Blog Break
I couldn't take it. I just got too stressed out and simply broke down. Reverted to my old habits. Always, with the promise, just a week off, to let me get rebalanced.
I think I'm having some serious balancing issues. After all, one of my thoughts behind starting this whole project was to live a more simple life. But my life is so chaotic (at least it feels like it), that these additional steps seem to just make things more complicated!
This is the thing about me. I love coming up with ideas for projects. Mapping them all out, oh how I adore the planning! Something in me just sang as I typed out, Week 1, I will do THIS! Week 2, I will do THIS!
But there is always a struggle in me, between Polly Planner, and Rebellious Rita. I can only stick to plans for a few weeks, a month at most.
So now I'm wondering, do I stick with this as planned (hop back on week 5?), or do I drop it all together (as I usually do?), or do I recreate it, and try something a little more organic, and oh, I don't know, realistic? P'shaw! How interesting is realism? I want the drama! The excitement! But, I guess I only want the drama for 3 weeks. And then I want rest.
So, I'm going to put together a new little plan. In the meantime, let me know what you think I should do!!!
The Useless Consumer
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It's harder than it seems. Every January, I say I'll start the cleanse, and do it for 28 days. No meat, fish, caffeine, alcohol, or dairy. Just raw fruits and raw/steamed vegetables and juice.
And then life kicks in. And two daughters.
Here's the thing. Like being a useless consumer, I *know* that's a good habit for me. Cleansing and healing are amazing things. Doing more with less? Wonderful!
But in practice, it's extraordinarily difficult. We see others enjoying themselves (even in moderation), and that whittles away at our resolve. And then rationalizing away strict dogma to something a bit more laid back.
But I know I'll try again next January, and I know you'll continue to show that's it's possible (and healthy!) to do more with less, and make the right choices when buying things -- but that it's also a tough journey, like trying to achieve perfection. Even if you do 50% of your goal, you'll still be striving towards habits better than 99% of Western culture.
Is that rationalizing? ;)
Hi Sis,
I know you hate getting advice from your brother, but... :-)
One of the things I love about you is how you find these amazing high visions for your life. I think you should keep in mind that attaining even just 25% of the visions you come up with is still rather impressive and inspiring. Don't be too perfectionist and feel that not getting to the 100% mark is somehow a flaw - most of us don't even make it to 5%! You've already done well.
No one who is successful ever succeeds 100% of the time. They succeed maybe 10-20%. But because they know they're successful because they've failed every other way possible. :-)
Look at what you did, and think, what was the best most effective part. Count that as your success and ask how you can build on *it*.
One of the best life lessons I gained was in high school chemistry when the teacher pointed out that a *failed* experiment was actually more useful than a successful one. A successful experiment merely confirms theory. A failed experiment is an opportunity to identify *why* the experiment failed and identify a new theory that may uncover some new theory no one has every though of before.
Bryce
I want the drama! The excitement! But, I guess I only want the drama for 3 weeks. And then I want rest.
Btw, the above seems to be the most useful discovery you've made. Design whatever you wish to do in the future around the "personal law" you've identified here.
Wow! Nice support you've got there! ^_^ I don't think there is anything left to add to that really. Keep chuggin' away~