Letter 8 - When Life Gets in the Way

What to do when life gets in the way…

I was sitting at a coffee shop and I overheard a group of friends complaining about all the reasons they were unable to find time to work out. The more I listened, the more I realized that when you let it, life gets in the way…

Just when you think, I’ve got this, my plan is in place...boom - road block.

I can almost guarantee that something you least expect will happen at the most inopportune time, because that’s…. just how life is. It could be a number of things that sideline us from our plan. It could be a change in occupation, a sprained ankle, a baby on the way, an illness, or a multitude of different other things. Things that you could use as an excuse - well if I didn’t have a, b, or c happen, I could have done x, y, or z.

The funny thing is though, we as human beings have this extraordinary ability to adjust.

We must remind ourselves that just because conditions aren't perfect (because let's be honest with ourselves, they never are) that we can always still do something. We don't have to let those things define us, use them as an excuse, turn them into a free pass, or stop us from reaching our goals and dreams. We have the ability to turn them from stumbling blocks into building blocks with a little adjustment. You can use them to learn something new or to learn about yourself.

We can learn to adjust.

I know it’s not always easy and sometimes it takes a few tries and some creative thinking...and, and, and..., but adaptations are out there. Just when you start to think there is just no way I can do this or this is impossible, know that someone else out there has had it potentially far worse than you and they have already adjusted.

If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.

Don’t let little things get in your way; remove the excuses, the preconceived notions, and what others might say about you. Make whatever it is you want a priority and you will find that it will get easier. No matter the hurdle or the life change, there is a way to solve it. The solution never includes quitting, it just requires you to be willing to adjust.

You got this!

Jennifer Wills, Director
City of Longview, Parks and Recreation