topic Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge in Community Chat

Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Runner26 — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:52:29 GMT

I've been sorta kinda challenging myself this year to get out of my rut:

1. I've mixed up my fashion of late: bought and wore midi dress for the first time; bought and wore printed pants; bought some dresses and wore them. It was nice to see my hubby light up. (I was wearing Target's All-In-Motion joggers and a T-shirt almost exclusively.)

2. I've been growing out my chin-length hair; it's now an inch or so below my shoulders.

3. I try to listen to music every day. Currently, I love the song "Buy Dirt" by Jordan Davis.

It's been almost 8 months since I lost my dad and mom so I've just been more reflective, I guess. I feel so blessed.

Are you also in a rut? I challenge you to do something different: eat dessert, change your hairstyle, volunteer, wear you good clothes even if you're just going grocery shopping. Be kinder to yourself.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

amyb — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:25:10 GMT

Nice post @Runner26 Good for you...good to try new things and get out of a rut we don't even realize we may be in, given that we all just have our usual routines and comfort zones. This past year I got some new watercolor paints and a book to paint in (Emily Lex books) and started doing that again...I was a crafty, artistic kid and young adult...revisiting it. Not something "new" but revisited and I enjoy it! Anyway, good to reflect on further.

So sorry for your losses...losing both parents (I'm there too and an only child) is so weird....a whole chunk of who you were with them go with them too. I miss many in my extended family too. I keep my parents spirits alive in my heart, in my home, and still talk to them too...I feel their spirits so close to me. We quote mom's funny sayings and remember things about them all the time. It's NOT the same, I miss my mom, especially (gone 6 yrs, dad 26 yrs), we were very close...everyday. But I was so lucky to have her 'til she was 91.

Tks again for a nice post~sending good vibes to you.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

CalmInHeart — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:29:23 GMT

Some friends walk early every morning in a nearby cemetery. It's a gorgeous, well maintained cemetery. They have woodsy areas, trees galore, and good roads.

I decided to join them. Holy cow! Faster pace than I'm used to. Minimum 4-5 miles in an hour I get exercise and social activity at the same time. I love it!

We see bucks, doe, coyote, geese in the pond, many kinds of birds, and other animals. One road is named "bluebird lane" because the trees are full of bluebirds.

It's also where my Mom, Dad, brother and BIL are interred so that's nice too.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Shanus — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:37:17 GMT

@Runner26 I'm not sure I'd call it a "rut" but life changed drastically moving to an apartment from a large house.

About two weeks ago, Molly passed and I'm still lost and trying to "re-schedule" my days without her.

Headed out today to find some clothing that, like you, gets me out of joggers and tees. Hair's a lost cause in summer. The curls do what they want and are different every day.

I usually don't wear skirts, shorts or short sleeves since I not only don't self-tan and legs look like Casper, it would also give me a lot more area to spread SPF.

Enjoy your weekend.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

nascarfan — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:05:13 GMT

@Runner26 That's a great challenge!

I cut my hair. Went from long hair to a pixie. Love the ease of taking care of it.

I'm joining a rather large group of women who play Mahjong weekly at our country club. I'm looking forward to making new friends!

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

jackthebear — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:28:26 GMT

@nascarfan wrote:
@Runner26 That's a great challenge!
I cut my hair. Went from long hair to a pixie. Love the ease of taking care of it.
I'm joining a rather large group of women who play Mahjong weekly at our country club. I'm looking forward to making new friends!

Mahj is the best I play 2 times a week

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

drizzellla — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:45:58 GMT

@CalmInHeart wrote:

Some friends walk early every morning in a nearby cemetery. It's a gorgeous, well maintained cemetery. They have woodsy areas, trees galore, and good roads.

I decided to join them. Holy cow! Faster pace than I'm used to. Minimum 4-5 miles in an hour I get exercise and social activity at the same time. I love it!

We see bucks, doe, coyote, geese in the pond, many kinds of birds, and other animals. One road is named "bluebird lane" because the trees are full of bluebirds.

It's also where my Mom, Dad, brother and BIL are interred so that's nice too.

I started walking in a nearby park and "at a faster pace than I am used to". I am shorter than the others, therefore their gait seems longer to me. So I seem to have to work harder to keep up with the pace.

Maybe it is all in my mind. But they seem to be at a relaxed pace and I am in second gear. But I must admit I could use the extra effort.

And we are seeing the Moms and fawns and buck too on a regular basis.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

smoochy — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:55:43 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@Runner26 I'm not sure I'd call it a "rut" but life changed drastically moving to an apartment from a large house.

About two weeks ago, Molly passed and I'm still lost and trying to "re-schedule" my days without her.

