What To Do When You Don’t Feel Like It
Why is it that we’ll run to the doctor to address health concerns, but do everything in our power to get out of facing other issues?
We’ll sulk, complain, drink more, eat comfort food, pull the covers back over our heads, say no–anything to avoid dealing with the discomfort, fear, uncertainty, dislike of some “thing”. Even something potentially good.
What is Your Something?
We all have an issue (or two) we don’t want to face. The weather, THAT person, an uncomfortable situation, getting old, loneliness, a health concern, an unwanted task, an uncertain future, listlessness–the list is endless.
But we shouldn’t let our “something” paralyze us. Knowing what to do when dealing with an undesirable issue is key to enjoying the present.
Being intentional about facing the difficult, shrinks it to a doable and sometimes enjoyable opportunity. [←Tweet this]
What to do?
Winter blues? Deal with it head on. Take a walk. Go skiing (stick to the bunny hill if you like–no shame in that). Go sledding. Build a snowman. Have a snowball fight. Make a snow angel. Get out in the cold and learn why some of the most beautiful photos are taken on winter days! I promise this will help the winter doldrums.
Fear of falling or failing? Face it! Get back on those skis. Commit to a small speaking engagement. Schedule that difficult meeting.
Overwhelmed? Do one thing. Get it done. Then one more and one more.
Lonely or feeling worthless? Don’t sit at home feeling sorry for yourself. Make a call. Visit a nursing home or shut in. Invite someone over. Meet someone for coffee. Attend church. Everyone busy? Join a health club. Sign up to serve the homeless and hungry. Pray for someone. Write a letter.
Struggling with a relationship? Deal with it. Address the person. Air out your grievances with them in love and grace. Try to see through their eyes. You may discover a closeness you didn’t expect. If nothing else, you can rest easier knowing you tried.
The point is wallowing in our fear or pity only breeds more of the same. [←Tweet this.] Inaction is paralyzing, but action is empowering. Tackle the uncomfortable; find freedom in moving forward … one step at a time.
Re-frame your day to enjoy the gift of the present.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19
Reflection: What’s one thing you can do now, today, to face head-on your present difficulty or discomfort?
Linking with:
By His grace ≈
Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
Thanks for the encouragement. I haven’t been skiing for a few years – maybe I will get out to the bunny hill soon!
Go for it, Laura! I had my ACL repaired two years ago and finally got on skis again a few weeks again. It was great.
Well said!
Personally, I have but a few fears, and they are fears of losing the people I love in this life. For instance, if (God Forbid!!!), janything happened to my wife, I just do not think I would want to continue living myself. I would, simply because I have children that I love, but if it were not for them, I actually think I would just drop dead of misery right next to her! I do not want to face it later, or now, or any other time….but we sometimes must face things we don’t want to face, as you say. Sadly in this case, all we can do is realize that this lifetime is but a breath in the nostrils of God (OT “somewhere”). I mean, in the perspective of eternity, our lives on this earth are truly even less than “wisps” of time. They are less than “nano-lives” in that perspective. Which is precisely why we NEED to face things moment by moment, with prayerful consideration, the help of the Spirit, and courage/boldness thereof.
I can really only think of one other fear, and it is something I deal with daily, and that is that I will at some point have to make the decision as to whether or not to draw and shoot my pistol in self-defense. I’ve never taken a ‘civilian’ life, and have NO desire to whatsoever. I would ALMOST rather just take a bullet myself than to hurt another, BUT, I have a family that depends on me!
kk, that’s it.
L8R
~S~
achristiansmusings@gmail.com
I love the heart you have for your wife and family, Sean. They are blessed to have you. Your right our lifespans are but a whisper; we need to make the most of them. Thanks for your insightful comments.
So much truth in this! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Charlotte.
So true, Julie. I find that when there’s something I don’t want to do, I better do it first and just get it over with. When I don’t, it seems to loom larger and larger until I’m just paralyzed. I wish I could say that I do this all the time but at least I’m getting better at it!
Progress/growth is what counts, Holly. Perfection is just a mirage–unless you’re talking about Jesus of course.
We all seem to have something we fear in our lives. Truthfully, the more I rely on God and have faith in Him, the less this has possession over my thoughts and worries. But, I’m human, I have to keep taking my burdens back to Him because sometimes I pick them back up again after laying them down. (“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37)
So true, Rhonda. What a great word of grace!