Becoming Yourself

Developing a Better You

Author: Matt McMann (Page 1 of 100)

Matt McMann writes books for children and the personal development blog Becoming Yourself (becomingyourself.net).

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Reframe Your Perspective on Interruptions

May 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

It’s an incongruous pairing. 

I’m a routine person. I thrive in predictable patterns, set schedules and dependable habits. 

Living nomadically does not lend itself to structure. Nine months ago, my wife and I sold our home and most of our possessions and hit the road, living in short term rentals, cruise ships, pet-sitting locations, and with friends and family. The freedom and spontaneity have been amazing, but it’s hard to keep a routine when you’re regularly in different places. 

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

One of the many lessons nomadic life is teaching me is to reframe my perspective on inevitable interruptions to my cherished routines. Here are some ways I’m trying to live that out:

1. Live in the moment

I excel at processing the past and anticipating the future. I struggle to be present, mentally and emotionally engaged in the here and now, savoring what’s right in front of me. It’s a tired but accurate cliche based on a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt—Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. I’m trying to live in the moment, even in the midst of interruptions.

2. Find God in everything

I have a 40 minute spiritual practice each morning (10 minutes of spiritual reading, 10 minutes of silent meditation, 20 minutes of prayer). I love it. It grounds me and prepares me mentally and emotionally for the day, but sometimes that routine just doesn’t work with our nomadic schedule. I lack either the time or the space or both. I’m learning to remember that the practice isn’t the point—connecting with God is. As I believe that God is everywhere and in everything, I’m learning to find God in whatever activity demands my time and attention throughout the day.

Photo by Natalia Sobolivska on Unsplash

3. Embrace spontaneity

Spontaneity does not come naturally to me. I’m far too rigid and controlling. I’m trying to look at spontaneous interruptions as opportunities to pivot from my plans and embrace what gifts the unexpected has to offer. Some of the best moments of my life, as well as the deepest lessons, have come from what I initially saw as interruptions.

How do you view interruptions? When they inevitably come, take a breath. Try to reframe your perspective. Live in the moment. Find God or the universe or your higher power in everything. Embrace spontaneity. If you do, you’ll have more peaceful, enjoyable life, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

Interested in checking out my books? Find more info at MattMcMann.com.

The Invitation You Should Probably Decline

May 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

An invitation is a mixed bag. 

On one hand, it feels good to be thought of. Noticed. Wanted. Included. On the other hand, accepting is a commitment of time, energy, and sometimes money. And there’s often a sense of obligation that comes with an invitation—I don’t want to accept, but I feel like I should.

Invitations come in many varieties—parties, ball games, dates, charitable events, groups, etc. Welcome or not, those kinds of invitations are usually clear and understandable.

What is often murkier is when you’re invited to an argument. That’s when someone is passionate about an issue, often upset, and wants you to be a part of it. At times, accepting that invitation is a good, necessary, and noble thing to do. Sometimes we should engage to stand up for someone being oppressed, for a principle we believe in, for a cause worth fighting for.

But that’s often not the case. Many times, someone has a self-serving agenda, an ax to grind, or misplaced anger, and they want to suck you into their misery. These invitations should almost always be declined. The odds of you emerging victorious, or even making a positive impact, are low. More than likely, you’ll end up wasting your time and emotional energy, then walking away feeling beat up and frustrated.

So when someone invites you to an argument, pause. Recognize it for what it is. Decide if it’s a cause worth fighting for. Does it resonate with who you are and align with what you believe is yours to do? If so, accept. If not, politely decline and walk away. If you do, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful life, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

This post was originally published Oct 15, 2022.

Life Lessons from a 17-Year-Old Cat

May 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

It was quite unexpected.

My daughter’s neighbor was talking about having difficulty finding a pet sitter for her upcoming holiday trip. Knowing my wife and I live nomadically with flexible schedules, our daughter mentioned we might be available.

A handful of emails and a few months later, we were caring for a sweet seventeen-year-old cat named Pixie. It was a great experience, and word spread around the neighborhood. Before long, we were booked by several families for almost two months of 2025. It’s been one of the many serendipitous turns our nomadic journey has taken.

As I write this, we’re back taking care of Pixie. Here are four life lessons I’m learning from this feline grandam:

1. Take naps

Pixie is a champion napper. She’ll wander the house and come out for cuddles, then disappear for hours to doze in her cat bed. Life’s better when you take regular breaks.

2. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Pixie doesn’t seem bothered by much. She never seems to get anxious or upset about anything. It’s a good reminder to not life’s bumps get you down. 

3. Enjoy the simple things

I’ve watched Pixie savor a tasty bowl of food, endlessly watch a beautiful bird out the window, and curl up in a patch of sunshine. She doesn’t fret about the past or worry about the future, but lives completely in the moment, enjoying whatever life brings.

4. Ask for what you want

Pixie is an easygoing soul who doesn’t require much, but she’s not shy about letting you know what she wants. She’ll stand on my chest and meow if she feels I’ve slept in too long, ready for her morning scritch. And if she wants attention while I’m drafting my latest novel, she walks across my keyboard until she gets it. As someone who’s hesitant to ask for what I want to avoid bothering people, I’m learning from her gentle boldness.

Which of Pixie’s life lessons jump out at you? Which ones come naturally and which do you struggle with? Take breaks. Let the small stuff go. Enjoy the simple things. Ask for what you want. If you do, you’ll follow in wise pawsteps, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

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