Why does a carrot dangling in front of a horse motivate the four-legged beast to do something it probably wouldn’t have done before?  Probably because the tasty orange root is crunchy and sweet, making it a palatable treat for the horse.

Recently I traveled to Utah to see my in-laws.  What spurred this trip on was the unexpected passing of my mother-in-law.  I had been wanting to get over to see my extended family but I never made the time to do it.  With this sudden situation there was no hesitation in booking my flight and hotel.

The circumstance caused me to do some things that I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.  I flew on an airplane by myself.  I traversed through the Salt Lake City Airport by myself.  After arriving I was informed that my ex would be coming over for the funeral too.  Oh boy, talk about being out of my comfort zone.

Looking back, my trip turned out to be a cleansing of old harbored feelings, strengthening of friendship and family ties, and a personal recognition of how much I have grown inwardly in the past fifteen years.

While listening to a song, I was drawn to three words in the lyrics.  Transparent dangling carrots.  I giggled and thought what a silly phrase to put in a song.  But as I pondered the metaphor, I became more curious and researched it.

The artist, song writer Alanis Morissette was inspired to write the song, Thank U, at a time she was going through some personal struggles.  Transparent dangling carrots are referenced to situations in life that act as a motivational device stimulating a person to do something even though they can’t consciously see it.  It’s something that drives a person to take action even though they may not be aware of its influence.

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” – Søren Kierkegaard

While reflecting about my Utah trip, I discovered something.  The transparent carrots that were dangling in front of me caused me to step outside of my comfort zone and do something new that I can be proud of.  I can travel by myself if I need to!

I also realized how much I have healed from my broken marriage.  I now can socially speak with my ex without feeling all wacky inside.  The interaction with him could have been stressful and awkward but for some weird reason I had a sense of calmness about me and I was able to converse with him without problems.  This is something that I never thought I could accomplish.

“Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.” Anonymous

The best part about this trip was that I had the opportunity to reconnect with my in-laws.  Refreshing my friendship with my sister n law was the highlight for me.  I got to see all of my nieces and nephews and had the pleasure in doing some fun crazy activities with them.

In looking back, if I had not gone to Utah and ignored those carrots, I would have lost out majorly.  I wish my mother n law was still around but I am grateful for the challenge that enlightened me of how strong I have become, how well my heart has healed, and how blessed I am of the family I have.

How about you?  What transparent dangling carrots are hanging in front of your face?  What are you waiting for, attack and conquer.  The end outcome is way more gratifying than the regret of not trying.

James 1:2-4: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

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Image by Lena_Zajchifova on iStock

 

 

Gwen

 

 

 

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