10 Easy Ways To "Get Out Of A Rut"
A SURE-FIRE TEST TO SEE IF YOU ARE IN A RUT . . .
OTHER EXAMPLES OF BEING 'IN A RUT'
The "rat race." The treadmill. Same ol', same ol'. It has many names. Places. And infects millions, no, billions of people on a world-wide basis. This is not a fatal disease, as it were, but it can have long lasting effects as a disease, if not checked early. This subject I am going to talk about for a moment is called, "being in a rut," and you know exactly what I mean by that common term.
Being "in a rut," is a soft, silent invader of one's peace of mind, but does not attack its host all at once but slowly. Over the course of many years. It just seeps into the man or woman's conscience through the back door and sits patiently waiting for the day that the person it is living in will cave-in. Or cave-over with stress that leads to dark depression. Even a physical exhaustion that cannot be harnessed or explained by leading doctors.
Being "in a rut," is not, per se, a physical illness, but it can disguise itself as one. With headaches, upset stomach, tension in the neck and back, yes, "in a rut" takes on all of these ailments that lead to a miserable person who "thinks" and believes, that they are compelled by rules of the universe to not only be, but survive "in a rut." This is far from easy. Just ask those once-workaholics whose work-week consisted of 80 plus hours and weekends. See what "in a rut" did for them.
Although "in a rut" cannot be categorized as a physical sickness, thus there are no medicinal cures such as shots, pills or medically-based therapies to cure this awful "beast" who just loves to sneak inside of us and refuses all nice hints from us to leave. It will not leave. "In a rut" loves to make you feel worse by the day. What does it care if you are miserable? Not a thing. For "in a rut," has no heart. Feelings. Or soul. It's a mindless, cold-natured entity that thrives on people who fear, above all things, losing their jobs, thus forcing them to work all manners of ungodly hours reeking a toll on their body and mind that no paid vacation can refresh. Sadly, there isn't one Ray Charles record ever released that can relieve being "in a rut." I'm sorry.
"Awww, Kenneth, this is just another one of your comedy hubs," you say. No, not this time. Even my twisted sense of humor cannot combat "in a rut." I feel like Superman when facing green kryptonite. Helpless. Weak. Sick. Unable to get out of the floor.
But with that being said, I have devoted a long period of study to people who are "in a rut," and ways, actually "10 Easy Ways to Get 'Out of A Rut,'" that work. If applied properly.
They work. No creams or pills to buy. No Visa or MasterCard to be used. And no orders being delivered to your front door in a discreet brown paper wrapper, but the 10 tips to get out of a rut are all here. Free for the reading. And using.
We start with . . .
#10. LEARN TO CROON
like Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole and Roy Rogers, "King of The Cowboys." When you master this beautiful hobby of the voice box and begin to sing (by yourself) the haunting standards of American music, your being "in a rut" will fade away and you will regain your pert personality, your perky way of walking. And that free laughter that your wife loves to hear.
#9. GIVE YOUR WIFE YOUR VISA OR MASTERCARD
and say, "honey, go out and buy yourself a new dress, shoes, and a bag." Talk about feeling good. Refreshed. This will do it for you. Oh it might be hard at first to hand her your trust credit card and your excellent credit rating, but as soon as she leaves in your new BMW, you will start feeling like a new man. Released from the prison of working all day and night and being "in a rut" that your wife and children hate. And your wife will love you for doing this. I promise.
#8. HIKE ACROSS THE STATE
just do it. Remember that hot ad campaign by Nike? Chicago Bulls ex-superstar, Michael Jordan sure does. He was once "in a rut" with his work ethic and gambling on his golf game with his wealthy sports pals. But Jordan, one day saw the light. He retired from basketball, bought a huge part of the Charlotte Bobcats and enjoys sitting on the bench and just watching a NBA game instead of busting his hump to win another championship ring. You just need to invest in a pair of walking shoes, get in fair physical shape, and you are on your way--across the state where you life. What an adventure you will have. Walking and enjoying the side of the interstate as you drive the evil spirit of "in a rut" out of your life forever.
#7. LEARN HAIR DRESSING AT HOME
your local tech college surely has courses in hair dressing and styling, so why not take up this relaxing way of getting "out of a rut"? You can do your wife and daughter's hair. Even your son's hair. Plus your wife's girlfriends' hair. Hey, you can make extra cash and have fun to boot.
