The clock read 8 am.
I had managed to get myself out of bed at this (ahem) early summer day.
Teeth had been brushed. Clothes had been selected. The lawn had been masterfully mowed if I do say so myself.
Shopping had been accomplished. Backpacks had been found (some being found outrageously expensive!). The asparagus had been cooked, the squash put away, and the zucchini fried (just for your info, a little pepper goes a looonnnggg way).
And somehow, the couch had welcomed me into its embrace... as I sat... and moaned.
You see, the daunting prospect of two things loomed ahead of me. These two things, I did not want to do. at all. I felt that basically nothing on this earth could possibly entice me to get up and do them.
How in the world do we find the will power to get up and do those things in life which are so repelling? How can we muster the strength to do that which nothing in us wants to do?
I was out of an answer.
What struck me was that, once I accomplished these two tasks, I would not be home free for the rest of my life. Mundane and painful tasks face us repeatedly.
Feeling helpless, I sunk deeper into the couch's plush and moaned some more (not recommended).
After a long conversation with my angel of a mother while I was in this unpleasant mood, I have now recovered and learned some things, things which I am going to share with you.
What to do when those dreaded tasks are particularly full of dread:
1. Be truthful about the situation.
Alright, let's start with brutal honesty because self-deception is a a killer of basically all good in life. When you are facing that which you dread, truly be dead honest. You might have to admit, "Okay, this situation is terrible." Let yourself agree with that and don't feel it necessary to pretend your feelings aren't what they are. That just never helps. Problems still hurt, even if they might be "easy" on the outside, and the truth sets us free, even if the truth is simple.
2. Remember the end goal.
That trigonometry homework, that person you need to call, that email you need to write, that mile you need to run - there is a reason you are doing it all. Keep the "reward" [the benefit of completing the task] in front of you. And guess what? Not only is there a tangible reward that is gloriously awaiting you, but your character is growing as well. Do you admire perseverance in others? Do you want to be a hero in your own life story? Do you want to be that stellar person of integrity? Just keep going, and you're well on your way.
3. Choose thankfulness.
Has anyone ever told you to count your blessings? Well, as simple as it sounds, it is a powerful practice. Reasons to be thankful are like sparkling bundles of joy waiting for you to come join the party. Instead of grumbling in every task, look for these reasons and be thankful for them. Yeah, cleaning up after your little sister might be annoying, but, hey, at least your little sister played with the toys on the floor and not your favorite sweater, right? There's always good. We just have to choose to see it. (And the party's happening whether you join or not, so might as well join).
4. Grow up (no matter if you already are an adult).
Ultimately, we are responsible for the choices we make. We can choose to put our big girl and boy boots on or to stay throwing a tantrum on the floor no matter if we are fifteen or fifty. It's up to us, and we alone have to face the consequences or reap the benefits. The choice is ours.
Thus, next time you just want to melt into your couch and moan, choose the boots you want to put on. Then, go and change your world.
Additionally, remember this >>>
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26).
All things are possible with God (Matthew 17:26).
© 2014 Deborah Hope Shining
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I definitely don't want this to be a monologue. What are your thoughts? Questions? Ideas?