Sometimes it’s no surprise to find that we’ve been living on autopilot. We wake up one day and find that our energy and passion have left us. We get up and go through the same old routine, go to the same old places, do the same old job, see the same old faces and wonder why from day to day we are unhappy and unfulfilled. We wonder when the excitement and passion for life will return to us, yet the truth is that if we are doing the same old thing, we are going to continue to get the “same old thing.”

I had a client who was so fed up with her routine that she took a job in another city. Along with leaving her old job, she also left her husband because things were no longer exciting with him. She found new romance and new friends in her new location. However, two years into her new adventure she found herself in the same old rut. Apparently that was the ONLY thing from her old life that she’d brought with her.

Anyone can find themselves in a rut. But the answer to that rut is not necessarily getting a divorce and moving to another city. Though it may be the perfect solution for some folks, there are other options for those of us who want to stay put.

Open Your Heart
Many of us tend to see the same faces, day after day, week after week. We have the people that we love and enjoy seeing. But we also have someone in our life who maybe isn’t our favorite person, and maybe we aren’t all that inspired to connect with them on any level. But when we only open our hearts to those who are easy to love, we don’t learn and grow. Take a chance… open your heart to someone you normally wouldn’t. Try to see them as child, and try to remember that they, too, have their challenges and their fears and they are doing the best that they can, like many of us.

Show Appreciation
I was once giving a talk to a group of about 50 people, and this group included a heckler. He had something to say and wanted the whole room to hear his opinions. So I asked him to come up front and help me with a demonstration. He did so, begrudgingly, but as I appreciated his help, openly in front of the whole room, his attitude changed. By the end of my talk he was my biggest fan! When we express our appreciation to someone it no doubt makes them feel good. But when we express our appreciation in front of a group of people it changes them!

Become Clutter Free
I cannot believe how much more energy I have after I declutter a room in my home. There has to be some room in your home right now that is in serious need of order and decluttering. Closets, computer desks, and bookcases are always good places to start if you’re not sure. Organize, get rid of something and clean it! You will feel invigorated!

Beautify and Nurture Yourself and Your Space
Your space has been cleared and organized – now it’s time surround yourself with beauty! Put out some flowers. Rearrange the furniture. Play music. Splurge on a beautiful new outfit or hairstyle. Buy a special coffee (or tea) to brew when you’re home. Go out to lunch with friends. Plan a dinner menu that you’ve never prepared before. Paint the affirmation “I am in Harmony” in a lovely watercolor and hang it in your bedroom.

When we take these steps we turn an ordinary day into a new adventure. We connect with new people and reconnect with those we love. We spread love and appreciation and lift the hearts of those around us. We find ourselves filled with new creative energy, leaving the ho-hum sameness of routine behind us and moving into a new and inspired life.

All from the comfort of our own home.