And while you’re at it, Mr. Handy Excuse too.
After being Leftat50, I suffered from a bad case of the “I Can’t Because’s.” Every time an opportunity arose to attend an event, I always found a reason not to go. This kept me stuck for years. Even when I was bored to tears with doing nothing, I would find a way to get out of it somehow.
Look at the daily and weekly schedule of your life these days. Have you truly cleared a path or are you held back by obstacles you’ve erected? The handy excuse that lives in our heads smiling happily all the time, convincing us to stay in our ruts.
I don’t know why this notion infects some of us. The important thing to do is recognize that this is happening. Admit to yourself you have become way too comfortable with it.
Analyze the excuse always used to never chuck that life stifling attitude.
The first step to removing it is to admit it exists. Then, address the reasons why this obstacle has been erected in the first place.
Need help? Here are a few suggested reasons why we erect obstacles.
1. Fear of discomfort. An easy reason not to attend professional workshops that often last all day. Walking into a crowded conference room and finding a seat can make us feel self conscious. But guess what? Everyone else is too. Break the ice, extend a hand.
2. It’s too far away, or it’s happening too late at night. What is this schedule you keep yourself on and is it enriching your life? This was a common excuse for me to bag anything that started late at night. Then I was invited to see some new bands playing on a rooftop in Hollywood that began at 10 pm. I had the time of my life and loved all the young people’s cool vibes. They were SO NOT JUDGY!!!
3. I Don’t Think I Would Enjoy That. This is a biggie. Deciding we will hate it when we have never experienced it.
I cannot tell you how many times I dragged myself to an all-day book fair, or garden tour, or vintage clothing sale and ended up in conversations with the most interesting people.
Exposing myself to the things strangers are into has led to some very enjoyable afternoons. (It’s also how I ended up owning a bar of soap that is a Huge Opal)
We all must get rid of Mr. Handy Excuse. That know-it-all knows nothing at all. Kick him to the curb, get in the car and run him over on the way to that new, exciting experience!
We all go through major life transitions when relationships end… Through this website, I will share my thoughts as I walk the path of “New-Self” discovery. It doesn’t matter which side of 50 you are on. The real question is, Are you ready to live life? To forge a Path of Your Own Making (For a change!)? Then stop dwelling over the What-Might-Have-Beens and join me. Share your thoughts here, comment on mine, and let’s do this together!