Do you ever feel like there are days or even larger chunks of time like weeks or months in which you realize (usually looking back) you have been so distracted from your main goals and purpose in life that you feel like you went down the rabbit hole? This little phrase has been stuck in my head lately so I looked its definition up: “Down the rabbit hole” is a metaphor for an entry into the unknown, the disorienting or the mentally deranging, from its use in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (by Lewis Carroll), or a slang expression for a psychedelic experience, from the same usage. (Wikipedia) Since I haven’t used any mind-altering substances for many years, I realized perhaps that my “rabbit holes” have been my losing focus on my vision and mission in life and becoming easily distracted, usually by becoming overwhelmed and doing too much. It’s easy to become distracted for the most vigilant of humans I think with all of the news, social media, emails and other modern-day bombardments of information. I go on Facebook and Instagram and pretty soon I have lost an hour of time. Or I check my email inbox and become so completely engaged in something I forget what I originally intended to address in the first place.
Meanwhile, here we are in October already, New Year’s resolutions still unmet (to lose 15 pounds, get my book coaching webinars launched, and start writing my fifth novel.) Still, perhaps I should be gentle to myself (like I would be to a cute bunny rabbit) and realize I have accomplished much good over the past several months: my literary agent (who I made the effort to acquire last year) found a publisher for my fourth novel, a contract has been signed and the process is underway. I helped a son get his father’s book published and launched successfully, I edited a memoir on Alzheimer’s, and I am in the process of finishing final edits on another manuscript on biblical principles in business practices that I believe will shape up to be a dynamite book (and have encouraged the doubtful writer not to give up and that it was, indeed, worth publishing). I have spoken at three writers conferences this summer/fall and am speaking at another three in the next month…and I have also followed up with the people I have met and tried to give them advice when and where I could. And I have been totally aware recently that I need to write a new plan for the coming year…before it begins!
Am I out of the latest rabbit hole? I believe I am and am hoping I don’t go down another any time soon but pray that I keep my head up and my eyes on the prize (that is to say, my main goals as an author, speaker and book coach.) Sorry for the cliche metaphors (I always advise my writing students against using them! But after all this is my blog and they did seem to fit – and I didn’t want to go down another rabbit hole looking up alternatives on the internet!) Most of all I know I have to trust in the Lord for direction, guidance and keeping me on the right path, or pulling me back if I go too far in the wrong direction. For as it says in Proverbs: “The plans of the heart belong to man,  but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.  Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.  The Lord has made everything for its purpose…The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Prov. 16:1-9)
Lord, thank you for reassuring me that if You care for the littlest of creatures (including rabbits) You surely will care for me.
Well said. Best of luck to you!
Maybe you should try rabbit hunting when you are down there and start deleting things as quickly as possible so you can find your way to the surface again.