When I am faced with a roadblock, also known as getting stuck, I walk through it, around it, jump over it, push it to the ground and many times — I’ll admit — I stumble and stumble until I get through it.
There are methods and courses that help people remove roadblocks, but far and above the most important strategy is the method of positive thinking and action. Everybody has heard this piece of advice over and over: “Think positive, think positive.”
This is because taking positive action or just action is hard. Negative thinking is much easier; it takes little effort as you think and dwell and never act. Therefore, a positive attitude and committed effort will remove roadblocks. A negative attitude and lack of effort will leave you stuck with no success and no joy.
Find Your Formula to Remove a Roadblock
I have often written that I do my best thinking in the shower. My shower head is huge and the water feels like a warm waterfall as it cascades over my body. The sound of the shower is mesmerizing and the combination of the two relaxes me and I just float.
Often I experience an answer concerning a roadblock during this time. I feel my attitude change from questioning to excitement and anticipation. And, I am mindful of what is occurring. I am inspired to begin the journey toward success. A plan is first and foremost. Other types of relaxers that allow us to daydream into answers are taking long walks, lighting scented candles, or listening to soft music.
Roadblocks Come in All Sizes
Roadblocks come in all sizes. Some are so tiny, such as clearing your desk, making a phone call, and cleaning your closet. Read my post here on how an organized closet brought peace to my mind and removed roadblocks! These are procrastination roadblocks but are important to take note of because it lets you know you are a procrastinator. And, when you procrastinate with the little stuff, this tends to overflow into the bigger stuff. Procrastinators are always stuck in front of the roadblock.
When you stop procrastinating and become a doer with a positive attitude, you will be able to live into a plan. I have gone down this road on several occasions, and I can attest that you will feel an overflow of positivity that obviously will affect all aspects of your behavior. Darling, you will jump hurdles over your roadblock.
Roadblocks confronting us are never easy. We must use optimism instead of pessimism, allow small misfortunes along the way to fall off our backs, and propel us into resolve mode. The positive feedback of our efforts will stimulate greater efforts. And, if they don’t come your way immediately, stay your course and be resilient. This is how to remove roadblocks and enjoy success.
My Story of Roadblocks in My Life
I have been, like everyone, faced with a magnitude of roadblocks in my life. My roadblocks have been mighty, but I have been mightier.
Facing cancer more than once has been my toughest roadblock. Your roadblock may be the same. Or your toughest roadblock may be family dysfunction, loss of money, widowhood, divorce, loss of a job, a sick spouse, etc…
Let me tell you, darling, with a positive attitude, no procrastination, and the patience to live into your answer — you can jump any roadblock. It will simply take time. Don’t be hard on yourself. Persistence and perseverance pay off.
When I learned thirteen years ago over the phone from my doctor I had two forms of serious cancer, I was faced with a serious roadblock that could have easily ruined my life. I felt robbed of joy and filled with fear. I had two major cancer operations in two weeks. The surgeries were a piece of cake compared to my emotional road to recovery.
It Was My Choice
The ball to remove the roadblock was in my court. I am not discounting my husband’s and family’s support, but I was the only one who could successfully jump this hurdle. How did I do it?
It was not easy. I realized I had to use all my resilience to quell my fears because I was terrified. When I learned I had cancer the word ‘terrified’ became the new word in my vocabulary. Every night the last words I would whisper to my Ultimate Concierge would be, “I am so terrified.”
After a few months, I formulated a plan of how I would face my terrified feelings. I decided to allow myself to show my vulnerable side, never hiding my true feelings. I visited a psychologist in the hope she could provide me with skills on how to reduce my terrified feelings. She did. I vowed never to miss — even by one day — my appointment for my cat scans.
I ate well, I was proactive about my health, I exercised, and never missed my body check and mammogram, etc. As well, I lived an active positive life doing even more than I did before I learned I had cancer. I started www.honeygood.com, became an author, traveled the world with my Ultimate Concierge, friends, and traveled with our Grands, enjoyed our family and friends, and never left home without a spritz of my favorite perfume and my red lipstick. I kept a smile on my face and was grateful for everything in my life. Thinking back to the day I heard, “You have cancer,” I never felt sorry for myself or said, “Why me?”
How Did I Do This?
Have I jumped this roadblock? I am still terrified but I learned to downgrade my terrified feelings, except the week or two before my appointment for my cat scan.
How did I do this? I used my arsenal of positive facts that reduced the strength of my terrified feelings. My Cancer was caught at Stage 1. I am proactive about my cat scans, my check-ups, my diet, my exercise routine, my positive busy lifestyle coupled with my feeling of gratitude, and strong love for my Ultimate Concierge and our family.
