“Inspiration is a spark. It is nothing unless we use it to build a fire.” ― Vironika Tugaleva (author)
My wife and I go to see a therapist, monthly. We do it, not because of any trouble in our marriage or to help us through some specific issue, but because we value the perspective of a third voice, one that is entirely objective. And for anyone that knows us really well, Korrie and I also happen to enjoy “talking things through” (to the nth degree)—and we find that our therapist encourages us in that process.
I analyze everything. And although analysis to an extreme can be debilitating, I find it to be a necessary phase to my productivity. I enjoy our therapy sessions, discussing recent events and discovering the why and how behind those things. But for the last few months, I’ve taken that space of self-analysis home on a regular basis, mulling a little more than usual. I wouldn’t go so far as to define it as debilitating, but it was going to a place where both Korrie and I began to take notice.
So, I started making lists. Lists of all of the non-essential things I’ve put aside doing because they weren’t necessary items—repair my drums, listen to a specific podcast, try that different recipe, take Noah to that new park, begin training for another half marathon. I know it seems basic and silly, but it was refreshing to see the list of items I’ve wanted to do, but put off because it didn’t fit into the needs of the week—and one by one, I’ve been completing each one, checking them off my list.
I think self discovery is important, but there is a time to stop thinking and start moving. Every stage of life presents itself with new challenges and their endless variables of how to overcome them. I love the exhaustive process of analyzing them, making conclusions, and then exploring new opportunities. This time of reflection has been more than necessary, but I now find myself ready for action; and although the flame isn’t raging, I am starting to see it flicker.