#6. TEACH A CLASS ON HOW TO BUILD BEAVER TRAPS
online or in-person to those outdoor enthusiasts you happen to work with. Beavers are clever rodents, but they can be trapped and set free where they cannot build dams causing homeowners and farmers thousands of dollars in damage. You will thrill at the looks on your family and friends' faces when you, now a "Doctor of Rodent Trapping," beam with pride with your picture, along with your class, in the local newspaper for doing our ecology and wildlife a huge favor by teaching people how to trap beavers.
#5. TAKE A ONE-MAN SURVIVAL COURSE
like the survival courses taken by the Marine Corps. and Navy Seals. You will not only be "in a rut"-free, but more confident. Bold. And a thrill to know as a man and coworker. It won't hurt you to learn a survival skill. No telling when you will be with your family in the jungles of Brazil and be attacked by a tribe of angry natives for bringing evil spirits into their back yard. Namely a Sears tent that sleeps six.
#4. TAKE UP SPEAKING CHINESE
like any good American, you need to be multi-lingual. And a good language to start with is Chinese, one of the most-respected languages on earth. What big fun awaits you when you dine at a Chinese restaurant with the wife and friends. See how amazed they look as you do all of the ordering for you and them without any help from the waiter. And you thought that I was joking by giving you this tip. You feel pretty bad now, huh?
#3. BE A PART-TIME BLACK SMITH
and do your horse-owing friends a favor by giving them a discount for shoeing their thoroughbreds. You will be the "talk of the town" with your newly-found blacksmithing skills. People will come from near and far to see you shoe a horse and all without breaking a sweat. And by the way, there is a demand for black smith's in today's society with all the people turning to horses as weekend hobbies and not using their cars for the high-cost of gasoline. What are you waiting for? Get busy and be a black smith. The clothing and equipment for black smiths can be found online.
#2. DO PART-TIME WORK IN A TRAVELING CIRCUS
as "Bo Bo, The Suburban Clown." No one will recognize you. No one will make fun of you because you will not tell a soul that you are going to take some well-deserved, much-needed time off to travel with a successful circus and entertain kids by the droves. What a great role model you will be as "Bo Bo,The Clown." And be "out of your rut" with a few one-night performances in Small Town, America.
#1. BECOME A MEMBER OF HUBPAGES
where you, with a little practice, can express yourself in words, pictures and thoughts. Just keep your text and photos clean and non-violent and abusive and being "in a rut," will be a faded thought. Try this out and see if I am not right. Ask the thousands who are HubPages members and see if they all agree that writing for HubPages not only relieves stress, but lends a special excitement to your life.
Good luck on using these FREE tips.
Hey, if all fails, you, as a member of HubPages, could write a series of hubs talking about "The Beauties and Pleasures of Being 'In A Rut.'"
You think?
This Hub is NOT a Medical Advice Hub! This Hub is NOT Aimed at Any Particular Group or Organization.
In fact, this hub is not even dramatic enough to be considered for an idea for a Broadway play. This hub simply deals with "10 Easy Ways To 'Get Out Of A Rut,'" and do not try to tell me that most of you aren't in a rut already.
You know it. I know it. And soon, you will realize that day-after-day routines without change or variation, can lead to lack of interest, depression, irritability and a non-social life after-hours.
Want to get yourself free from 'the rut'? Just take your sweet time. You deserve it. And read this hub. I give you my solemn word that these tips may not be a cure-all for your being 'in a rut,' but they sure will not add to your already regimented life.
Thank you.
Kenneth
FOR MORE ABOUT 'IN A RUT'
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Comments
I can't sing or build beaver traps, but I have recently started cutting my partner's hair. And I'm actually okay at it! I think I'll stick to that and HubPages, and avoid joining the circus... for now.
lol Oh my goodness...I love all your suggestions..I think my favorite is the traveling circus..If I was in a circus..I would be that clown running around...Love this so much..thank you for the smiles..Facebooking, tweeting, and sharing..we need more of these floating around..
Hugs,
Sunnie
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Dear Maddie, I have missed you and Sunnie so much. My traffic, for some reason, has hit a decline. Guess thats the nature of the beast, huh? Thank you, Maddie, for the insightful-comment. Hair cutting? Hey, my hub is working already. LOL.
Kenneth
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Hello to you as well, Dear Sunnie Day! Your photo alone cheers me up. Today has been quiet, but tell that to my Fibro and Neurothopy! Guess rain is coming. Sunnie, Im with you. We can be clowns. The kids will love us. But I want to be the one who gets Jell-O dumped on him...what an easy way to get a FREE treat! Okay?
