The last few weeks, my husband Mike and I have found ourselves in a familiar Saturday night dilemma of “will we cook or order takeout” tonight?
As I scan the fridge, contemplating what to make, I look over at Mike, sprawled on the couch, giving me the look of “let’s order take-out,” and so it goes.
It’s always the answer I can count on due to his newfound obsession with Mendo Farms’ potato salad. For me, however, my relationship with dinner is a constant struggle of indecision. I know I should cook, but there is always resistance. I’m tired, it’s the weekend, and especially after a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi, well, forgetaboutit, potato salad it is.
As I hit the big 6-0, life surprised me with some new food sensitivities. Now, my body protests when I indulge in some of my old favorites. Lately, dining out brings a delightful combo of congestion, brain fog, and an overwhelming urge to take it easy for a few days.
Considering my constant gut issues, anything other than a home-cooked meal usually leaves me full of regret about my food choices come Monday morning.
Low on energy and motivation, achieving my writing goals turns into an uphill battle. I find myself trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and disappointment, with my dreams feeling just out of reach.
This week, I missed a deadline with my coach to complete a chapter for my book.
Realizing I need to make a few changes, I had a no-nonsense chat with my inner teenager.
It’s not easy to break free from the persistent inner chatter that rationalizes comfort (It’s just one meal, Lynn. You'll be fine) over healthier choices. This deceptive dance undermines my willpower.
Resistance is an internal force that feels the hardest but offers the biggest payoff once we muster the strength to push through it.
Seth Godin brilliantly spoke about resistance in his
newsletter last week,
“If an instinct, a habit, or a feeling gets in the way of the work, it’s called Resistance. It keeps us from doing the important things that matter most to us.
The behaviors may seem as though they happen to us, but ultimately, they’re a choice. A skill we can learn, a habit we can unlearn. We can be kind to ourselves, focus on the goal and get back to the project.”
Aw, yes, a habit I can unlearn.
Despite my love for writing, I find myself trapped in a cycle of feeling unwell when I eat foods that don’t agree with me. The struggle between cooking a home-cooked meal and the convenience of ordering take-out feels like a tug-of-war between chasing my dreams and clinging to my familiar routine.
However, I’m determined to push myself beyond my comfort zone, making choices that bring long-term benefits over temporary struggles.
Embracing resistance opens doors to something better, always.
"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't." - Rikki Rogers.
