~Recover~

 I do love a good challenge. I’ve completed a few this year, but this move has really caused me to lose my rhythms, be it regular reading times, yoga, walking and more! I am tired, my schedule is a mess, and my will power is drained. And the continued Covid craziness has definitely done a number on my mental health. Such a rollercoaster of emotions!

 I haven’t yet found my way back to a daily schedule. How will I recover what had seemed like such a strong start to 2021? My will power muscle has depleted, and fatigue has set in.

The meaning of the word ‘recover’ is closely linked to the word ‘recuperate’. This makes sense. According to Drew Dyck, author of Your Future Self Will Thank You, the way to recover willpower is to rest, to meditate, to quiet the mind. Studies show that this results in more focus, less stress, more impulse control and increased self awareness.

To recover the life I envision for myself, I also need to tap into the power of habit, because, as John Ortberg says, “Habits eat willpower for breakfast!”. For this, I will need to grow my self control muscle, a muscle that weakens immediately after use but strengthens with frequent use.  It is important, therefore, to only create one habit at a time. I cannot change too many things at once! I must prioritize what’s important to me. I must pace myself. 

 I can begin to create those habits I’ve lost, one at a time.

Recover is a hopeful word. 

This is a writing challenge from Five Minute Friday. Write for 5 minutes without overthinking. Join in!