How a Dustpan Changed My Life

Have you ever tried so hard at something that it actually becomes harder? I typically put my heart and soul into everything I do. So when I want to achieve something I tackle it with gusto and gorilla-like energy. I never feel as though I’m accomplishing much unless I do things with 100% persistence — I just assume that that Type-A energy is what it takes to succeed or get the job done.

I’ve just come upon a new revelation. This particular style I’ve been operating from is a failure.  It’s not the best way to work. I’ve had some recent health issues and had to take a break for a while so I’ve spent the last several weeks relaxing and getting in touch with the peaceful side of life.

During my recovery I was sweeping the cat litter from the floor into a dust pan– and I was doing it at such a slow pace because I was weak. I was surprised to see that the all the litter went into the dustpan in one gentle sweep. For the last several years every time I’ve used the dustpan I have been aggressively shoveling the litter into the pan with such force the way I take on projects. Typically the litter never gets into the pan in one sweep, it takes me 6 or 7 sweeps.  Most of the time I’m so impatient that I consider getting a new pan because I believe it’s isn’t working correctly.

The lesson I have learned has been invaluable. During my time of recovery when I was tired and lethargic and could barely sweep was when all the cat litter went into the dustpan upon one sweep. Why haven’t I done this before? It’s brilliant. I wonder how much more I can accomplish with less stress?  Can good things come to me if I don’t’ run after them, spear them and claim glory? I now know that not everything always requires 100% pure muscle and mental power.

Life doesn’t need a rigorous push and I certainly welcome that new perspective.  I look forward to seeing more things come naturally so I’m not so physically and mentally affected. I decided not to throw out the dustpan because it has taught me such a valuable lesson. And yes, it only takes me one gentle sweep to scoop all the litter into the pan unlike the last 10 years of not figuring out why the darned thing didn’t work! Kudos to cat poop. Can you tell I’m feeling better?