9 Breakthrough Routines for Your New Life

Film Awards

About three weeks ago, the 91st Academy Awards ceremony (better known as the Oscars) was presented amid all the gala, glitz, and glamour one could stand. It's not something all of us cared to watch in its entirety, but if we are movie-goers of any kind, our interest in the list of winners might have prompted us to spend maybe a minute or two on the results. 

We bring this up because every now and then when giving their acceptance speech, someone at the Oscars has an ounce of practical wisdom worthy of notice. This year we caught the following quote: "It's not about winning, it's about not giving up!" Surprisingly, this came out of the mouth of singer and actress Lady Gaga. We were shocked. But we are not here to talk about the stars. We are more interested in you, fellow sisters.

Not Giving Up!

We have gone through a massive drama ourselves. Maybe it is still very fresh in our minds, or some of us are still navigating the first year or two after a break-up, and others are well on their way to a new destination. One thing is clear: we are all survivors! 

Whichever scene we are currently living in, not giving up must be part of our daily script. Why? you ask. Well, that's a good question, so pose this to yourself: what would I be doing instead?

Yes, sometimes, we don't even want to drag ourselves out of bed in the morning. It's too warm and cozy. It's safe. We don't have to get dressed. And we could turn our phones off, so no one bothers us. That's understandable; we've all been there, but who would get the coffee? (Smile break).  

Remember the script: we are not giving up! We've made it this far, so we already know hiding under the covers does not match up with our new role as a survivor. And the more we practice our part, the better we become and the further we go.

Taking the Plunge

Enjoy the Lilacs

Let's jump into the middle here. For whatever reason--divorce, the death of our spouse, or single mom status--we are on our own now. It still feels strange and will always feel different. But now, we must figure out which path to take that will create the very best life we can manage. 

Most likely, a new routine would be very helpful to our well-being at this point. Trying to do everything the way it always was as a couple creates a lot of stress. Consider some of these fun and encouraging stress-busters and then add your own to the list. 

9 Breakthrough Routines for Your New Life  

Choose a new path for your daily walk and smell the lilacs.

Make scrambled eggs instead of the usual sunny side up.

Wash clothes on Thursdays instead of Mondays.

Change the furniture around and buy new pillows.

Take a class in flower arranging or horticulture.

Share lunch with a single neighbor.

Sleep in the middle of the bed (my favorite).

Attend the late church service instead of the early one. 

Challenge yourself and move to a new place/town/state.

Lost and Found

The road we are on right now will lead somewhere that's for sure. But, where? We have a choice which way to go, but we need a Guide to get us to the right destination because it is easy to get lost and never get anywhere. Then years later we will wonder what happened and why we are in a rut. The Good News is we have the perfect One to help us and He is free of charge! The "ticket" is Prayer and it can be used over and over and over. Find yours today in God's book, the Holy Bible.      

"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow" (Psalm 25:4 NLT).