I thought I was ready to move on to the weeds, but not quite yet. I still have MUCH cleaning up to do. This afternoon, I was raking leaves. Stuffing them into these cheap, thin bags, I carried each one accross the yard, leaving a trail where the bag had ripped open. This was becoming a painfully slow process, and I realized I needed to come up with a better plan. Then I remembered that my neighbor had a wheelbarrow, which she gerenously loaned to me. Soooooo much easier and quicker! Thank you Kristie!
I can be stubborn, sometimes, and insist on doing things my way. Like Ford says, "I do it myself!" But that's not smart. Why wouldn't you use the resources all around you (friends, family, neighbors)? I can't rid myself of these negative, self-defeating, and judgemental thoughts by myself. So, wise, thoughtful and resourceful friends, help me out here. I'd love to hear how you clear the debris from your mind? Books you've read, experiences you have learned from, quotes, whatever. To get us started, I do have one I'd like to share:
Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
Author Unknown (to me, at least)
Can't wait to hear what y'all have to say!
2 things. 1: An old Chinese proverb that I like, to remind you not to get stuck in one of those pesky ruts - "If you don't change your direction, you may just end up where you're going." and 2: If you haven't read Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture" you really should. I really look forward to reading what others post!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that book. I think I was worried it would be depressing, but I have heard it is wonderful. I think I will get it today. I need another book to read. Thanks Caroline!
ReplyDeleteFor me obsticals, debris, negativity, or perhaps just a giant task can sometimes be so daunting that I become imobilized; frozen in time with an albatross around my neck. Sometimes I let it sit awhile because I am simply overwhelmed but once I can find that edge..a tiny starting point some how everything becomes possible. MY advice is start small and start somewhere and everything else falls into place. A quote just came to my mind from the Philosphy & Culture of my old workplace. We used to say,"Clean the Corners" Which basically meant pay attention to the details and the everyday stuff will take care of itself. When I am feeling overtaken I try to change one thought, clean one closet, put on one pretty drss, say one prayer...and drink 5 cups of coffee and then things start falling back in place.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Libby...I hope you have a great day
by the way that was one pretty dress:)
ReplyDeleteI have a long story that I can share with you in person one day (I am the world's worst procrastinator) but the moral to the story is "If money will fix it, it isn't a problem"! Next problem you have, ask that question. Will money fix it? If the answer is yes (and that doesn't necessarily mean that you have the money as that isn't the important point here) then don't fret over that issue. Its the ones that money can't fix that are the real challenges in life.
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