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
START: Finding ways to serve others
Stop: stewing about things I cannot change
START: Magnifying my strengths
START: Magnifying my strengths
Stop: focusing on my weaknesses
START: Recognizing housework as a way to express love to my family
START: Recognizing housework as a way to express love to my family
Stop: Seeing housework as drudgery
START: Appreciating the little things
START: Appreciating the little things
Stop: wanting more
START: Cultivating my talents
START: Cultivating my talents
Stop: comparing myself to others
START: Taking better care of my healthy body
START: Taking better care of my healthy body
Stop: making excuses
START: Reconnecting
START: Reconnecting
Stop: being too busy
START: Making "BEST" my priority
START: Making "BEST" my priority
Stop: settling for "good" or "better"
I will START, Just START
I will START, Just START
What will you be STARTing?