a step in the right direction

, forI just finished cutting the grass.  I really didn't feel like it.  Rain is rolling in tomorrow, however, so I knew I should get it done sooner rather than  later.  So I made a deal with myself.  I told myself I only had to do the front parts because they are the longest and they are more visible to the neighbors.  👀

After I finished the front portions, it seemed like a no-brainer to keep going.  Habit had kicked in.  So I continued, telling myself I could stop whenever I got tired.  

We have a patch between our yard and the neighbor's yard, and I have always hated mowing it.  It's all uphill, and there are trees and bushes in the way.  I had an "aha" moment when I was mowing that today.  I don't dread it so much anymore.  I tried to figure out why. 

It dawned on me that I mentally break it into sections, giving myself full permission to skip any section I want.  The grass doesn't grow as thick there, so if I skip parts once in a while, it is barely noticeable.  I break it into small chunks, and I take it once chunk at a time.  I hadn't even realized I was doing that!  In addition, I realized that the chunks aren't really as annoying as they used to feel.  I pondered that for a minute and realized the difference.  

We got new sod a few years ago.  Before that, there were a lot of bare patches and a lot of dust would be kicked up when I mowed that section.  Since I don't get a dust bath every time, I enjoy it more.  Now that I have had that realization, I can change my thinking about that part of my mowing duties.  

Is there something in your life that you don't feel like doing?  You know you should, but the idea overwhelms you?  Try making a deal with yourself.  "I only have to walk to the end of the driveway." or "I will drink one extra glass of water today." or "I will eat one new vegetable this week." Maybe you will take that first step and allow yourself to be propelled forward by your momentum.  

And while you are at it, challenge your old way of thinking. Maybe you are only thinking a certain way because it's a habit and you haven't really questioned it.  Maybe you think you are the kind of person who hates vegetables, for example.  When was the last time you tried a new one?  It's worth figuring out if you still feel the same way or if there is one small step you can take in the right direction.  You may be surprised what you learn about yourself, and what new habits you begin to create.

---