Good night ladies and gents,
I must say that I honestly thought about missing this week's confession but I know within myself that that's when it all starts. Putting things off until the uncertain tomorrow. Making promises that you don't you will be able to keep. Until you wake up a few months later and you're knee deep in broken promises, missed opportunities, procrastination and worst of all regret. Even though this post might be a bit short as I hadn't given as much thought to it and pre-written and proof read it and then emailed it to myself just to see if receiving it at a later date would identify any shortcomings and spur any new angle (yes I do that with my confessions mainly when I'm bored in a lecture or just have a bit of free time I type it up on my Tablet that I call Tabetha- Tabby for short), but I digress. I thought it important to not forgo this post because it's important to make this a continuous habit and not just a short flame soon extinguished. And seen as though this post is entitled 'Restarting Your Life' what better time to kick myself in the butt and get what I need to do done that at this very instance. Who knows this very post can incite such a wonderful storm of inspiration that I do something great I never thought of doing before. Well dare I dream.
It is said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit and the best way to have a lasting habit is to tackle one thing at a time, But what about wanting to reshape your life and re-establishing your lifestyle. By now many of us have probably made our goals for the year, month or even the week. Things we hope to accomplish and dreams we hope to achieve. We envision 2013 to be a stepping stone in the world adventure of our lives. But what happens when our fuel burns dim like is the case of me and me confessions? My answer is simple..... Do what you must. You must do the things that you least want to do first because these are sometimes the most important things. In my quest to be a more well-rounded, inspiring and superb woman I have started on many life quests to kind of 'Sort out my life'. I will be honest with you all I AM ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROCRASTINATORS EVER!!!! If there is something I know I should do I will put it off until thy kingdom come and then do it at the last minute and not produce the standard which I know I can produce. My best work comes after many reviews, research for any claims and repeated efforts to master my linguistic architecture and my understanding of the topic at hand. Whether it be in my academic prowess or my blog or even everyday life. But still I procrastinate.
How can we know what we should do and yet sit in this area of stagnation for so long? We dwell in limbo or purgatory not really living on a plane but waiting in life for the day greatness is thrust upon us. We do this repeatedly until we realize we've lived an unfulfilled life and reduced dreams. What can we do to change our lives and jumpstart our amazing adventures? Well first things first is to start somewhere. Make an executable plan and track our progress as we make new steps on our journey. Reward ourselves with each advancement and be thankful for ever movement in the affirmative direction. But let's face it the start is sometimes the hardest part when doing nothing is so much easier. I know I most DEFINITELY know. As I said before I am a great procrastinator and man do I waste time. Tsk tsk tsk. But I am willing with everyday to restart my life and make it a new step in the right direction. See the secret isn't to not fail but to rather accept it as it occurs (not saying it has to but if it does accept it), examine where you went wrong and then proceed with this lesson as another weapon in your arsenal. Use your past as your map, your present as your vehicle and the future as one of your many destinations. Don't expect to reach everywhere all at once. I mean that's what happens when we travel from to place to place isn't it? We make a stop, experience the destination, have it as a guide in our memories and then move on to a new place.
"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the live of your dreams" -Oprah Winfrey
Whenever I feel like I'm stuck in a rut or get off track and lose sight of my desired future I don't look for a non-existent restart button. I rather change my method because only the insane does the same thing over and over again and expects the same results (well the insane and many doctors at least :D). I let go of the old, shed my molten past and re-emerge as a beautiful butterfly ready to begin the world again. I revamp, revive and refocus. I seek the advice of those who have successful done what I desire to do. I look to motivational sites for words of wisdom, quotes, read inspiring books and look for inspirational images wherever they may arrive. I go to sleep just to take a break from it all because maybe I'm not really being lazy but just feeling a little burnt out. I watch a movie, eat some ice cream and try to find my mojo amongst the small and insignificant that have powerful potential. I read my bible or go for a run. I talk to a family member or meditate (yes I do meditate ohm and all). I BLOG!!! And it is after all this that I strengthen my resolve.
Once I've re-established my vision and cleared my focus. Then I look at my goals. Were they the right set of goals? Did they make sense? Are they achievable? Did I break them up into smaller measurable steps? Am I making more progress than I thought I was? I tend to try and move away from the socially constructed goals and identify more clear cut goals that refer to my life. Then I make a plan and go again. That's all I do. I know I'm not perfect and I may falter but I will never stop trying to be the best I can be and you shouldn't either.
"Let us not be trapped by what is. We've got to keep pushing for what ought to be." - President Barack Obama speaking at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial dedication
Then there's the other aspect of restarting your life. The whole life changing event ordeal. Loss of a job, drop out of school, loss of a loved one, break up, accident and all that sad stuff :(. To restart life from these kind of ordeals requires more than just simple goals and plans. It requires strength, support and spiritual belief. Believe that everything happens for reason even though you may not understand it and that it will all work out in the end. There's a saying that I picked up. "It will all work out in the end. If it hasn't worked out then it's not the end". This is what has been my motivational tool for many of the adverse events in my life from deaths to heartaches to failures and disappointments. Just the knowledge of the possibility of a better day helps to heal me day by day and move mm by mm forward. I'm not saying that any of it will be easy nor am I saying it's as simple as reading a few articles or a blog post and allakazam shazam badda bing badda boom an all your problems will be solved. Not in the least bit. What I am saying is that you are not alone in this fight. Seek out support from friends and family. Check out online groups, pray and go to church. Be thankful for all that you do have and keep giving glory. Seek spiritual guidance and meditate. Force yourself to make the steps to move on with life. Use everyday as a chance to restart and be amazing because honey it ain't over until the fat lady sings at your funeral. Small steps can make a difference and lead you to a great future. Just take it day by day.
"The things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out"- Jack Buck
Sorry for all my ramblings but I hope withing this you all found something useful that can truly help to restart your life. And if you need someone to help and give advice, well remember that I'm always here to help and I sincerely mean it. I know that things aren't always easy and I thank God everyday for the people in my life who have continued to be there through all the sour points. Identify those people and keep them close to you always. Below are some articles on the same topic that I found to be useful in addressing restarting your life:
Oh and remember yo Vote As Told By Nella in the Jamaica Blog Awards. The links are as follows:
Thanks for reading.
Much Love,
Nella