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| Credit: Black Apple via Design is Mine |
I’ve always had a problem with managing my expectations & learning to listen to what my heart tells me. I have many intentions & desires but none that have made me feel truly passionate or as if there was no doubt in my mind that this is what I’m “supposed” to be doing. I love making handmade “stationary” but I should have listened to that tiny but persistent voice of doubt (and I’m not describing fear of failure or procrastination) that was there all along. Because then I wouldn’t have made myself almost miserable with trying to achieve something I didn’t even want in the first place. Once I declared that I wanted to make it a business, I stopped enjoying it & that’s a BAD sign. Now, I’ve given myself permission to just let that be a hobby & it feels right.
What I’m saying is that instead of feeling guilty or ashamed or mad even, I’m just going to release all of those tired, old goals that I think I should want & think I should do. I’m going to turn inward & listen to what my heart says, how my body responds & reacts to things. I’m ready for change & I know its coming, but I’m not forcing it. I'm just accepting that this is exactly where I'm supposed to be right now.
Tell me dear friends, how do you deal with ruts, stagnation & feeling lost? Your tips would be greatly appreciated & are much needed.
12 comments:
So this didn't really help me but I think I want to do it again as soon as I quiet my mind down. Try doing The Artist's Way. Not just the morning pages but get the book and read and do the prompts.
I think I'm going to do that again soon.
Linda- I did the entire book & exercises about 10 years ago but you're right...it would be a good thing to do again & I remember really enjoying it.
The best post you have written thus far. I don't need to listen to the voice in my head (that one can be a bit of a grouch), I just need to listen to the voice next to me.
First of all, bravo for listening to your inner voice! I TOTALLY understand what you are saying here and have been there myself. And yes, if it went from feeling fun to BAD when you decided on the Etsy Shop, well, something just wasn't right. The right things give us energy and we can't wait to work on what's next. Don't get me wrong, everything will most likely have some aspect we aren't crazy about (especially in business) but when the whole thing starts to feel like a looming cloud, it's time to switch gears. I'm so glad that you have and I'm so glad you are thinking about what's up and coming. :)
M-Thanks babe. I appreciate your support, encouragement & advice. I'm so lucky to have you in my life.
Woz- You are the best! Thanks for your support & of course for your wisdom.
Listening to yourself is very important. I didn't know this until I tried it. I'm actually doing the best I can right now. I realized that not only am I a lot happier, a lot of the stress I felt kind of just went away. I think that it's normal for all of us to feel lost, but with time we find ourselves again.
Abby-I immediately felt a sense of relief when I wrote this post, so I can only imagine how much other stress will fall by the side.
Hi Danielle...good post! I love the Fri Favs too! So, you found that writing your feelings down helps dispel a certain mood, that's a usful tool. I know when I get in a rut that it will not last forever and it is a very good time to try something completely new that you wouldn't try otherwise.
Mary
I'm having a hard time myself. I've had to take a step back recently and realize that that anger and rage I felt at not having what I thought I wanted actually prevented me from appreciating what I have. Once I did that, I realized that I love waht I have. Without the expectation of those things being what I wanted, I get to appreciate what they are.
I've been looking for some peace in a few areas. I think my answers may be letting so of somethings. Thanks for the honesty and inspiration.
i would take solace in the fact that you tried it, didn't like it as a real business and now you have no regrets. in my opinion, a life of "what ifs" or regrets is worse than trying something, discovering you don't like it or in some cases, failing but at least you've gained closure and can move on to better things.
i just realized i didn't answer your question: i try not to let myself get into ruts although it's a part of life; instead, i do what i feel like doing, even if i know that it's a temporary fix but the way i see it, life is too short to be complacent. hell, i have half-done projects all over my house; some may see that as problematic (ie. i never finish what i start) but i see it as reminders that i need to change things up. so i do.
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