Doing the Impossible

When the task/goal/project we are tackling seems overwhelming, it's easy to delay/avoid/procrastinate.  Unfortunately, if it's something that needs/must be done, we are creating daily stress for ourselves each day we fail to address it.

The only way I know to do the seemingly impossible is - one step at a time.

Even if we call in reinforcements, at any stage, we're already x steps closer to completion, once we've started.  And for many of us, just getting started is the hardest part.

I tackled a seemingly impossible project recently.  Fortunately, I didn't actually know how large, and growing the tasks were when I began.  Getting started had its own rewards.  And, it since it involved manual labor, I could visually relish each portion completed.  Since I gave myself the option to call in reinforcements at any stage, and my timeline for doing the seemingly impossible was fluid, I remained motivated to finish.  Another silent success relished!

When we tackle the seemingly impossible we need to:

• start
• give ourselves options
• celebrate each interim achievement
• continue or call in reinforcements

If the Shoe Fits

When the shoe fits I will run, fish, dance, work  or play in it! We sometimes pigeonhole ourselves or allow others to do so.  Because we have different skills and interests, we can't be confined to one shoe. My weekend shoe wardrobe includes the dress shoe I wore to work, my running shoes, wading boots and sandals for dinner.  When the mood hits me I'll find the shoe that fits me and encourage others to do the same.

Power of Silence

There are abundant wonderful resources for effective communications.  One that I haven't seen frequently mentioned is silence.  We are inundated with talk, text, email and can get antsy when we have unscheduled time.  Silence is powerful.  It allows us to think, react appropriately or refrain from reacting.  Silence also provides space for others to: take charge; offer opinions, advice or options; be acknowledged non-verbally (eye contact, smiles, hugs, etc.).

And most importantly, appropriate silence allows us to hear our own voice.

Getting Back Up

I've been fortunate to never before have fallen when running, until this past weekend.  My injuries are minimal - bruised hands, skinned knee and bruised hip.  My iPhone looks far worse than I do.

Quite close to home, I could have easily turned around to nurse my wounds, but I got up and finished my run.

Had I turned around, I'd probably have been more sore the next day.  And I might have been nervous about getting back out.  Sometimes, when we get back up and keep moving forward when we stumble, it's a far better option than seeking sanctuary and solace.

We need to know when to run and when to hide.

Facing Fear

For years, I'd said that the only way I'd get in the water in Port Mansfield was if I fell out of the boat.  Love prompts us to do things we don't think we can do.

Gar has been an accomplished traditional saltwater fisherman for many years.  Over the past year, he's developed impressive expertise and success in fly fishing, and convinced me to try his newest fishing passion.

We honored Edgar's birthday with our first trip back to our favorite Texas fishing destination since his death.  And we both had fishing firsts to celebrate - exciting catches and (for me, actually consciously) stepping into the water.

I was physically impacted by the prospect of facing my fear of stingrays, sharks and other unseen creatures.  I couldn't sleep and my digestive system was a wreck.  Gar might not have realized I was serious moments before stepping off the boat, when I asked if I should throw up over the side or in the water.

No stingrays, sharks or other feared creatures appeared.  However, by facing my fear, I joined my son in one of his passions, observed several species of birds up close and personal and got to see smaller crabs than I could have ever observed from the safety of the boat.

And because I'd faced my fear earlier, I was able to plop back into the water to help Gar photograph his huge fish caught on a fly he tied.

I realized that we often ask family members, friends and coworkers to join us in things that are second nature and exciting to us, but intimidating and disconcerting to them.

Things that are easy for us may well cause the angst that I experienced for others.  When we face fears, it's cause for celebration.  And, it's a cautionary note to be attentive to verbal and nonverbal clues that those in our sphere are fearful.

If the Shoe Fits

Run, Dine or Fish in It!

Size and Sighs of Heart

When we have a big, open heart, we increase our support network.  Supportive networks are always beneficial and help greatly as we deal with loss, disappointment and frustration.  Thus the size of our heart can help us deal with the sighs of our heart.