“There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it’s easy.” -Unknown
I need to constantly remind myself to not do what’s easiest.
As I’ve mentioned before, I work from home. Many days, it’s tempting to pull open my laptop the second I wake up—which means I’ll likely spend the first couple of hours working in my pajamas, only to find myself feeling somewhat disconnected from the day outside my door.
I know this happens. I know that I feel better about myself when I get ready for the day as I would if I were going to an office. I know I’ll feel even better if I actually go somewhere to work—a coffee shop, a park, anywhere outside the 3-room apartment I share with my boyfriend.
And yet sometimes it takes a concerted effort to do this. Why? Because it’s easier not to.
And it’s easy to make excuses: Why bother taking a shower? I’m planning to work out later. Why bother going to a coffee shop? I can save money if I stay here. Why bother wearing something other than yoga pants? I’m not doing anything that requires me to dress nicely.
The answer to all these questions is the same: because it makes me feel good. And that alone is reason enough to push through my instinctive desire to do what’s easiest. It just plain feels better to get outside my house and my head.
Every day, we have countless opportunities to take the easiest, yet least satisfying road.
We can turn to the things that comfort and numb us instead of acknowledging the things we want to change. We can do what comes naturally instead of recognizing and honoring what we do passionately. We can justify the path of least resistance by ignoring our strongest instincts.
But this is a choice to grow bored with life—and that’s a shame, since there is a world of beauty and wonder waiting just outside the door we don’t usually open.
Today I’m opening that door by not taking the easiest road. Today I will make an effort. Will you?
Photo by danielle_blu
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others do the same. She recently created the Breaking Barriers to Self-Care eCourse to help people overcome internal blocks to meeting their needs—so they can feel their best, be their best, and live their best possible life. If you’re ready to start thriving instead of merely surviving, you can learn more and get instant access here.
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