I am sitting across from a young family at the airport. The only thing I have heard their child say for the past hour is, “I DON’T WANNA!” My eyes hone in on the mother. She looks weary as she speaks to her child one more time. The next “I DON’T wanna!” has a softer tone. It’s 6:30 am and boarding is about to begin. Finally, the tired-looking child’s mantra has weakened to a whisper, “I don’t wanna!”
On the plane, I wonder if I sound like that to God. “I don’t wanna” syndrome is not just a problem found in children. Perhaps we’re afraid to fail or we don’t want to try something new. Or lockdowns and new regulations have us overwhelmed and tired. We can find ourselves thinking, if not actually saying, “I DON’T WANNA!”
Think New Thoughts
A recent study out of Queen’s University reveals that we think over 6000 new thoughts each day. Which means it’s possible for us to think ourselves out of stuckness. We can ditch the “I don’t wanna” thoughts and replace them with “maybe I can”.
Maybe I can: go back to school, or walk for 30 minutes a day, or try that new recipe.
Ways to Getting Unstuck
- Be curious! Developing a sense of curiosity leads to an openness to try something new.
- Start small. Instead of trying to tackle a new project all at once try to break it down into manageable bites.
- Ask for help. Talk it through with someone you trust.
- Go for a walk or lift some weights. Sometimes physical exercise can help you take your thoughts off the negative and point you in a more positive direction.
- Pray. Ask God to give you insight, wisdom, and understanding of what you’re actually afraid of or avoiding.
What new thoughts are you excited about? In May of this year, 40 years after graduating from high school, I will finish up my Bachelor’s degree. I went from not wanting to go back to school at my age to only being two classes away from graduating. If I can get unstuck then so can you!
Let’s Reflect: What is that one big thing you’ve been putting off doing? Try looking at it with curiosity. What would it take? What would it cost? How can you break it down? Who could help you get started? Take it to God, ask Him for guidance, He can open and close doors, and He can give you the strength and a renewed attitude so you can get it done.
Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, You are my Strength and my Hope. Make my thoughts new. Change my heart. Make me more like You. God, there are some of us who are facing a major life change and we don’t want to have to endure it. Help us through, Lord. Give us the grace and mercy we need to face another day. Moment by moment, we can do all things through You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
It’s so easy to say “I don’t wanna” but looking at all the opportunities that lies on the other side of that should be the motivation we need to get started. Thanks for sharing!
I agree! There is so much on the other side to look forward to. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Great Word. It is so easy to allow fear to keep us stuck. Our “I don’t wannas” keep us stick in the very things we most want to change. The truth is there is fear every time we venture into the unknown and try something new. We have to become ok with doing it anyway even when we don’t wanna once we have the peace of God about the next move., otherwise our dreams never get realized. Thanks for sharing
I totally agree with you! We absolutely have to be ok with doing it anyway. Venturing into the unknown and trying something new with God at my side has been the only way forward for me. I would still be in my comfort zone and this blog wouldn’t exist if I relied on my own strength and let my fears get in the way! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Sometimes I dont wanna face life because its so hard and i dont wanna be strong , I just dont wanna but then God uses subtle things (like a devotion or testimony or song) to remind us that even i dont wanna He is gonna be right here for when I wanna take His hand to help me through it all. ❣
Cherene, Those little reminders from God definitely make all the difference!