Headed out today to find some clothing that, like you, gets me out of joggers and tees. Hair's a lost cause in summer. The curls do what they want and are different every day.

I usually don't wear skirts, shorts or short sleeves since I not only don't self-tan and legs look like Casper, it would also give me a lot more area to spread SPF.

Enjoy your weekend.

I've been thinking about you, how you are doing without miss molly 💔

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

kaydee50 — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:57:17 GMT

I'm happy in my "rut." Like my routine and only break it when we travel 3 or 4 times a year. Have the same hairdo for at least 30 years. Sometimes I'll try a piece of clothing out of my comfort zone but otherwise for me "SOSO" and it works for me!

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Luv2Dnce — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:27:23 GMT

We all get in a rut, sometimes at a point in our lives due to sometimes unexpected situations or challenges. You could be feeling this way because of the loss of your parents, turning 50 or older really makes us think about our lives and wanting to make changes because life is so short. I give you a lot of credit for recognizing that you're in a rut and actually doing something about it. It's so nice for you to mention that you feel so blessed! God gave you one life so live it to the best of your ability and do what makes you happy. I truly wish you only the best!

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Still Raining — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:11:58 GMT

I am gearing up to break my shoe rut. Eyeing brown walking shoes!!

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Puzzle Piece — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:56:09 GMT

@Runner26 Yes, I understand. I lost my younger sister and my dad in the same month. I lost my husband 2-1/2 years ago and my cat of 22 years.

It will be a while for me to move on but it will happen I just won't rush things.

I have de-cluttered as lot as my things I won't use again. They held precious memories but they too are only with me in my thoughts.

Take good care.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

mrshckynut — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:09:44 GMT

@Runner26 No

mrshckynut

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:37:30 GMT

I'm with you, @kaydee50. I like my routine, I don't consider it a rut. I wish I could sleep longer at night but if I don't, I can always go back to bed or have an afternoon nap if I want to. When our kids were home things were more structured. When COVID came along, my system changed. DH was told to work from home. We felt like it was a trial retirement but then he never went back to the office - he's still working from home. In all our years of marriage we never had coffee together on a weekday unless it was a holiday. Suddenly we were having coffee together every morning, lunch together at noon, and we began doing all our errands together instead of me going alone. Along the line we added walking together and added more travel getaways and concerts.

I am no fashion plate. I have my home style and my going out style. Like it or leave it, but it's comfortable for me. We don't go anywhere where I need to look fancy. It may sound boring but I love my life.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Oznell — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 22:43:20 GMT

@Runner26 , I've been experimenting more with colors that are outside my usual palette in the house lately. Really, there are no colors that I strongly dislike, but have a certain lane that I always gravitate to. It's fun to break out of that a little, with accessories, even if it's different colored flowers or throws.

Doesn't sound like a big deal, does it?! But when you're as specifically 'visual' a person as I am, it is "change" of a sort, ha.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Sooner — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 01:03:05 GMT

Never been in a rut in my life! In high school it was my way of life and I've been true to that lifestyle.

It's not a big deal, but I read a lot to learn more than be entertained. I'm interested in knowing something about everything I can. I read mostly information or the great authors for the richness of the language and the impact of the thoughts more than the plot or tale being told.

I play piano, listen to music, cook, seek out new groceries to buy, etc. Life is so full--even the back yard is an adventure if you want it to be. I don't have to have a big deal to be entertained or satisfied. I'm happy with, and always have been, the little things. That's what I love.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

smoochy — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:32:07 GMT

no rut, just happy in my comfort zone with no need to leave it. I find blessings and pleasure in small everyday things. Retirement from a long stressful career freed me.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Runner26 — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:34:43 GMT

@amyb When I first saw "The Notebook" the scene where the guy character sets up an art room for the girl so she can paint, for a second I thought "I should do that" and then remember I can't draw/paint.

I see painting/drawing or whatever you enjoy (for me it's weeding) to be therapeutic.

Your post is lovely, especially your relationship with your parents.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Runner26 — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:50:43 GMT

@CalmInHeart Wow! 4-5 miles/hour is super fast pace for walking... speed walking?

We have a lovely trail right outside of our gated community. Then there's a wildlife marsh trail that's probably goes on for at least 15 miles? A few months ago I saw what I discovered to be a family of Canadian geese crossing the trail path. Although I'm not a huge animal lover, I found it to be one of the sweetest thing.

Re: Are-You-In-A-Rut? Challenge

Runner26 — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:17:22 GMT

@Shanus I'm sorry to hear about Molly.

I've always liked curly hair. A childhoood friend had a very short curly hair and would usually wear a headband.