Last Thursday I had my cat scan. Was I terrified? Yes. After the cat scan, we took the elevator up to the seventh floor to my doctor’s office. I held onto my concierge’s hand as we walked down the long hall to his office. We opened the door to hear the verdict. The verdict: I made it through the rain once again, and I am grateful. Was I terrified? Yes darling, I was, and that is okay. But, 355 days of the year, I am just fine because of my positive actions.
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thanks
Glad to hear you are doing well.
Thanks for the sharing and caring
Sincerely,
Heather
Thank you for caring and sharing. Have a lovely week. Warmly, Honey
Dear Honey/Susan. . . my Lifelong Friend since 5 – earlier, but I don’t remember. . . That was aLot of yrs. ago! I can attest to your most positive article. .. . . a ‘theme’/Be Positive – that ‘runs’ through your – always – meaningful blogs.
As Dear Friends for as long as I can remember, I recall these last many years that you have lived in Chicago. . .specifically since your cancer SuccessfulSurgery as well as your annual tests. . . which you – understandably ‘feared’. I feel that this Year/Blog is a big Leap for you – Congratulations with Love and Support that That Positive ‘attitude’ will remain with you the many more yrs. that WE will be here. . . And, Of Course! – It’s going to continue to ‘Stay away’! Or Else!! Susan Knows my thinking – much of which I have ‘Learned’ in ‘Work I’ve Done’. One of the many things that I learned throughout the years IS:
“WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT COMES ABOUT!” You see, we have this Beautiful Genie inside of Us – You Know Who She IS –
” I Dream of Geni”‘ – You Recall’/GORGEOUS! Ok, Gail, it’s not about how Gorgeous she is/how WISE SHE IS!. . . So, Yes. . . We want to ‘Own the Power’ That We Have!. . . especially in dire situations like our Health. . . And So Susan. . . I feel that you ‘crossed the line’ This yr. of not having that consuming fear you used to, as the ‘week’/Day approached – I’m so Proud of/Happy for you! I/We understand why/how you could feel that way – But for your sake – because we also know that ‘Worry’ Is Not a Positive Characteristic re/NOT OUR FRIEND re:: Good Health (OR Anything!) So may I suggest that – for 2021, your medical mantra IS:
“I’m going to continue to take very good care of myself (like I always do), and I’m not going to concern myself about my next annual cancer test, because I Know that I Will BE Fine Again, and am soo grateful for that!
Wishing you All a Happy Sunday, as you “Create a Great Day!” After All, it”s up to each of us to do so. . . It’s Our Day/Own It! Warmly (Like Honey!) Gail!
I am crying. Thank you for your message. I copied and saved it and it will go in my memory drawer as a keepsake. I am really struck by the power of the phrase WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT COMES ABOUT AND I KNOW you have said that phrase time and again. I am going to tape the phrase onto my computer and think about it everyday because it is so positive and uplifting. Now, I am going to grab a cup of coffee and call you!!! Sending heartfelt friendship and love…Susan
Well written and GREAT advice ! Thanks Honey, Renee
Hi Renee! Hope all is well with you and your pooch. Thank you for messaging me. It makes me feel good. Warmly and with friendship. Susan
Very inspiring and honest. This helps others going through
things too.
Carol
I hope so. That is my goal.To be open and share so others know that their feelings are their feelings and it is ok. Have a lovely week. Warmly, Honey
Great, article!! I too live with cancer, and also watch my health and how I take care of me. You’re an inspiration as always!!
Thank you, Carlene. I am so glad you watch your health. Love yourself. It is not a selfish act. It will save your life and also give you positive reassurance that you will continue to stay well. Warmly, Honey
I am currently struggling with retirement. Did I really just say that? Yes, I did. I was a high school teacher for 35 years and retired last year. Teaching was as much a part of me as is being a wife and mother. I feel like I have lost a major part of myself and I am feeling without purpose. I can’t seem to find myself. My colleagues who have retired are all enjoying life and I am not. My husband is still working and enjoys his job. My children are grown and have lives of their own. Most of my friends are younger and still in the work force. I know that I should be grateful for all that I have, and I am, and yet I can’t help feeling this way. Thank you for listening.
I find you incredibly brave to stand up and turn toward your cancer demon with fists out.
You are an inspirational leader!
Shine on Honey.
-Adriana
Thank you Adriana. I am fierce in all that I do. I am fierce because I am proactive about my health. Be fierce with your intentions! Warmly,Honey
I am so pleased for you susan with your battle with cancer you are such an inspirational person with such intergrity and words of wisdom Thank you kind regards Dawn
Thank you for your kind words.They are so appreciated. Warmly and in friendship. Honey