February Challenges

I've been thinking about how I'm wanting to make a journey to discover the real me, but I've yet to actually challenge myself to do so. I have these hats that I talk about, but unless I actually wear them, and I mean committ to wearing them, they are no more than imaginary head gear for me to prance around in. So I'm going to challenge myself every month to do more, to do better, and to just do. At first, I thought I would just make up one challenge. One thing that I really wanted to focus on. However, upon closer reflection, I realized that totally defeats my purpose in intergrating all parts of myself into one complete and well-balanced person. So each month, I'm going to pull out my hats, inspect them for wear and tear and then find something, even if it's small, to improve. Think of it as blinging out my life. Adding sparkle and shine to a me that is worn and frayed.

So, here we go:

Wife: This one is easy, and yet not so easy. It's so easy to get caught up in the daily grind that I fail to truly appreciate what my husband does for our family. He sacrifices in so many ways and I don't always acknowledge his contributions. So this month, I will honor our marriage by consciously thinking about what I can do to help him have a better day.

Mother: I've noticed in the last few weeks that I get most frustrated with the kids when I am trying to get something done and they are under foot... the truth is, eventually, no matter how many toys my kids have, they get bored, and TV is not the solution. (Seriously, I'm joining Tipper Gore and saying that violent movies and video games do have a negative impact on children.) For the next 26 days, I will do something constructive and creative with my children. Whether it's getting down on the floor and playing Mater the Greater or providing them with a chance to paint a train or plane, or just sit with them while they work on their "homework", I have a job to teach my children and I can do better!

Friend: I think there is entirely too much mail with strings attached. How many people look forward to opening their mailbox now adays? I'm willing to bet that many, not all, but many don't. Gone are the days when people took the time to actually write letters or send card just bacause. Just because they value someone's friendship or appreciate their kindness. So that's what I'm going to do every day for the rest of the month. Whether it's a quick note or a long letter attempting to catch up with old friends, I'm going to send a letter. Now don't think, just because you don't receive a letter, you aren't important to me. I'm actually thinking about sending cards and letters to people I don't talk to often or haven't spoken with in years, yet who have impacted my life in various ways.

Writer: This is the easiest challenge to decide on, yet the hardest one to accomplish... I have a deadline of Feb 28, 2010 to finish the final draft for peer review. After more than a year, it's time to move on to finding an agent. So that's it. Finish this last rewrite, send it out to readers and my "editor". Hopefully all that will be left is a polishing of the work.

Activist: This one is one I've been wanting to do for years but haven't. I'm switching out all of our cleanign supplies to "green" cleaners. Better for the air quality of our house and better for the water that we drink. I'll post recipes for anyone who wants them.

Soul (formerly Catholic): I renamed this hat because it is more descriptive to what I want in my life. While I am Catholic and growing in my faith, I also see my spirituality as something that can not be defined by one word. Granted, for me, it's a powerful word, but I need to change on the soul level. So this month, I'm going to spend time not only reading the daily scripture, but I'm going to take time to reflect and meditate on what the words mean to me.

Adventurer/Athlete: Yep, it's the dual hat challenge of the year. I am afraid of going to the gym. Seriously, I have mini-panic attacks when I think about it. But I'm never going to get in shape or get over my fear if I don't walk in that door every day and do what I need to do. The mini is coming and so is my 36th birthday. This is the year to make a change in the way I treat my body.

Foodie: Following up on that last line, this months challenge is to make every meal, excluding special occassions, at home. This actually sounds easier than it will be in light of Lent. Every year, Catholics in America take part in fasting and refraining from meat on Fridays as a preparation for Easter. I am not a fan of fish. My husband will eat it and my kids like fish sticks, but honest to goodness fish... we're talking Long John's Silver... and even then, I need it slatthered in tarter sauce... and cheese... and anything else. I've actually got some prett good menus planned, so I'm staying focused and I know I can do this.

Reformed Spend-a-holic: One thing builds upon the next! This month, I am going to make a grocery budget and I am going stick to it! Thank goodness for planned meals.

Athlete: See Adventure/Athlete

Homemaker: My house looks like it has been overrun by the messy elves and they have done a whopper of a job. So this month, I'm going to go room by room and take back my house by not only deep cleaning, but declutter. The elves can't trash what they can't find!

Crafty: Since I'm going to be writing letters to friends and family, I need to bulk up my card stash . This month, I will finally get my scrapbooking area cleaned up and spend a couple nights making cards to send out!

That's it. I think it's a pretty full plate and while some of the challenges may continue into next month, it's a good start on doing the things that I need to do to be the me that's waiting to shine.