40 Day Growth Spurt

I have really been struggling lately with dissatisfaction with where I am in life and feeling unable to make things happen.  As I'm fast approaching 30 I am unemployed, living with my mom, in debt, single, and can't seem to get myself to where I want to be.  Any of these circumstances on their own is certainly no crisis, it is the concurrent mockery that gets me down.  It really comes down to feeling like I'm not contributing anything meaningful.  And also that this is the first time in my life I have set a goal, actively sought to make it happen, and failed.  I have focused a lot of effort the past year on appreciating what I have in my life right now and taking advantage of the opportunities before me each day.  There is no lack of things for which I am grateful: spending time with my family, exploring new territory in the U.S., being in the mountains (the most immediate and sure-fire way to replenish my soul), developing new friendships, enjoying Colorado's micro-brews, enriching my yoga practice...

But my spirit is restless, challenging me to something more.  I have had moments of intense mourning for the people I have loved and lost, and since I identify very strongly with ontologies wherein a individual dies but remains present in our lives (my favorite term for this presence is "shades") I am compelled that there is something I need to learn from them.  Since I have been meditating on their lives and our relationships I have had a couple revelations.  Some of them not so easy to come to terms with, but valuable nuggets of wisdom none-the-less.  And I know there is more.  And I believe that these lessons will help lay the path to a more meaningful life both now and in the future. 

So, with the intention to ground, push, lift, and expand myself into all the possibilities this life has to offer I have set the following challenges for myself (adapted from my friends 30 day mindset detox).  It begins NOW!

For 40 days I will:

• Drink lots of water every day (at least 64 oz, including 2 glasses first thing in the morning).

• Take a 30 min walk every morning.

• Begin a "turn the world upside down" photo journal.  This entails getting a picture of myself glimpsing the world upside down every day.  Yes, it is totally silly.  I need more silly in my life.  But it's also about discovering a new perspective.

• Do yoga, swim, run, hike or other exercise at least 5 days a week.

• Work in the garden at least 4 days a week.

• Avoid animal flesh.  The exceptions will be fish in general, or meat cooked in family meals at home.  I would say no meat at all, but that would isolate me from my family when we share meals and that would be negative for my own growth and theirs!

• Not drink alcohol.

• Read something uplifting and empowering everyday.

• Write down what or who I am grateful for everyday.

• Not watch tv/movies/series (unless it’s something outrageously inspiring or educational).

• Meditate for at least 30 min. every day.

• Write down 10 wins (any accomplishment, big or small) for the day, everyday.

• Write down I AM statements: anything that I am, that I'd like to continue to be, or be more of, or anything that I am currently not expressing in my life that I would like to become.  Then strive to BE.

• Practice random acts of kindness everyday.  This means intentionally seeking out and seizing opportunities to share a joyful moment with strangers and loved ones. 

• Complete the first draft of 1 article for ASnA and at least begin outlining a second for African Conflict and Peacebuilding Review.

• Develop and deepen relationships.  Reach out to old friends whom I have not been good at keeping in touch with.  Share more of myself with those whom I'm close to.

• Do something that scares me. 

• One more which I will talk about if you ask me (helping me to satisfy the previous goal).