I’m a creature of habit. Most of us are. I eat the same thing for breakfast almost every day. It’s a challenge for me to step outside my comfort zone on certain things, breakfast being one of them, but recently, I ate something different for breakfast. It was delicious!
What holds you back from trying new things or breaking free of old patterns?
Breaking Patterns
My mother was an excellent seamstress. She made her own clothes, and many of mine. One of her sewing strengths was the ability to adjust patterns for a better fit. She knew many patterns so well she could “eyeball” where they needed adjustment. Those adjustments rendered a custom fit and stunning creations.
Some life patterns are good; others aren’t. Making the decision to let go of destructive habits is challenging. Many times, those patterns are so engrained they feel right, yet you know they aren’t.
The first step is to admit certain patterns are detrimental, and then, make the effort to do differently. Breaking old patterns requires determination, prayer, and God-given strength.
Breaking old patterns requires determination, prayer, and God-given strength. Share on X
The Gift of Different
This year, we had a different beach experience. We rented a house at a beach I’d never visited and had a lovely week of fun and family togetherness.
One day I took the grandchildren shopping and then we ate pizza for lunch. Another day, I slipped away for an impromptu breakfast with the two oldest. And on the final day, we all took a dolphin-watch boat ride, which none of us had ever done. It was amazing!
For some reason, those of us who have chalked up multiple decades of living tend to associate different with not as good. I think that point of view is a mistake. A willingness to risk different brings unexpected gifts and surprises.
A willingness to risk different brings unexpected gifts and surprises. Share on X
New Discoveries
Do you do the same things and go to the same places because you already know the outcome? The consistency of the familiar promises no unwelcome unexpectedness. Yet, thinking beyond sameness leads to fresh discoveries.
Have you taken a less-traveled road and uncovered hidden gems? Or read a genre or author you’ve haven’t read before and realized you’ve been missing out?
New discoveries are delightful and stimulating.
Thinking beyond sameness leads to fresh discoveries. Share on X
Enhancing Forward Motion
This week, back from vacation, I almost fell into my monotonous Monday routine. And then, I stopped myself.
I thought about how I abandoned social media almost entirely while gone and didn’t miss it. I remembered multiple days of not knowing what time it was and not caring. Spending hours laughing, talking, working jigsaw puzzles, enjoying my family, and savoring every moment. I replayed the serenity of watching the sunrise, colors of the sea, and crashing waves, and marveling at the beauty of God’s creation.
Stepping beyond engrained patterns stimulates creativity and enhances forward motion.
What will you do this week that takes you beyond your comfort zone and brings you the joy of different?
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV).
Stepping beyond engrained patterns stimulates creativity and enhances forward motion. Share on X©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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