40 days...or rather about 10.....

 My husband and I decided to do a 40 day media fast of sorts. Our purpose was to see ways we are potentially wasting time on things that are insignificant in the long run. So! 

1-We agreed to only listen to Christian music.

2-We agreed to not spend time reading books just for recreation. 

3-We agreed to not watch movies. 

4-We agreed to not get on social networking sights or on the Internet unless we were getting in touch with friends and family.

This was week 3 and we've kinda given up pursuing the fast.

1- Our music has mostly stayed Christian. I wanted to see how different our attitudes would be if that's all we listened to. We're still trying to stick with it despite some non christian songs mixed in and I feel there is less irritation and bad moods: especially when driving.

2- The second point was more directed towards me, because I'm the most likely of us to spend hours reading. So, I limited myself to reading research, or writing help books. Because of that, I've finished 5 research books I was putting off. I have worked through 3/4 of a writing tools workbook full of exercises to make my writing skills (hopefully) better. I feel accomplished and productive. I forgot how much I love reading research. 

3- Our first 2 weeks of not watching movies actually produced a lot more conversation than we've had in a while. We enjoyed playing some board and video games, hanging out, talking and even had a date night. Yay for spending time together! 2 days ago, we needed to veg and just watch a movie. So, we did. Tonight, we're going to the movies with friends. 

4- Our limiting Facebook failed almost immediately because of events we needed to be updated on and well, notifications kept me scrolling and... yeah. I now recognize I shouldn't be on Facebook while neglecting those I am around. So that is my new challenge. 

So, there is that. We may not have stuck with the fast, but I believe we are more aware of the time we spend and how we spend it. So, I guess it was a success after all?

Have you ever tried a fast like this? Did you end early because you feel you accomplished your goal?Or, is it better to stick through to the end despite everything to discipline yourself?

Lessons Life Has Taught Me: # 1

    I intend for this to be a series of posts. So, I want to preface all of them with a couple points.
One-These lessons are based on my own experiences and interpretations of those events. It is not necessarily fact, although many have been confirmed and shared by my siblings.
Two-I am striving to look at the positive along with the negative. Also, I welcome comments and questions!

Welcome to: Lessons Life Has Taught Me 

Lesson# 1: When You Are One Of Many, You Are Easily Forgotten 

Negative

    I am the youngest of 5 children. My very first memory is of being left in the car in our driveway. I was alone. Staring at my little white shoes. You know, the white kinds more like boots that little ones wear when they are learning to walk? I had fallen asleep in the car after a shopping trip. Mom had unloaded everyone else and the groceries and went about her day. She happened to look out the window and saw me in the car, crying. I was forgotten other times: in stores, as a Children's Museum, in card. To this day, I still fight the urge to make everything between me and my siblings a comparison or competition to please some ambiguous entity. To be special and unique somehow. Otherwise I will be forgotten.
    It still surprises me when someone remembers my name. Or someone I don't know well invites me to hang out, or wants to invest in my life just because I am me. It is often hard to believe that I am anyone special. So, I shrink into the backdrop as much as possible. I believe it is much easier to not offer than risk being forgotten or rejected.

Positive

    When you're one of many, you realize you're part of a bigger picture. You are part of a community. There is always someone better than you, or worse off than you. Although I am an introvert, I do blend well in a community. My tendency is to let others lead, be a support because, after all, I shrink into the backdrop as much as possible and serve others. I will not pretend or imply that I am perfect. Above I talked about my tendency and fighting the desire to be recognized and to stand out. I do want to be important, I want to be somebody. So, my challenge is to recognize that, yes, I am a member of a community, as a human, as a daughter and sister, as a believer in Christ. And as a member of each community, I do have something to offer. So, I need to work on not hiding, and keep offering: I will only be forgotten if I hide. 

 

Losing Marbles: Meeting Goals

        I told myself that I would update our marbles picture once I lost 10lbs...

     That day arrived today! :)

 

      Mine are red... all 10 of them! Clay's are clear... 13. I am reminding myself once again that this is not a competition. 4 of those pounds were lost in the last three weeks. I'm 11lbs away from my original goal of 185 by our anniversary. Which is today! But, I am not discouraged.  Juicing has definitely helped with energy and feeling healthier. I still crave chocolate and sweets but, not as much. We had an adventure trying 3 different restaurants on Saturday to get a Coke. It was so rare for us to eat out and for me to want a soft drink that Clay indulged me. 

      My goals got a bit off track when my chronic migraines and back pain flared up. So, 3 weeks ago I decided to finally call and schedule a chiropractic appointment. My first adjustment was extremely insightful. I discovered I had been living with chronic pain a 4 or more for about 20 years. I hope to get pics of the X-rays taken of my spine it was freaky! 3 adjustments in, 4th scheduled tomorrow, and I feel like my pain is about a 3. Yes, I'm a little excited. 

       So, dear readers, a questions to provoke interaction :) 

      Do you find it easier to become discouraged with a little progress (slow, steady and predictable) or when you progress by leaps and bounds and then plateau?