Getting out of a rut

[nygrl232]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 1:31pm

Ever get stuck in a personal or professional rut? Seems like these days it takes sheer luck to get out of one, or avoid one altogether. If you did find yourself stuck, how'd you get unstuck?

This isn't for an article or for homework or anything...I'm genuinely wondering how people created good change for themselves. Just wonderin'...

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 2:23pm

I buy new bed sheets and throw pillows for my couch.

Makes things feel different.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 2:42pm

What Diva said, or volunteer someplace for awhile. Take a class. Do something outside of your normal routine.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 3:23pm

You should check this out. It's a fun and clever way to cretate numerous small changes in your life and think in more creative (or outside of the box) ways.

I linked the main website, but I think you could probably get it cheaper on amazon.
The Creative Whack Pack

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 5:14pm

I tape "Househunters International" instead of "Househunters".

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 5:16pm

Lol. "Tape."

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 5:17pm

What...does owning a vcr count as being in a "rut"?

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 5:20pm

Depends on when you live. If you live in 1981, then you're fancy!

[Kalimba]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 5:42pm

Oh Phyllis honey, you slay me!

[nygrl232]

Posted: 3/9/11 at 10:54pm

Lol! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. New scenery and decor change=good idea. Volunteering--I do this a bit, not enough, I think. I dunno...maybe a total reinvention is in order.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 3/10/11 at 12:11am

What...does owning a vcr count as being in a "rut"?

I still have a TV/VCR combo.

I do this a bit, not enough, I think. I dunno...maybe a total reinvention is in order.

Few years back I had my heart busted. Not even just busted but thoroughly abused. And I was stuck in a really black place for a long time. I decided I needed a drastic change so I cut my hair. This may not seem like a huge thing but I've had long hair all of my life. When I cut it to above my shoulders I felt like I'd shed my past and was sassier and bolder. Now, the hair cutting wasn't all of the healing process but it certainly was a start.

Updated On: 3/10/11 at 12:11 AM

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 3/10/11 at 9:11am

Lexapro.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 3/10/11 at 9:30am

Talk to Charlie Sheen...he is still WINNING!

[singtopher]

Posted: 3/10/11 at 9:41am

This may not help, but I found last fall that I was being incredibly cynical and negative (traits that I do not admire in others, or myself) so what started was a daily "Gratitude List" on facebook where I would post a status that had 3 things I was grateful for from my day. It could be anything from "A friend calling out of the blue" to "(blank) song came on my ipod during my run." It's cheesy, but it forced me to evaluate that my life is really blessed and that I have a lot to be thankful for. It really changed my outlook.

[tommyboy]

Posted: 3/10/11 at 5:29pm

Get involved in a local theater production of a musical comedy production like GREASE, GYPSY, MAME or the like. Plan on a 12 week commitment (or so). You will have something to focus on, have a lot of fun, get a great sense of achievement, and meet new friends. Who knows? It could even lead to romance.

P.S. If you can't sing or dance, work crew.
Updated On: 3/11/11 at 05:29 PM

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/11/11 at 1:07am

Challenge yourself in some way. I have a deep fear of heights but for YEARS I pushed myself into dealing with it. Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and looking down. Walking the ramparts of Norwich Castle. Climbing to the top of Sacre Coure and making myself look at the view. Empire State Building. Etc. I still have a fear of heights but I also learned how to push past it and I learned I could deal w just about anything as a result.
It doesn't have to be a fear- learn to cook 3 really good meals. Try Mini golf, fencing, Political campaging for a cause u believe in. Kareoke.
A friend of mine makes a lot of $$ from his specific form of entertainment( NO NOT GAY PORN!!!!) and he got offered an opportunity to do a dramatic role in a significant work. He was totally terrified and yet when it came through a big success he learned that he had an entirely different facet to his abilities that he had either denied or forgotten. ( something I think he will now persue more actively)

MY next challenge is rollercoasting, I HATE rides but I figure after a few of these stomach churning spins I'll have a new definition for what feels safe!

[nygrl232]

Posted: 3/11/11 at 12:02pm

Really enjoying these responses so far. Inspiring to hear what makes people re-create or just relax.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/11/11 at 1:49pm

My therapist assigned me the tasks of movement and social interaction. So I bought an elliptical (I'm intimidated by gyms) and I signed up for a LGBT running/walking group that meets twice a week. While I'm admittedly in a couple of ruts, I also experienced multiple major traumas recently within a period of six weeks, so I figure if my therapist thinks this is good for a nervous breakdown, then it couldn't possibly hurt for a rut, either.

[sally1112]

Posted: 3/11/11 at 6:03pm

Sorry you are in a rut- but I like this thread! We've all been there.

Something that I do is force myself to do those things that give me pleasure in life, but that I never do b/c too busy, tired, broke, etc. I am a teacher, so my ruts include doing nothing for myself during the week and often going to bed by 9, due to my 5:30 rise time.

So, I will go out to dinner with a friend during the week, see a movie, spend time with my adorable nieces and nephews, go see a touring show that I can't afford, etc.

Breaks in the routine really help me!