I don't know if it's like this for you, but when it comes to cleaning my apartment I find that if I can get myself to start and then just keep moving, I end up getting a lot done; and usually pretty quickly. (Or at least quicker than I thought I would.) I've been thinking about that idea a lot lately. "Just keep moving." It doesn't just work as a method of getting my apartment back in order, but also applies to my spirituality, my creative work, and my role as wife and mother (and probably other areas of my life too).
I think I'm really writing this post for me, as a reminder of the connection I made tonight, but thought maybe someone else might be able to relate or benefit from me sharing it. I've been in a rut off and on the last few months and I think part of the reason for that rut is that in some areas I've stopped moving. When things get hard I have a tendency to want to step away from it so I don't feel so stressed out. Sometimes that's okay. Taking a break can be a good thing if more important things are being neglected. But I think that in general, if I would "just keep moving", then the frustration would pass and something good would come.
Creatively I haven't been producing the kind of artwork I'd like to lately. So I put it away because it's frustrating me. Well I know if I just kept drawing or creating, eventually I'll create something wonderful and worthy of sharing. I can't just stop because it's not perfect, but even though I know great artists don't always create amazing things every time their pen hits paper or paint goes on a canvas, I still want to quit. I just need to keep moving, keep creating and know that eventually something great will come of it.
Spiritually it's easy to get stagnant too. I know how not doing the little things can really stop me from progressing, and affect the way I feel. I always feel better when I read my scriptures, pray sincerely, and do my best to make good choices. But it's easy to let the little things slide even when I know they make the biggest difference in my day, and in my life.
That's just a couple of examples. I'm sure there are more connections I could come up with, but I'll leave it at that. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts tonight. I'm going to try to "just keep moving" more often. Life can be hard, but I know if I just keep putting in the effort that good things will follow eventually. It's when I stand (or sit!) still that things fall apart.
I like the "just keep moving" idea. Does it come from Nemo's "just keep swimming?" My mom used to always tell me--"life is full of things you don't want to do, but you have to do them anyway." (Did I sound like Forrest Gump right there?) That one gets me moving.
ReplyDeleteI was also in Relief Society one Sunday and a sister made a comment about looking at the bigger picture when doing daily tasks. She said don't see things as just doing dishes, making dinner, or changing a diaper. She said that in reality you are creating a home and a family. I think about that sometimes too when I feel unmotivated to keep up with the little things.
I'm glad you're drawing again! I can't wait to see what you create!
Thanks for sharing this. I often think like that too...mosltly for when it comes to house cleaning "just keep moving" and I am always amazed and happy that I was able to get it all done... it feels great...but I do like the idea of keeping that same motivation in other areas of my life too. I have not gotten a chance to try making those homemade doughnuts but is still very much in my mental to do list.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. I needed those insights, especially this month when things seem so overwhelming....Now, I better keep moving...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your post, Laura! Came at a great time. I love the quote "just keep moving". It really motivates you to keep going!
ReplyDeleteThere is a woman whose blog I love and she said she sets a timer for 20 minutes per room. When she is done with one room, she goes on to the next. It helps her to get it done quickly. (How many times have I gone into a room to clean it and find something else to do? Many)
I also love what your friend wrote about how it's not just the little mundane tasks we do all day, we are creating a home and a family. And our kids learn more from us by watching what we do vs what we say.