photo source - geniusbeauty.com
A few years ago I remember laying in bed listening to a podcast on overcoming adversity. What I remember the most is the speaker saying “GET UP!… GET UP!” As I lay there it felt like she was directly speaking to me. Then she said, “GET UP, YES, I AM TALKING TO YOU, GET UP OUT OF BED!” Whoa, what just happened? I’m not sure but the next thing I knew I was jumping out of bed and was standing up.
I can’t remember what she said afterward but I do remember this particular podcast as being a turning point for me. Years ago while I was struggling in my marriage I would often retreat to my bedroom and lay in bed. Often times I would read, journal, meditate and pray, and listen to various speakers on cd or podcasts. However this particular podcast changed my perspective on dealing with difficult circumstances.
It is far too easy to retreat and give up. I remember telling myself, “Things will never change”. I had a mindset of defeat despite the fact I had no idea what the future would hold. By getting up and out of bed, I symbolically made a commitment to not give up but to get moving. From that point forward I made it a point to involve myself in activities that would get me out of the house so I could work on myself. I may not have had the power to change what was happening to me or around me but I did have the power and ability to work on myself. The truth is that we can only work on ourselves. We don’t possess magical powers to control other people. We have the ability within us for change but it requires a mindset and a commitment to take action. It is far too easy to be inactive and accept our circumstances as “the way it will always be”. Don’t buy into the lie that “nothing will ever change”.
Start today and “Get Up!” and get going. Open yourself to something new and broaden your horizons. Life is too short to just let it go by as if you’re looking out a window. Instead, make a list of 3 things you’ve always wanted to do. Next break down each one into baby steps. From there commit to taking a step each week. Before you know it you’ll find your circumstances changing because you’ve changed. Trust me, it will make a world of difference. What will you do today to get up?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
i’m up and thank you!
Everyday is a training day! For your job, your family or your life!
Love this post! Great inspiration. Just what I needed for today:)
Thanks! This was a message I didn’t even realize I needed! Unfortunately, that means that I’m up and outta here–I’ll visit again, later, after I’ve conquered today’s to-do list!
I definitely could relate to this article. Thanks so much for posting this, Alice. I have so often retreated to my bed when feeling defeated by life’s many overwhelming circumstances. I also remember my Daddy doing the same thing. He died of cancer three years ago and I am still dealing with the loss. I was very close to my Daddy and I really miss him a lot. I helped my Mom care for him whenever he was dying. It was a really heartbreaking experience that has changed my life forever.
Wow! I feel like you are talking to me. I am up to see if I can follow my dream of starting my own bakery! Small baby steps you said? Here goes.
Thanks:)
Yoga! I agree that sometimes getting out of the house is all you need. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Can just be a walk to get a cup of coffee…but getting out of the house is huge
Thanks for a thoughtful entry! I’m going through a little yuckiness right now at home, and have been making a point of motivating myself, volunteering, doing lots of yoga, connecting with old friends…getting up as you say 