Torn Between Two Pancakes.

Everyone is probably familiar with the expression “torn between a rock and a hard place,” which refers to being torn between two unfavorable things. I, however, often find myself torn between two good things, and I want to call it “torn between two pancakes” – because I absolutely looove pancakes. 😉

It all starts in the morning when getting out of bed feels like a monumental task. Being tucked between soft sheets and floating in a state of thoughtless bliss is so nice that the thought of leaving my cozy bed and brushing my teeth is anything but enticing. I just want to lie there forever and ever. Especially since giving up the enveloping comfort of my bed will not be rewarded. To the contrary. For my pains I will have to face the next ordeal: stretching exercises.

After that comes making breakfast. Getting dressed. Going to work. Running errands.

The list goes on and on. Nothing on that list excites me. At least not when I’m thinking about it.

And so (since I’m on a roll thinking about it …) I conclude that I never enjoy what I’m doing.

Except for lying in bed. 😴

When I finally get up, I realize this is an erroneous conclusion. I am quite happy to freshen up when I’m actually brushing my teeth (as opposed to when I’m just thinking about it while snuggled in my sheets …).

When I crack eggs into a pan and chop avocados and bell peppers, I truly enjoy the slicing and dicing, along with the delightful smell of the food.

Later that evening, while I’m chatting with family and friends, watching a YouTube video, shooting pool, or taking my dog for a walk, the last place I want to be is in bed! In short, once I engage in any activity, I either like it or am at least okay with it. That also applies to taking a shower, driving a car, or balancing my accounts.

In other words: When I’m truly present with what I’m doing, it’s as if I allow the feeling of the soft sheets and the state of thoughtless bliss to seep into every moment of my day. Sure, there are occasional ”stumbling blocks” like a dentist appointment, which can be a bit of a bummer. 😜 But overall, most activities are quite pleasant. So what’s the problem?

Some might say I have difficulty with change, even when it’s something I look forward to – whether it’s traveling across the country or making small shifts in my daily routine.

Personally, I prefer to say that I’m torn between two pancakes. I simply dread the transition from one activity to another.

I guess I have to find a way to sweeten the transitional state that arises when I let go of one pancake in favor of another. 😋

Brigitte K. Schneider
aka Ms. Maple Syrup

P.S. I think I found my New Year Resolution! 😂

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