Thanks so much, Sunnie.
KENNETH
I wouldn't mind learning blacksmithy (blacksmithing?), though. I have an awesome hand-made replica Viking helmet. I need a sword to complete the set.
Kenneth, I am definitely in a rut and this hub could just be the beginning of getting me out of it. Sadly my oh-so-clever big brother has beaten me to speaking Chinese (really!) and I already feel that I work in a circus (although it doesn't travel), but I fully intend to take your advice and go hiking this weekend. Although building beaver traps sounds fun too!
Thanks so much for brightening my day :-)
Don't think I'll be giving my wife my credit card !, but I like the idea of walking across the state, I'm off to see Maddie to get a haircut, wish me luck.
Your suggestions and the clever photos brightened up my day.
Singing out loud is my favorite rut buster, even though my singing voice isn't very good. I usually do it alone but sometimes hubby and I sing out loud when we're driving in the car together on a long trip. It helps keep us awake between bathroom stops. (smile).
Voted this hub up across the board.
Okay, we know how to cure being in a rut. How do you cure being a nut case?
I don't know about number nine, brother. I'll just bring her a present, instead.
That picture is from right across town. Maybe I'll take her to the Shack for a seafood dinner with a good view, too.
I am actually a wonderful singer! lol
You have to be the funniest hubber ever!
Beaver traps? no, how about rattle snake venom collection!
great hub!
Okay Kenneth...you can do the jello thing..I will ride on the little bikes...at least I think I will lol Feel better soon..I suffer with touch of arthritis and lately has been giving me fits..so have to get up and move more..Take care my friend.
Great thoughts Kenneth. I feel like the little dog with the cucumber eyes - out of my rut after reading your wisdom. Thanks for the wonderful hub!
Voting this funny. You make us smile.
Even though being in a rut is not a positive thing, your answers to the problem are very entertaining!!Enjoyed reading your work!! vote up
OMG kenneth, where do you get these wonderful ideas! If anyone want to get out of the rut, they just need to read your hubs. Voting this all the way up and funny.
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Maddie, Vikings and collecting their relics is a GREAT way to NOT get in a rut. You, I can sense, are a doer and not just a thinker. I admire that. On my PC desk where I work, is a small collection of shiny rocks found in my yard. I look at them everyday. They add to the atmosphere of my workroom. And when I feel "in a rut" coming on, I simply rearrange the rocks. Is that lazy or just plain intelligent?
You call it.
Thanks for your sweet comments, Maddie.
Visit anytime.
KENNETH
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Hi, Judi Bee! You sound very adventerous. Circus-work can be rewarding--depending on the job you have. Building beaver traps DOES get you out of the house and learning Chinese, well, if you attend a social function and one other person is there who also speaks Chinese, you two can talk about the other guests and they will not be the wiser. Judi, you have a lot going for you. Be careful when you attempt NEW anti-rut ideas.
Kenneth
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Brian, that is cool about the credit card and a great idea to walk across the state. Just wear colors so motorists can see you. Let me how how Maddie does at hair-cutting. I may ask for a cyber haircut by her. Thanks for the comment and visit.
Kenneth
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Hi, Happyboomernurse, and thank you for your warm comments. I too like to sing alone in my house. And when I cue up The Beatles "Day Tripper" on YouTube and run it through my PC speakers, well, let me tell you, the Fab 4 didn't have anything on me. But talent. You have a great day.
Kenneth PS: visit again. Soon.
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WD, you might be right. Bring a present to her is safer. Don't ya' think? I admire your common sense. And thank you ever so much for the comment and visit.
Come back anytime.
Kenneth
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Hello, Dear Shea,
I would agree that you ARE a great singer. How about belting out a few notes of "Everybody Wants You," by Billy Squire while we are all here. Id love that. And your rattlesnake venom collection has me mesmerized. Love things like that. And your comments too.
Kenneth
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Hi, Sunnie . . .I will be glad to change with you. You can do the Jell-O routine and I will "wreck" the small bikes, and with my age and size, that wont be hard. Maybe I can get a few kids to laugh. Thats why we are in the circus to begin with. Have a, (pardon the pun), sunny day, Sunnie.
Kenneth
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Hi, michabelle, great that you are NOT in a rut. Id like to be the dog with cucumbers on his eyes--just to see how much fun that would be. But dont offer me a garden salad afterwards. Especially if it has cucumbers.
