First, it was my messy house. The dishes were dirty, the laundry was piling up and the bed was unmade.
If something doesn't change, nothing ever will. Then, it was my personal growth. Spiritually speaking, I admit that I was complacent. I hate complacency. If something doesn't change, nothing ever will. Then it was my attitude. I was complaining, self-absorbed and lonely. If something doesn't change, nothing ever will. My weight-loss goals weren't being met. Can you guess what came to my mind when I considered my lack of progress? IF SOMETHING DOESN'T CHANGE, NOTHING EVER WILL. Starting to see what I mean?
I felt a very strong call to action when I realized that I was unhappy with a few aspects of my life, but that more often than not, I was ignoring all of the blatant signs that I could- and should- do something about it. I was doing (or not doing) the same thing over and over again expecting different (and better) results. Did you know that is the definition of insanity? Quite a wakeup call.
My only "resolution" of sorts this year was to begin to live with intention. In some ways I've implemented this idea, but in others, I've been doing the same things I've always done and using the worn out excuses that I've allowed myself to use over the last several months. So, to combat the temptation to become apathetic or inactive, I've come up with a plan that has actually (so far) been relatively effective. Every day of the week corresponds with a room in the house, so by the time the week ends, each room has been cleaned. I don't have a ton of extra time, so I've set a realistic goal for myself when it comes to personal growth- 15 minutes a day is set aside for the Bible study that I've been attending, and at night, I've been reading books that I've been wanting to read for quite a while. I like that sense of accomplishment. I have realized that if I want a better attitude, I just have to have one. So, I have chosen to get out of this "funk" and adjust to the new dynamics of my old relationships. Life with a baby changes in so many unbelievably wonderful ways; it's just been difficult to redefine certain parts of my life. Letting go of old expectations has been freeing, and I feel much, much better. Not dwelling on what I miss has made me indescribably grateful for what I have- even more than before. What I used to have doesn't even compare to what I have now that Sarah Claire is here. I am overwhelmed with love for her! And lastly, there's the weight-loss journey. My goal each day is just to do something. Some days it's a 3 mile run. Other days, it's core-work while Sarah Claire naps. There are some days that I consider all of the bouncing and pacing that goes into coaxing my ever-bright-eyed baby to sleep a workout, because somedays it is.
My point is, if you aren't happy with something in your life that is changeable (don't get all hung up on the permanent stuff), why not change it? Make a plan, and implement it. My Grandfather, who I believe to be an infinite source of wisdom, always tells me that life is like a three legged stool, and the three "legs" that give us support and stability in our lives are our spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. If one is missing or weak, there can't be any sort of balance. In my case, all three "legs" needed attention. Each one was weakened from being forgotten for a little too long. Ignoring the problem didn't do anything- I tried that. I had to do something, and I'm happy to say that now, I have.
I still love the phrase. I think of it daily, and I love that it really does have an action-inspiring effect on me. As it turns out, that statement was what prompted me to break the insanity-pattern, and I'm grateful to leave that phase behind!
