Habit. Muscle memory. Routine. Exhaustion.
There are lots of names for why I took a left at the light instead of a right.
For the last year and a half, I took a left to go home. Recently, I discovered a route that will get me home a full five minutes earlier. (That's five more minutes to exercise. And do the laundry. Or, realistically, sit in a chair in a silent house with my eyes closed.)
I get a reward for taking a right. It isn't challenging - if anything, there are fewer stops, fewer hills, faster speeds. I've done it enough times that it isn't new anymore. So why did I turn left today?
Change is hard, people. Even silly changes like taking a different route home. They require determination, focus, reinforcement - and also flexibility and a sense of humor.
Lord knows before the year is through, I'll take a left a few more times. If I do, I'll enjoy the view of neighborhoods and school buses, remind myself of the benefits of going the other direction, and try again tomorrow.
Living every day with that level of determination, focus, reinforcement, flexibility, and a sense of humor is what will bring change. Maybe now I should focus on changing my views on chocolate. (Not likely. Try again tomorrow!)
Change is hard! But I love your optimistic outlook on taking the other route. It is amazing how we can just get on autopilot and not even realize what we've done until we're partway through it. I look forward to reading your other slices this month. Welcome!
ReplyDeleteThank you :-)
DeleteChange is hard, especially those routines that become so ingrained in us that we put ourselves on auto-pilot and don't have to think about the steps. Glad to hear you have a positive outlook on it though!
ReplyDeleteMy blog is https://aggiekesler.wordpress.com/
Thank you!
DeleteYour post reminds me of a book I read a long time ago called Shaving the Inside of Your Skull. The "shaves" are different activities that challenge you to act or think in different ways. What doors might open if we tried doing something in a new way or took a different approach?
ReplyDeleteI might have to look into that! I remember reading something about changing furniture being good for your brain because it challenges it to adjust - or maybe that's hopeful thinking so my husband will let me rearrange more often. ;-)
DeleteOk, I totally get the idea of taking a quicker way to work, but changing your views toward CHOCOLATE? Nahhh... :)
ReplyDeleteCompletely a tongue in cheek suggestion. Chocolate is my lifeblood. ;-)
DeleteLove to read about your positive outlook even with change. I'm agreeing with Chris, there is NO need to change your thoughts on chocolate. I hear chocolate and left turns are divine!
ReplyDeleteFor my health, I need to cut down, but it feels too good to get rid of completely!
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