LOL!
Thanks for the sweet comment, michabelle.
Kenneth
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THANK YOU LOTS, ann! I appreciate your comment and vote. Both help me to maintain a certain amount of sanity. You are a gem, my friend, to take time for my hubs and to read them. Actually I love making MY FOLLOWERS happy and making them smile. A day when these both happen, is very fulfilling to me.
Your Friend,
KENNETH
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Greetings, Picklesandrufus,
thank you for your compliment and taking time to visit with me. And the vote. You cannot fathom just how much I appreciate your input.
Have yourself a peaceful day.
Kenneth
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Hello, hoteltravel,
a Warm thank you, for your wonderful comments and votes. I am so humbled by your words, and the words left by all of my followers on this hub. You are all terrific writers as well as special friends to me. I pray that God blesses you all richly.
Sincerely, KENNETH
What I would like to do is figure out how to get photos on my hub. I annoy myself, you have no idea!
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breakfastpop . . .may I? The way I do for adding photos, is use search engine, I use Google, find what photos I want to run, and MAKE SURE that they are Quality photos with NO blurs or lines to distort the image or HubPages will tag your hub for lack of quality photos. If using Windows 7, or Windows 7 Home Premium software, right click where it says, SAVE PHOTO AS . . .then name your photo and make sure it says JPEG or GIF...these will work. Download them onto your desktop. When you set up a hub with Insert photo capsule....hit edit....then you will see a little section with a green box that says, Choose Photos...click that...it should take you to your desktop, if not, just click on the box until your desktop shows up...go the downloaded photo and click it. It will appear back next to the Green Box, Choose Photos to the right...you can write underneath the photo if you like...then look above Green Box you will see to left, UPLOAD...hit that....wait a second, then to the uppe right a BLUE colored word SAVE...hit that and your picture is no on your hub. Whewwwww! Please forgive me for getting too involved...just wanted to help a dear friend. Hope this works.
Your friend, KENNETH
Dear Kenneth,
Thank you so much. Now I have to write this down, then I have to figure it out. You are terrific!
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breakfastpop, it is not hard after you do this a few times...look at this way, IF I CAN DO IT...ANYONE CAN DO IT. And YOU are most-welcome. Anytime I can be of service, I will do that.
Kenneth
Dear Kenneth,
Laughing is a a great way of getting out of a rut and I always laugh when I read your hubs.
Voted up up and away!
Take Care
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Dearest Sueswan . . .thank you, kindly for laughing at this hub. That in itself, makes me very Happy. Hope you are having a good weekend. I am sick with a flu-like virus in my chest and throat. It is really cold here. Not fit for man or beast to be out. Thanks too, Dear Susan, for the votes. Talk soon.
You take care.
Kenneth
Not quite ready for joining a circus, but would love a credit card again....... I am happy you understand just how much we females need to shoop. Even the super heros. You are my kind of man....... Happy V. Day... all year round....
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Thanks so much, Joy! That cheers me up, for today, where I live, the sun is non-existent. And I love the sun. Thanks for the vote of support that I understand females. I should. My mom raised me while my dad was away at various jobs to help support our family. She was a sensitive, understanding, but fair woman. Most moms are. And happy Valentine's Day to YOU, My New Friend.
Sincerely, KENNETH
aw well then you know how wonderful mum's can be, nice to meet you.....
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Joy, it is MY pleasure, to meet YOU. I love using manners and those who use them too. You are a wonderful person to not only read my hubs, but leave such sweet words. I thank you. From the heart.
Kenneth
Dear Kenneth,
I want to hang around you because I think you're sense of humor is catchy. My rut has been avoiding my writing, self-expression and humor. I'm going to fire up my karaoke machine, grab the mic and do some crooning. And write some hubs. Thanks Kenneth!
Thank you for the smile, Kenneth. I love how your pictures create a silly way of illustrating your point. :) And I am getting my old blue-prints out for my patented "Big Beavers Got You Down" traps. You can find the designs on eBay. ;D
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Hi, Theresa . . .GRRRRRRRRRRREAAAAAAT news, that you are getting the karaoke machine out and writing hubs again. So good to have you on my Followers List....I will send YOU My Personal Note of Thanks next week...right now....its very late. Im very sick. And just wanted to say THANKS to you, a super-talented hubber and sensational person.
I mean it.
Kenneth.
