By JMathis

I have always wanted a life coach, but never really wanted to fork over the dough to invest in one. I think God may have heard my prayer, because somehow I stumbled upon Michael Hyatt’s blog, and immediately I found the mentor I have always yearned for in my life.

(Yes, it is a wee bit pathetic that my “mentoring lessons” are imparted to me through blog posts he writes to hundreds of thousands of people each day. But, he really is quite the motivator, so cut me some slack, people. I need to start somewhere.)

One particular blog post of his dealt with getting out of your “funk”. Yeah, you know…THE FUNK.

The Funk is that seemingly intractable rut we get into from time to time in our lives—ruts at work, ruts in our marriages, ruts in our spiritual lives—ruts that cause us to lose our motivation, focus and drive, so that it feels like we’re expending all this energy, but not making any headway whatsoever. A lot like jogging in place.

Here are Michael’s “24 Hacks for Getting out of Your Funk” and with my apologies to Michael, there is bonus commentary from yours truly: moi.

1. Write a list of 10 things you are thankful for. Be specific.

I am thankful for: rainy days, SPANX, hot chocolate, my fellow Writer Femmes who inspire me daily, cookbooks, the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, chick flicks, my crazy dog, the beach and Bon Jovi. Yes, Bon Jovi.

2. Put on some upbeat, happy music. I like Keith Urban.

Hmmm…how can you keep frowning when you hear some of this??

“Shot through the heart,
And you’re to blame
Darling, you give love
A ba-a-a-a-a-a-d name!!!“

3. Go for a walk—or a run.

Or, how about dancing to some Bon Jovi? With an air guitar and feathered bangs?? Okay, have I overdone the Bon Jovi bit? “Bueller?……. Bueller?…….Bueller?”

4. Plan a vacation or, better yet, go on one!

This Saturday, think STAY-cation: Mimosas for breakfast, bike rides to nowhere, a dip in the pool, a two-hour nap, a luxurious bubble bath…and, drumroll, please…

5. Schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Does Dr. Phil count?

6. Talk to a good friend who knows how to listen.

Preferably over an ice cream sundae.

7. Have a good cry. It’s okay. It will cleanse your emotional system.

Note to self: buy the good Kleenex. With Aloe. Must.not.get.snot.everywhere.   

8. Take control of that little voice in your head. “Change channels.”

Why is my channel always stuck on Nick, Jr.?

9. Turn off the TV and the radio.

Hello? I’m already there! Didn’t anyone read my blog post on Monday?

10. Read the Psalms.

My favorite Psalm? Psalms 139. It makes me weep when I think about how much God truly loves me. P.S. Don’t forget the Kleenex from #7.

11. Do volunteer work with a local charity.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1: 27

12. Organize your desk and/or your office.

Magic Words: TRASH CAN

13. Take one “baby step action” for each of your top three projects.

Done. Writing this blog post counts for all three. Your turn.

14. Take the afternoon off and take a nap.

YAWN…

Now, rinse and repeat.

15. Get a massage or sit in a hot jacuzzi or tub.

Did I mention how much I LOVE this list?

16. Change positions. If you are sitting, stand. If you are standing, sit.

Or, if you’re a couch potato, think about making a potato, not being one. Fully loaded with all of the requisite, indulgent toppings, please.

17. Pray. Pour out your heart to God.

Don’t forget the Kleenex from #7.

18. Smile. Your emotions will usually follow your body’s lead.

I really like this one. Just make sure there isn’t food between your teeth.

19. Do that one thing you fear the most.

Admit out loud that I love Bon Jovi??

20. Write a love note to your spouse and mail it.

Does a Poke on Facebook count? How about a Love Tweet? Just kidding, honey!! Does anyone have a stamp??

21. Excuse yourself from negative conversations.

“OMG Becky, look at her butt. It is SO big…”

22. Resist the temptation to complain—about anything!

Geez, Michael Hyatt, how long IS this list?? How many more witty things can I possibly come up with to write?  

23. Forget the past. Ignore the future. Be fully present NOW.

Love, laugh and let go in the arms of the great I AM. He IS your NOW.

24. Stop worrying about things you have no control over.

Have I said too much about Bon Jovi in this post? What if everyone thinks I’m obsessed? I’m really not THAT big of a fan. Or, am I?? JON, I LOVE YOU!!!