Tiny Frame In-sight
seeing small to dream big
The Story
Some things in life just seem too big. They overwhelm, thus freeze us up, even when we know we are meant to be that big, do that big, or overcome that hurdle. I found a variation of this in-sight in one of my many readings over the years. It was in reference to writing novels or large projects, a very intimidating task if you approach it thinking of it as such. Just imagine sitting down every day and thinking "I am writing a novel." For someone like me, as much as I love writing and was committed to the task, this insurmountable thought was often overwhelming. How could I write a novel? Me? The voices in my head told me I was crazy for trying. The nay-sayers said "awesome" to my face, but then followed it with a look of "silly Amy," often paired with "I can't imagine tackling something that big."
Well. I was tackling something that big. And I was determined. But as much as I sought advice on method, I am hard at adhering to any one thing and had to find my own. In my process, I found a very nice strategy that helped me beyond help in just getting ideas on the page. And I found it can apply to us getting big things manageable in life as well. So here it goes.
The In-sight
See your big hurdle or task. Maybe a HUGE goal that seems irrational. Go to a craft store. Buy a frame. Any small frame will do. Find one that really appeals to you, that draws you in. I have a three dimensional one, two inches by three inches. Put an appealing scenery picture in it. Not one that evokes memory, but one that just makes you feel good. Like you want to be there. The point is for it to not distract.
Yes, this in-sight has a physical aspect to it, but it can be easily conjured as an in-sight, even in the frame's absence, hence me deeming it an in-sight. Using this physical or mental tiny picture in a frame, see, in it, a small scene. A small bit. A fraction of the story, the journey. For example, if you are in ill health, see a sunny day of sitting on the porch, basking in the light, just sitting. Maybe sipping your favorite drink. A good moment. Just the moment. Or if you are writing a book like me, see a small scene, a moment in the story, a good description of a character. Write what you see. Live what you see. Imagine what you see. Now feel the relief in just that moment. You are one step closer.
Variations, Tips, and Possibilities
Another variation of this in-sight involves my favorite activity, working out (ugh). Don’t get me wrong, I love physical activity. Hiking, horseback riding, all kinds of things outdoors. I even love the feeling during and after a really good workout. But during and after. I am AWFUL at beginning. Self-motivation is my problem. But it’s not that I don’t like doing; it’s because I want results yesterday, so I get discouraged VERY easily. I know I have to be in the right mindset to start, or I’ll get way too disheartened by the non-instantaneous results. Newsflash, me, I can’t get back into shape overnight, especially after months of tumult, injury, and then sedentary selfing, even as a necessary result. My logical brain knows it takes time. But it is so hard. Yet once before, I did this in a very big way. What it took was the little picture, one day at a time. One playlist at a time. One foot at a time. And not weighing myself every day. Not obsessing. Then, eventually, I was there. Everyone has there own way to do these kinds of things. But I find, for me, in life’s larger, seemingly insurmountable challenges, a little at a time, and then celebrating the small “do’s,” helps. So use it. One foot on the elliptical goes around, then the other. You’re almost there.