The Dread Factor

Imagine you walk into a familiar room. It's tidy, bright and cheery. You are comforted by the abundant storage, soothing colors, and that you can easily maneuver around the furnishings. Over time, this room has become like a favorite pair of old sneakers—comfy and esteemed.

Now imagine you walk into a room that you've never been in. It's almost completely dark. Ouch! You hit your shin on the coffee table. Your heartbeat increases as you hold your arms out in front trying to make your way further into the abyss-like surrounding. Is the room tidy? Is there storage or more furnishings? How will you ever maneuver and thrive in this unknown environment?

Now pause and hold that comparison for a second.

Recently, I've had to learn two new software programs for two different purposes. Ugh! Hear me clearly, I hate to be forced into using a new program.

It's like being yanked out of the first room above and thrown into the dark second one while kicking and screaming, "Noooo! Please don't make me."

The simple reason—I have to begin learning all the intricacies, limits, and rules of the new program. I'm not sure which is worse--the actual learning or my own dread of the process.   

What was the simplest task in the old program becomes a time consuming, boring, search-and-learn-as-you-go ordeal. Usually this takes hours of Google searches looking for answers to the simplest questions about the new program or how to correct the tiniest mistake.

What's crazy is that I love to learn. Bring on delving into new ways to become physically healthier or how to overcome those pesky issues that stunt emotional growth or my favorite, spiritual epiphanies.

But new software apps, frankly I'd rather scrub a floor with a tooth brush. I possess a super-high dread of these learning experiences. 

My attitude is the problem.

Sometimes the new program is faster, more convenient, and productive. And over time, I usually become fairly proficient in the new program and am glad to have endured those grueling hours of learning.

So pardon my bad attitude and whining. It's time to roll up my sleeves and open my mind. I'll survive and learn a ton in the process.

Even while I'm wishing for the old room and vexed over the new.

What about you? Do you have something you super dread to do? How do you fare learning a new program?  And please offer suggestions—what helps you get through the madness and maintain a decent attitude? I'm all ears!!

Tammy Van Gils plants words and grows insightful stories blooming with hope. She is a thriving survivor of abuse, abandonment and adversity. How? By the Master Gardener's grace, the Vine's love, and the Advocate's renewal—emotionally and spiritually. She is sowing life with her husband of 35 years, a Yorkie Poo named Moose, and a dozen chickens. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She's honored to be a guest blogger and also a contributor to The Wonders of Nature Devotion Book, Let the Earth Rejoice Devotions, So God Made a Dog, Worthy Inspired and Short and Sweet Too, Grace Publishing.