are all guilty of falling into the treadmill trap. Think about it. When you’re walking on a treadmill, you’re physically moving but the scenery doesn’t change. Its almost like you’re not moving at all…except when you stop and realize that you’ve used up a lot of time and may even feel exhausted.

I think life can be like walking on a treadmill. You get pulled into the day-to-day activities, time is moving, but you’re personal goals aren’t being met. Its easy to postpone things when daily activities stand in your way; dinner should to be made, bills have to get paid, laundry is piling up, and the dog begs to be walked. These are the treadmill duties…they keep you moving through life, but they don’t take you anywhere. As soon as you get them done, there’s more waiting for you.

Long ago, I’ve realized if I want to see change, I have to shake things up. I have to fight against the current rhythm and and create a new one ~ one that includes fulfilling my personal goals. Let me tell you, it ain’t easy. If you want it bad enough, you have to put your mind into gear and find a way to do it.

For me, I’ve been purging and rearranging my studio space to give me more comfort and efficiency when I work. I’ve also been working on my health (actually spending a lot of time on a real treadmill ~ so explains my metaphor). Both changes have given me strength to keep moving forward. I see progress. Its not easy pushing yourself out of a rut, but if things aren’t working there are only 2 options: suck it up and stay there or get out.

4 comments

  1. Kathy says:

    I can really relate to your treadmill metaphor… getting home at 5 pm, dinner, clean up, make lunch for tomorrow, going, going… it’s hard to make time to do what I want to do. We’re going away next week, a whole week off. I’ll ponder this for awhile and make a plan for myself. Thanks for sharing. Kathy

    • Nanette says:

      It is difficult to make time. Sometimes we have to find ways to get the other things done, so we have more time to do what we desire. Make time, but above all be patient with yourself. It will happen if you want it to.

  2. Ani says:

    You have expressed quite well exactly the place I’ve been finding myself in = ‘same place’. Almost as if one is going around in a tiny self-made circle of woe! I too have vowed to make a difference this year. Baby steps. We’ll do it!!

    • Nanette says:

      Baby steps are a good start. If its important enough to you, you will find a way to make it happen … whatever “it” is! Don’t give up!

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