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Hi, Larael,
firstly, thank you for your humorous comment. I loved it. And would you mind sending me a PDF of those blueprints? I misplaced mine. And the wad of cash that I made from, let us say, relocating, not killing, some beaver friends of mine.
Kenneth
Kenneth -- You did it again. Great words of wisdom -- and a sense of humor. Dr. of rodent trapping has a ring to it... I'm due to take a hike. Thanks for the great work and uplifting chuckles.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH . . .HikeGuy for the nice comment. Hiking was one of my favorite things to do before I became disabled. But you hike in my proxy. I would appreciate it, my friend.
Kenneth and thanks again for the comment.
Hi Kenneth - Another fun and interesting Hub. You have such an inventive mind. I think the inside of your head must be like a playground for adults. :)
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LOL, phdast . . .that had to be, THE most creative comment ever! Playground for adults. How did you know? And think of having to be around me . . .that, Ive been told, is a challenge. I appreciate you, seriously-speaking, for your sweet comments and valuable presence in my world. I hope your day and life is being bombarded with GOOD things. I really mean that.
And I think I will cancel my singing lessons I signed up for with the ACME Sing Like A Rock Star Music And Moving Company, for I do not want to sing like Roger Daltry of The Who. But Id love my $500.00 back.
Take care!
Kenneth
Kenneth I love it. What a mind you have. God has blessed you with awesome writing skills. I could relate to the being in a rut syndrome. I look forward to the day that syndrome will be no longer. We will be in His Glory and we will not have any dull moments.
We will not feel the need to escape. Praise GOD!!
Your tips are so funny. I see God really did give you a humor as well. You do like to touch other hearts in love, bro. I like the idea of getting the credit card FROM the husband and going for the new stuff. lol. Great fun read and food for thought. Really for me the best thing to do to get out of a rut is to go help someone. Even if it is to make a conscious effort at the store to look for someone who needs help. God puts some amazing people on the path. A few weeks ago I was led to give all my change to a daughter and mom at the coin cash machine in the grocery. God must have known my purse was loaded with coins that day. The mom and daughter were so grateful. We were all laughing getting them in the machine. My purse was allot lighter and I thanked God for His goodness.
Anyway I know a rut bro and how it can sneak up on one. Praise and worship are KEY!
Love you precious brother. Keep em coming. Skye
Hi Kenneth, I enjoyed this hub like most of the ones you write. The idea of working at a circus part time made me chuckle as well as working on hubpages but I do agree with your views. Writing is a great outlet for getting out of the rut or funk. It's good to know that super heroes get into a rut too. Now I feel much better. voted up awesome & creative
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Dear skye2day,
What can I say about your sweet and caring comment? I'm without adequate phrasing s that satisfy my need to tell you how much I appreciate you, your friendship, your love for God and others, and just how God made you.
I'm so very glad that you are in my life, dear friend.
Your warm compliments will never be forgotten.
Love in Christ,
Kenneth
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Hello, lovedoctor,
Thank you sweet lady, for liking my work. You laughing and getting a kick out of something I wrote, makes me feel great,
God bless you and visit with me again.
Can't see Wonder Woman and Her sisters in crime fighting ever getting into a rut. Every day is different for them (every night in Batwoman's case) and besides they do have 'retreats' to get away to when they need a well earned break.
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limpet,
I agree. Wonder Woman and her Amazonian sisters as well as Batwoman, are living charmed lives, as it were.
No punching a timeclock. No nine to five job.
Thanks for bring this to my attention and thank you for your wise comment.
K.
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limpet,
I agree. Wonder Woman and her Amazonian sisters as well as Batwoman, are living charmed lives, as it were.
No punching a timeclock. No nine to five job.
Thanks for bring this to my attention and thank you for your wise comment.
K.
Now that i have retired and qualify for a London bus pass and subsidised train travel on the national network, i have been able to get out of the daily grind and journey to interesting places (fast disappearing) Of all the places still left the woodlands in the home counties are by far the best place to be. It is possible to go hours without seeing anyone and if you do people speak to each other. Ramblers (hikers) never litter the foot paths as do our 'townie' counterparts. Litter is a big environmental issue that surely contributes to being in a rut.
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Hi, limpet,
Retired and being disabled are a lot alike, but you are not in pain around the clock with fibromyalgia. And in mid-October, I had to spend a week in the hospital due to congestive heart failure where they found that my heart was only using 9% of its muscle, and in the end, the doctors pumped off 57 pounds of fluid from my heart.
Thank God I am still alive.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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