Tomi,

Your post made me realize that the method I try to use to get through life is similar to what you have suggested here. I have come up with a method of getting from one place to another with the most direct path. I have come to the conclusion that living my life is somewhat like programming a computer. When I have something to do ("an achievement"), I tend to flow chart my way of getting there. I write down the steps I have to do to get to my end result. That way, I have to move along each step & unless I come to a dead end that I didn't realize was there, I don't do anything more or less than what it takes to accomplish my goal. It definitely helps me keep things simple & I tend to get less side tracked that without using this method.

Sometimes there are decision points in the path, & I try to define how to get through each choice & still end up with the achievement that is necessary. I have always used this method......& it was easier to do before I ended up having anxiety & depression issues 12 years ago. Unfortunately now, there are days that I can't do anything towards my final goal, but at least when I have my path defined, I can go back to the place where I was before having to take a break.

Sometimes there are glitches in the program.....things don't always work out like I think they should & sometimes the steps need to be changed.....making it important to be flexable & be able to change at a moments notice. I have found out over the last 12 years that I have to be even more flexable.....making sure that I am easier on myself when I am in a mental position where I just have to give myself a break from everything. trying to train my husband to do this is almost impossible which confuses me completely since he also programmed computers & used this method for designing programs also.....he just doesn't realize how work concepts can be used in real life.

Your post is great....it is so important to keep our lives as simple as possible.....especially when we have problems that can set us off into another direction....loosing sight on our real goals. I always love your thoughtful posts.....making us think about the way we live our lives.

Thanks,
Debbie