START

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao-tzu

START: Something

Stop: worrying

START: Living

Stop: waiting

START: Talking

Stop: texting

START: Exercising

Stop: dieting

START: Trails

Stop: treadmills

START: NOW

Stop: procrastinating

START: Breathing

Stop: smoking

START: Doing

Stop: planning

START: Simple

Stop: complicated

START, Just START

-Missy Park

I love the sentiment expressed in this simple poem by Missy Park that I came across recently.  It is sometimes hard for me to remember that getting started really can be the hardest part. 

As an example: when I am out of the habit of exercising, starting again sounds like the worst thing in the world.  Getting up early, getting to bed on time, and the prospect of sore muscles all seem like impossible obstacles to overcome.  However, once I just start, I realize that I enjoy exercising, I like getting to bed early, my days are more productive when I get up early and sore muscles represent progress.  Taking one step in the right direction makes what at first seemed unattainable, feel achievable.

I tend to spend more time and energy planning that first step than the whole journey would require.  So, I have decided that I will:

START: Achieving

Stop: worrying about failure

START: Finding ways to serve others

Stop: stewing about things I cannot change

START: Magnifying my strengths

Stop: focusing on my weaknesses

START: Recognizing housework as a way to express love to my family

Stop: Seeing housework as drudgery

START: Appreciating the little things

Stop: wanting more

START: Cultivating my talents

Stop: comparing myself to others

START: Taking better care of my healthy body

Stop: making excuses

START: Reconnecting

Stop: being too busy

START: Making "BEST" my priority 

Stop: settling for "good" or "better"

I will START, Just START

What will you be STARTing?