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Make Room For It

Clutter is so detrimental.  In your closets on your counters but most especially in your head.  Outside clutter can be discarded with a little time and elbow grease but removing mental clutter is a whole other ball game.

I'm going to speak about fitness and healthy eating but this can be applied to anything that has you stuck.

I've fretted for months about losing my exercise routine.  A new career move meant a new schedule in direct conflict with my gym time.  It had been my gym time for as many years as I can remember and when I lost it (even though I love my job) I lost a little part of myself.

My mind was over-active with new approaches to exercise but honestly they were mostly excuses about why I didn't really need to, mixed with a touch of self loathing. This thing that had been so important for my physical and mental well-being was getting further away...until a moment of clarity.

Let me ask, have you tried meditating?  Going quiet, letting thoughts come and go.  Some of you are saying it's not for you or you don't have the patience but I'm here to tell you, you do!  You don't have to chant, you don't have to sit in lotus pose or even light a candle.  My best thoughts (I like to call them guidance) come not when I'm seeking them but when I get quiet.

When I first open my eyes in the morning, instead of reaching for my phone (except to turn off the alarm) I lay quietly and just listen.  Without sounding too 'out there' it's amazing what you hear when the world is quiet.  I do this for 5-10 minutes most days...I set a second alarm just in case I doze off.

So back to my moment of clarity.  The other morning I was laying and listening and I kid you not, the words "make room for it" came to my mind as clear as if someone spoke them to me. They stayed with me through the day and eventually a light went on.  Make room for fitness.  Make physical space.  After some creative furniture re-arranging, investing in a quality piece of exercise equipment I will actually use (stepper) and digging through storage to find my free weights, I had created a beautiful fitness space.  I had made room.

That same day, I stumbled on a new workout/eating program while scrolling through Facebook.  Yes, I took the click bait and watched the 28 minute video and bought the program (insert eye roll) but I know myself and know a plan is best when I'm creating a new routine.

A week in, I am feeling so much better about myself.  I have more energy, fewer cravings and I get excited about tuning into the 'daily workout'.  The best part is, this 'make room for it' mantra has spread to other areas of life.

Take two things with you this week.  Give yourself some quiet time each day, even if it's just a few minutes in the shower.  I promise you will notice positive changes in your life.  Secondly, when something is bogging you down don't focus on the problem because 'making room' for the solution is so much more satisfying.

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