Feeling stuck? Yeah, me too. There’s a million ways to get unstuck, I just don’t want to do any of them. I want someone else to do it and call me when I’m really needed. Even then, maybe that person can figure out how to do it without me. I’m a motivational speaker who’s not feeling very motivated. I’m sure lots of people will really be interested in my services now. The truth is we all find it hard to stay on track. Some days it feels like we’re just banging our heads against the wall. Other days, if feels like someone should really fix that dent in the wall. I think once we understand that everyone goes through this the more we can give ourselves a break.
There are constant ebbs and flows in life. I think we believe we should be busy all the time and be productive. I can look busy and still get nothing done. My very own superpower. I don’t want to be told what to do and yet, it would be great if someone could tell me what to do. It’s times like these where we start to lose faith in ourselves. We’re so prone to self-doubt anyway. We can go down that lovely rabbit hole until we finally see ourselves alone and homeless. Maybe that’s just me. In case it’s you too, here’s some ideas that might help us both out.
The first idea that always works is meditating. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, with our eyes closed can make a world of difference. The endless possibilities of our life can suddenly seem possible. I still think we are in some kind of computer game. I’m stuck on a level and somehow can’t break the code that will let me move up. I blame the fact that I’ve never mastered Pong. Yes, I’m that old. Go ahead, google it, I’ll wait. Meditating puts my reality into focus. I’ve come a long way and sooner or later I’ll find my way out of the box. Of course, the whole process of frustration will start again when I realize I need the help of a seven-year-old to give me the answers to escape the dungeon. There will always be more levels to move through.
The second idea is to try Qigong, (pronounced chee-gung) or as some people call it “Shaking of the Bones.” This exercise is a quick and easy way to alleviate stress and anxiety. For a short, five minute demonstration you can click on this link.
To see the entire interview with Rhonda Enea, you can click this link.
There is more to this ancient Chinese practice. You can find classes in most cities. It’s a great way to learn a new technique that involves breathing, meditation and movement. I find when I do this at home it helps stop the restlessness I occasionally feel. Plus, it always makes me laugh.
The third idea is to change the scenery. Step away from the computer and our phone. I know it’s sounds blasphemous but try it anyway. A walk outside can clear our head. I love looking out at the expanse of the ocean or at the stars. It reminds me of the endless opportunities that are out there. When I venture out, I meet interesting people. Ok, I’m using interesting as a euphemism for strange. Still, some of these conversations will spark a new thought or help with solving a problem I’ve been chewing on. Sometimes the best way to get out of our head is to go inside someone else’s. A new perspective on old ideas may be enough to feel motivated to get back on track. If anything else it reminds me how much I don’t want to be homeless. That alone motivates me to get back to work.
A bit of downtime can be enough to recharge our batteries. We can’t live in fear and feel that if we take breaks now and again that we will never reach our goals. It’s all a process. Right now I’m still fighting a fire breathing dragon. I’m not worried. I already put a call in to my seven-year-old nephew, Kent. He’ll know what to do.