How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Such was the advice of the gentleman in the seat next to me, enroute to a project somewhere, years ago. His advice, on the heels of sharing how he got to be CEO of his company, made it into my journal.
“One bite at a time” I chanted as I stood in the doorway of my master bath, longing for a new color and knowing that if I wanted it to change, I was going to have to do it myself.
Uch. I love the concept and I hate the execution. Taping, painting, perfecting.
I watch too much HGTV. They make it look so easy. Yet, for someone like me, who loves the big picture, but isn’t as crazy about the details, it’s really hard.
However, I am determined. And I thought about my daughter and all the little sayings we share, when we want to do something and feel overwhelmed. “One bite a time” has moved us through many a challenge.
I find that a saying can remind me of something I know, show me a new way to think about a situation and help me through a tough moment. If you have ever wasted hours clicking through Pinterest, you might notice all the sayings posted on the site. I have started a Phrase Board. I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you. After all, “Choose Joy” is something we could all do well to remember.
- When odds are one in a million, BE that ONE.
- People may not always tell you how they feel about you, but they will always show you. Pay attention. (Similar to my friend Barb’s favorite saying, “People tell you who they are. Listen.”)
- Sometimes walking away has nothing to do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. We walk away not because we want others to realize our worth and value, but because we finally realize our own.
- Judging a person dose not define who they are…it defines who you are (And vice versa)
- Swearing…because sometimes “gosh darn” and “meanie head” just don’t cover it.
- Chin up, beautiful. Your mistakes do not define failure. They define your efforts. Even if you’ve stumbled, just take a step forward and keep moving on towards your goal.
- View challenging people as your assignment. Ask yourself: What is this person meant to teach me? Every person in our lives has a lesson to teach. Some lessons include: To become stronger. To be more communicative. To trust your intuition. To be more self loving. To know when to let go. To be nothing like this person. To see a part of ourselves we hate to admit, or need to admire.
- Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.
- Some things fall part so other things can fall together
- If things aren’t working out, turn 180 degrees and move toward what you want (thanks, Ellen!)
- You don’t drive your car looking in the rear view mirror. Why should you live your life looking backwards?
What MindFULL saying do you use to move through life? Let us know!
themindfullcreative.com 
Good post, Robin. Many parts struck a cord with me.
Most important – what color?
Luv this oxoxo!!!!! I was just sitting down to mediate onn some struggles, saw my red llight on phone beeping (thinking it was work emaail) and it was wonderful you and this site. You are quite sppecial.
Uh:: thaat would be to meditate to mediate!!!!!
You shared the 180 degrees saying with me quite a few years ago, and it has helped me so many times when I was being hard on myself for falling short. It reminds me to keep turning back toward my goal.
I am so glad! I like that one , too. It keeps me from looking at what I don’t like and moving toward what I do.
Oh, D, I am so glad this appeared at the right time. Love that you are meditating. You inspire me! Special sees special !!! Remember THAT 🙂 Wishing you ease.
BM 1628 Comet!
So glad, Cynthia. Thanks for letting me know. That should be another one – When you think of someone, let them know 😉 ! I asked for you the other day. Hope you are well!
Love your ideas, I’ve not seen your blog in quite some time. Thank you for a refreshing perspective! And yes, HGTV does make it look sooo easy! :). xo