This past week for Thanksgiving break was reflective for me. I’ll explain.

I started walking 1-3 miles every morning. Not just for my health and weight loss journey, but for my mental well-being too. It was just me, my God, my thoughts, and my music.

During my walks I was reflecting on my life and what I have accomplished as I am creeping closer to a major milestone. Some of the good things are being married to my best friend, bringing in 3 wonderful sons into the world, and the home we have created.

But a couple of things kept creeping into my thoughts. I have never been single and on my own. I have never accomplished something without the help of other people in my life. I can’t truly say that I did it alone.

I have been with my husband since I was 14 so I went from my parents to my husband with no exploring on my own in between. Is that a good thing or not? I was trying to find the answer to that question during my walks.

The other thing that I was thinking about was that I seem to be settling. I have found this comfortable rut where everything is in its place and I won’t get hurt. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally no matter what I look like or how many pounds I have put on or how crazy I can get sometimes. I have 3 sons who I am so proud of. I have students who adore me at a job I love. It’s easy to stay in this rut.

This rut I have created was years in the making. It was carved with me not liking conflict and many times leaning on others too much when I should’ve done it on my own. I never wanted to “rock the boat” and I rarely said “No” when others leaned on me for help. It was also carved by my own self-talk and self-worth. Many times I would do something else that was easier because I would talk myself out of anything challenging. But I never had anything that was truly mine, except my degree.

It’s time to dig myself out of my rut.

On my walk I think about my 7th-grade students and I have them create a Bucket List in the form of a movie for one of my assignments. I created one as well so they can see how the movie is supposed to be put together. And every time I watch my video thoughts go through my head, “You’re never going to accomplish that!” “It’s too hard to do!” “That’s too expensive to get!”

As I am walking the cartoon light bulb went off in my head and I realized that my dreams are not going to happen on a teacher’s salary. I also can’t wait for my husband to help. Otherwise, I will never get what I dreamed about. I have to do this…on…my…own. For the first time in a VERY long time I am going to work towards something for ME.

I cannot settle…

It is easy to get lost in all of the excuses. Believe me, I had plenty of those before I drug myself out of bed to do my walks.

It’s too cold out this morning. (Sorry, wear layers. You live in South Dakota.)

It’s boring. (You have ear buds and Spotify.)

My feet hurt. (You have Sketchers that feel like walking on pillows.)

My knee hurts. (Wear your knee brace and get your a** outside!)

But the amazing thing is…when I finished my walks, I always felt good, I was in a good mood, and I was glad I did it.

We all need a good push to get us out of the rut of excuses to be our better selves. How do we do that?

• Make a Bucket List or Dream List to help keep you focused on the life you want.
• Put photos up of your dreams around your house, on your phone, on your desktop of the computer. Have constant reminders to keep you focused.
• Tell your significant other or BFF what your plans are. They can be someone to lean on when things get tough.
• Go for a walk, get some exercise. It can help clear your mind of negative thoughts and be more productive.
• Pray…Pray…Pray. God is there for you when you and will help lead you down the road you need to succeed.

I am going to miss my walks in the morning with school starting back up again. I will have to make time for it when I get home. But until then, I will be counting down the days to Christmas Break so I can have that time in the morning again.

Don’t settle. (I need to take my own advice sometimes.) 😉