Do you ever find that you are avoiding the same little task, over and over? One that isn’t particularly difficult or demanding, just happens to be something you don’t like to do? And for some reason that one little pause in the process of getting something larger done, ends up keeping you stalled and stuck? And you chastise yourself, because it’s a silly, simple thing that you just need to face and get over?
I used to have an issue with putting an address and a stamp on an envelope.
I would think of people fondly, and take the time to write an encouraging note or get a birthday card to send, and then…..it would sit. And sit. And I’d think, I really need to find their address and get that mailed. But often, the birthday or illness or whatever was happening would pass, and there would sit my go
od intentions on the kitchen counter. Arg. Then “lighting struck me brain!” What if, when I was feeling thoughtful and ambitious, I wrote the address on the envelope and found a stamp first, before I wrote the letter? I wonder if that would help me get from just wanting to be supportive to actually making a connection, even if it was small?
I don’t remember how long it took until I didn’t have to remind myself to do things in that order but it wasn’t long. And the results were incredible! I am still amazed at how simple and small the address and stamp job is! It’s nothing! And it gave me a sense of accomplishment to have changed my weird, stalling habit into a pretty efficient way of doing something that is important to me.
I wonder if there is anything sitting around at your house that is draining your energy because it is calling you over and over again for attention? Chances are, it’s not a large job that is keeping something from being finished. What could it be?
I hope you will take heart and move on from the holding pattern habit! What liberation!
Ah hem, now I’m going to print out the return label for something I ordered that doesn’t fit…that’s been sitting on my nightstand for a week…which called to me again today….and prompted this post. {Big grin!}
Love you!!
Jacque
GREAT post! I had that same brainstorm about a year ago and started getting my envelop ready first and yes, it really helps. But, I have SO many other things that are bad habits that keep me immobilized. One is MAIL. I can’t face throwing many pieces of mail away and I can’t seem to make a decision on it either. So, piles of mail mount up. Then, when it too late to make a decision on it, I have no problem throwing it away. Similarly, my refrigerator is a disaster! It is SO full, it’s embarrassing! I can’t stand to throw good food away. I save EVERY leftover and before long, I can’t see what is in there lurking and I’m fearful and immobilized. When I DO get into it to deep-clean, I have no trouble at all making the decision to throw out things that are growing. Yike! Yuck! Why can’t I just throw it out before I have THAT to deal with? I don’t know! It’s like there’s a MONSTER in my fridge. I know I need to figure this out. H E L P !!