Over the weekend I went on a bike ride through a beautiful yet obstacle-laden terrain. I went into this adventure with full confidence that I’d be able to tackle the route successfully based on my past performance of regular and rigorous physical activity. My body begged to differ.
When I came to the first hill, I pumped the pedals with all of my might. I rapidly retreated to the realization that if I hoped to make it to the top, I would have to get off and walk my bike. As I fought to catch my breath, I reflected on how an activity I would have been able to do with ease just two months ago, now felt next to physically impossible.
Going from cardio kickboxing with a 100-pound heavy bag, weight training, and yoga several times a week, to a more sedentary lifestyle, peppered with an occasional leisurely stroll, had altered my ability. I was out of practice and out of shape.
This made me think about the weighty expectations we place on ourselves to operate in the same ways we did in business and life before the pandemic when our experiences and environments have changed drastically.
When your world has been turned upside down or obstacles have been placed in your previously clear path, release the idea that you have to push through and do things the way you once did. Do what you need to do to adjust your journey so you can make it through in a way that works for you.
Here are some strategies to consider as you reroute your journey.
Change the Vehicle. I really wanted to get up that hill using my bike, but it turns out that the best way for me to get to the top was to walk. We may have a vehicle in mind that worked for us in the past, but it might not be the best one for our current time and circumstance. What vehicle are you trying to use for something in your life that is making things harder than they need to be? What vehicle could you switch to in order to accomplish your goal?
Remember the Reward. I had to walk my bike up the hill, but the momentum on the way down allowed me to ride my bike without even having to pedal. Hills will always be hard, but the breeze, speed, and exhilaration on the way down are worth the climb every time. As you think about any obstacle that you have to face, focus on the reward on the other side to give you the motivation that you need to push through.
Get Back Into Practice. The difficulty of that ride did not deter me from wanting to try again. I don’t want to struggle every time, so I need to get back into the practice. This means working out more frequently at higher levels of intensity to rebuild my stamina, strength, and endurance. Which area of your life is feeling a little stiff, rusty, or dusty? How might you ease back into the practice of that thing so it won’t feel so hard when you’re ready to dig in again?
This week I challenge you to give yourself some grace in an area you’ve been trying to force which may not be a fit within the current circumstances in our world. Choose one of these strategies for overcoming that obstacle and be patient with yourself as you reroute your ride.
Manifestation Affirmations
I am releasing unrealistic expectations.
I am open to adjustments on my journey.
I am ready to receive rewards and results.
Master Your Mind + Master Your Body + Master Your Money = Manifest a Life You Love Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide www.MonicaMarieJones.com