Keep doing what you are doing, and you’ll keep getting what you are getting.
If you’ve ever wondered why life isn’t as smooth as you would like, let’s look at a car. Let’s say at birth, you are given a shiny, brand new ride (you). All the parts are fresh and ready to roll. As life unfolds, you notice your car responds great. It makes sharp turns, accelerates nicely, and stops on a dime. As a young person, you probably behaved the same way. You started and stopped when you wanted, usually without thinking twice about what you were doing. It was easy.
After a couple of years, your car might need a little work to keep it smooth. Maybe it could use a minor adjustment to keep it in top condition. Your car still rides great, and it a lot of fun to drive. After a few more years, though, you find that your car requires major work to keep it operating. You notice the engine doesn’t quite have the same acceleration, it takes longer to warm up, the brakes squeak, the engine lines are clogged, the window leaks, and the weather has rusted the bottom.
You notice that in real life, your body is slowing down. You have put on additional weight, don’t have the “wind” you use to, and you need more rest. You might feel like you are rusted underneath, and could use a new coat of paint. In fact, your life might need more adjustments than you ever imagined.
Never fear, your car and your life can be fixed. You can make sure your life keeps running smoothly by practicing a little preventive maintenance every so often. Just like some people add a cleaner to their car to keep the grime away, you might consider adding some “personal cleaner” to your own life. Take time just for you. Wipe away the things that are getting your mind and spirit clogged up. You might say you are taking yourself in for “scheduled maintenance.” Take time to assess where you stand on your journey, and set aside occasions to make some adjustments. You might need a new direction to travel in. You might need to find a new hobby or take up a new interest to keep engaged. You might need to eat healthier foods to replenish your body’s zest for life. You might need to exercise regularly to retain more of that “younger feeling.” You might need to be more forgiving, loving, or caring in order to feel more efficient in your daily life.
Time to regroup is important. Wash and wax the inner and outer you, so that you can sparkle and feel good about yourself. By practicing a little self-maintenance, you will allow your engine to run smoother and better than it ever has before.
