When somebody (including me) is having trouble doing something, I like to ask, “What’s getting in the way?”
Within the past week, I’ve asked “What’s getting in the way?” about
- doing one’s taxes,
- being more assertive,
- joining an organization,
- exercising,
- eating better,
- sending an email,
- making a phone call,
- getting out of the house,
- attending a therapy session,
- stating a need,
- accepting compliments, and
- saying what’s left unsaid.
Is there something you’re having trouble doing, here and now? Take a moment and ask yourself, “What’s getting in the way?”
Is fear part of the answer?
What’s getting in the way of us getting fear out of the way?
What’s getting in the way of my sharing my photos today? What’s getting in the way is my fear that I have only four new photos and 25% of of them include language that might get in the way.
Nothing is getting in the way of my finding two “Gettin’ in the Way” songs on YouTube (here and here).
What’s getting in the way of your leaving a comment?
Nothing is getting in the way of my expressing my thanks to all who helped me get out of my own way to create today’s blog post and — of course! — to YOU.
Hey, thanks for sharing this post. Do you think it’s possible depression may be part of what’s getting in the way?
Yes. Thanks for sharing this important thought.
And nothing is getting in the way to tell you that I’ve enjoyed reading this post 🙂 I think that fear is our worst enemy.
Nothing is getting in the way of my thanking you for this great comment.
Pushing that fear aside and getting to it does feel good, Ann, once it’s accomplished.
Thanks for another accomplished comment, Mark.
Nothing
You are something, Derrick.
🙂
What is getting in the way of making my breakfast is drooling over Michael’s cooking! I will have to step up my skills!
Nothing gets in the way of my wishing you an obstacle-free day with my whole heart.
Nothing gets in the way of my wishing you the same, Maureen. ❤
Nothing getting in my way from enjoying a sunny day here in the South. Now…the exercising and eating right part…that’s another story.
Nothing getting in my way from enjoying another comment from you, Dawn.
I hope that whatever gets in the way, it’s not grumpiness

Thanks for getting that out of the way, Maria!
The poet Sharon Olds said something that’s stuck with me: “There are some things that have to do with art that we can’t control. This creature of the poem may assemble itself into a being with its own
centrifugal force. That’s what I’m thinking about when I’m trying to get out of art’s way.”
I think most of us who do any kind of creative work have had that experience. Sometimes a work will be what it is even if we think it should be something else, and we just have to get out of its way.
I try to get out of my own way, Chris, and I appreciate your way.
What’s getting in the way of my writing more, doing more, is my own boredom. Meaning I’m fairly bored at work, so by the time I get home I don’t feel like doing anything. But now that the midwest weather is improving, I’ll either go for a walk after work or sit on the deck and work. The only thing getting in the way of me is…me.
Thanks for making your way over here, Claudia. ❤
something is getting in the way of me exercising. I used to love exercising and do now when I get to it. I just come home and don’t want to go out again!!! Bad pattern. Needs a bit of breakage, I expect. Thanks for your blog and reminding me!
Thanks for your comment, Lisa, which I love.
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Sleepiness. Whenever I have to do something difficult, I get a sudden urge to go to sleep. I wonder what that’s about.