I’m writing this email while I am on hold, waiting for someone to pick up at my internet provider. It’s my third call to them this morning. I can’t promise I’ll be as patient as I would like to be when I finally get through. I’d rather not be spending my time like this today; however, I have a rather enticing one-day offer sitting in my inbox from my previous provider trying to lure me back. And it is a sweet deal. I’m trying to have it matched or at least get some loyalty compensation.
So I thought, "Why would I waste time holding for 20 minutes when I can use the time to write about it?" It's prompted some thinking and sparked this conversation I want to have with you today. There are so many ways this experience relates to life.
Is there anywhere you feel like you are on hold in your life? Maybe you know you could do better in a certain area, but the idea of changing is overwhelming. Making changes can be inconvenient and time-consuming. It involves identifying what isn’t working, finding a better solution and making a decision. Most of us stick with the same providers once we sign because it just takes too much effort to change.
I’m thinking about how I am on hold (literally and figuratively) in several areas of my life right now. Maybe you feel the same way? It doesn’t matter what is happening in our lives; there is always some transition or change heading our way. Life never stays the same.
Here are some questions to consider:
Are you clear on what you want?
Are you communicating what you need and want to the right people?
Are you willing to make a change to get what you want?
Are you willing to face the uncomfortable feelings that come with making a change?
Are you willing to go through some inconvenience?
Are you worried about what this will look like to anyone?
Is there anything you can do while you are on hold to make progress in another area of your life?
That last question, I just added because I am still on hold, and instead of wasting time, I’ve been able to write this newsletter to you! If you've been feeling like you are on hold this year, I hope you'll think about what other areas in your life you can focus on right now.
Remember making changes in our life requires us to do something that takes effort. If it was easy to change our lives would probably look very different. This year may have revealed some patterns or areas in your life that you aren't happy with and it can seem like now isn't the right time to make a change. It is the right time to lay the groundwork for what is next for you. There is so much you can do to be ready to change.
As always, I would love to know your thoughts. You can reply to this email and let me know how you're managing those areas where you feel stuck or on hold.
And in the meantime, here are some good things I want to share with you!
📚 Reading: Sometimes, I am in the mood for something that demands very little of me and is soothing to my soul. This week I read The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick. It was such a lovely read. Perfect for these damp winter days when comfort is exactly why we need it.
📺 Watching: You will see a theme here this week! I'm all about easy reading and watching. Season 2 of Virgin River dropped on Netflix, and I'm caught up in the love triangle and rooting for Mel and Jack (of course).
☕️ Support Truthfully Speaking: Thank you so much for your support last week! I’m putting most of my effort into getting a book proposal completed and writing a book. I heard about this website, "Buy Me a Coffee," and I thought I would give it a try. I've since discovered that Maria Shriver is using this site to support her blog and newsletter. I'm feeling much more comfortable about going this route now!
If you can support my writing I will give you a shout-out here, and if in the next few months you treat me to five beverages - I’ll make sure to thank you publicly in the acknowledgements in my book! All you have to do is click on this link and buy me a hot chocolate. Thanks for your support.
❤️ Thank you to Tracie, Ruth and Susan for making my week with your support. You have no idea how much it meant to me.
In case you missed it: Last week I shared a list of recommended books that might help you with your gift shopping. It was the most popular link in my newsletter. If you missed it you can read it here.
PS - I eventually got through and got a very nice adjustment on my bill that will save me a few hundred dollars over the next year. It was worth hanging in there and asking for what I wanted.
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