09.02.10

Hello 30.

The only thing you should worry about is the part you’re at right now.
–a wise parent

I spend too much time worrying about tomorrow, fretting over today, and mulling over yesterday. It takes a lot of time. And then, I become anxious because I spent a lot of time worrying.

Enough!

Usually, I plan my vacations by scheduling multiple events every day and then I rush from one activity to another. Sometimes, I enjoy what I’m doing, but often, I’m just too nervous about the possibility of being late to the next fun thing that I forget to have fun.

I’m flying to Napa today to celebrate my birthday in the midst of wine country for four days. Except for dinner tonight, and a leisurely hot air balloon ride in the morning, there’s really nothing on the calendar.

I don’t like being overscheduled. How did I not know that about myself?

What’s a simple truth for you? How old were you before that truth dawned on you?

September 2, 2010
08.31.10

Choose your own adventure

Flourish in Progress.

What is that, exactly?

This blog is my project, a present to myself for my 30th birthday.

To celebrate this milestone birthday, I wanted to keep a difficult resolution, meet a challenge and smile through most of it. I asked myself, “How can I do something worthy of my own respect?”

So, {deep breath} I’m doing it. I’m giving up my favorite pastime-needless spending.

I find myself at a store too often these days. A clothing store, a craft store, a jewelry store, a department store, a home furnishings store, a bookstore, a makeup store, a discount store…you get the idea. I might be inclined to label the needless spending as a shopping addiction, but my enjoyment extends further than the actual purchase. I find pleasure in perusal.  I’m happy just to walk around, chuckle at an odd window display, buy a lemonade and go home. Purchase or no purchase, either way, I spend too much time somewhere where I can buy something.

I want to know:
What happens to life outside the mall? What happens when I take away my favorite mindless activity? Since I can’t shop, what can I do? Who could I help? Could I be even happier?

I’m excited to find out.

You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own and you know what you know
And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.

-Dr. Seuss

August 31, 2010