"It Takes Guts to Get out of the Ruts!"

I've felt this way before, but for some reason, this time I'm more emotional and sensitive. Maybe it's my swinging Peri-menopausal hormones. :/ (yes, I'm at that transitional age) Maybe it's the frustrations of broken promises and messed up plans. Most likely it's going so long without having any direction in my life.  Stuck in no man’s land — wishing things were different, yet wary of putting myself out there to get let down… again? Whatever it is, I'm feeling like I'm stuck in a rut.

"Stalled. It’s natural to feel this way when we’re in the middle of yesterday and tomorrow."

My post title comes from a quote someone once said:

"It takes guts to get out of the ruts."
Robert H. Schuller 

I guess, I really hadn't thought of it that way, but the one thing about being IN a rut is that it's not easy to get OUT of it.

Have you ever felt like this?

5 Signs That You're Stuck in a Rut 

 1. Absolutely everything is harder than it should be. Nothing is simple or easy. Every thing you try to do is a monumental effort. But, I'm reminded of the saying. . 

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 2. You feel like you’re constantly ending up in the same situation. You try so hard to change things yet the more you try, the more things stay the same.

3. YOU LACK JOY, YOU'RE TIRED, YOU LACK ENTHUSIASM 

DEEP DOWN YOU KNOW SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT. YOU MAY START TO FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT THINGS, YET NOT EVEN REALLY UNDERSTAND WHY YOU ARE FEELING THE WAY YOU DO. YOU MAY EVEN FEEL TRAPPED OR HOPELESS.

 4. You worry about everything  You don’t trust things to go right and really with your experiences lately, why should you? You don’t have confidence in your decisions and you’ve lost touch with your inner self.

 5. Life just feels like it is a constant struggle.  Physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally you are drained. You just go through the motions just to make it through the day. You just don’t know what to do anymore.  

I think we've all felt a few of these things, one time or another. . .

What To Do?

Job 17:9
“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” (NLT)

There is a way out, but it takes some effort (and guts), and the lack of energy that comes with feeling stuck in a rut won’t help. So it’s important to take small steps and as you see the results you will feel encouraged to keep going. 

1.  Change your Routine -  Try purposely changing your routine, with small things at first, like take a walk after work, instead of plopping down in front of the t.v.
2.  Spend More Time Amongst Nature - Take the time to just enjoy your surroundings and take it all in.(I try to have my camera handy, so I can "catch" the little things in picture memories.)
3.  Stop Negative Self Talk - When you catch yourself complaining or making negative comments in your mind, stop yourself. Replace negative self talk with positive reflections about your life.
4.  Mix with Positive People - Seek out positive and enthusiastic people - enthusiasm is contagious!
5.  Get into the Word - Many verses inspire us to Godliness, Fear of the Lord, trust, service, courage, kindness, authenticity and perseverance. The gospel reminds us that God is not out to get us. Instead God is for us. It reminds us that life is not about our self-fulfillment, but about our faithfulness to Him.
6.  Get Healthy- Start to work fresh healthy food into your diet and bring some exercise into your routine.
7.  Give something back - Contributing to others gives us a great sense of purpose in life. Where can you give more?
8.  Take Responsibility - Even if you can’t always control your external circumstances, you can always control how you choose to feel and react to them.

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It's gonna take some "guts", but I'm gonna work at getting out of my rut, starting today! If you are feeling in a rut, too, won't you join me in working your way out? (with a prayer for God's help along the way)

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7 )

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Linking over at these blog hops:
On Your Heart Tuesday @ A Pause on the Path
Gathering at the Grace Cafe' @ Reflections of His Grace
 Heartprint Hallelujahs @ Heartprints of God
Faith Filled Friday @ Beholding Glory
Bless and Be Blessed @ Bible Love Notes
Sharing His Beauty @ The Beauty in His Grip