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These blogs are a way to share my thoughts and insights with you. Feel free to comment and share.

It's not magic

3/12/2013

4 Comments

 
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Years ago, I was given excellent advice from a dear friend. After  listening to my grumblings over a few months about not getting enough exercise, she finally said, “It’s not magic, Minda. You just have to do what it is you keep saying you want to do.” 

So that night I laid out my exercise clothes beside my bed, set my alarm for earlier than usual, and when I woke started my exercise regimen. It was that easy.

What she offered was
a fresh perspective on how to view my "problem" and got me to the heart of the matter.  She simply said you've done this before and you can do it again. It's not that complicated. Just do it. (I believe I was even wearing Nike shoes at that time!) There was no judgement or emotional enmeshment either.

It's not always this simple. There are many forces at work exerting pressure on us. The problem at hand might be an illness, a disability, depression, anxiety or deeply ingrained inertia and bad habits. You might feel overwhelmed or ineffectual starting something new or changing an old and unproductive habit.

But, if you believe in yourself and what you desire, your natural strengths and capabilities will provide you with just enough energy to do what matters and counts for you.

There is no magic.
Only deliberate and active effort results in change. It starts with: bits of time, commitment, perseverance. And it thrives with: heaps of kindness and patience towards oneself.

Secretly, what we probably hope for is a magic wand and fairy dust sprinkled on command, to catapult us into our idealized fantasy of the  habits we would like to fully possess.

For my part, I have always fantasized about a disciplined life, with a routine like this: Wake-up 5:30 a.m. Meditate. Stretch, run, lift weights. Read and write. Then begin my work day.

But
I'm not there yet! Instead of living my fantasy fully I pull together pieces, here and there, making them fit into my current routine. It's not nearly as elegant but works well enough.

If there's no magic out there, what works for you? Share your stories on the site.


Keep you posted,
Coach Minda

4 Comments
Susan Mestman
4/12/2013 04:14:38 am

Very insightful. Thanks!!!

Reply
Minda
4/12/2013 04:24:47 am

Thanks Susan. Glad you stopped by.

Reply
Cliff Yerex
10/12/2013 08:22:53 am

Just recalled a 'moment' in my life that was quite significant in terms of "There is no magic." Two fold perspective for those who are treading lightly in angst towards a direction;
Shift work had to be the worst in a railway office. Being stuck in that rut was the next thing; not even grade 12 under my belt. It seemed as though I was on a treadmill till death. Looking around in the office at others who's work was traffic driven. One of the guys I admired for his intellect and almost freakish capability to remember details and events was doing the crossword.
I decided to start and asked if he would help me get started. We had fun and I learned a great deal. My cogwheels in my mind started to shed the rust. From there, I felt as though I had accomplished something by just starting small, putting pencil to paper and not being afraid to seem 'too stupid to do a crossword'. A little while later I started studying lighting, following a commercial pilots adventures in technical terms and finally getting my pilot's license. Soon after I applied for a management position.
This blog seemed to connect with my experience with "Life is do or do not."
Thanks Minda for the inspiring blog.
As always, you are someone to look up to.
So sorry to hear about your parents too. You paid in full as a good daughter. Blessings.

Reply
Minda
10/12/2013 09:16:05 am

You tell a story that says a lot about you; your drive to get out of "treadmill death" and your willingness to seek out someone to help you. Bit by bit, you figured out how to break out of your fear and limitations and the misery of your job, from the sounds of it. Keep doing! Thank you for your comment and your kind words. Much appreciated Cliff

Coach Minda

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