Wednesday, March 14, 2012

22 Things

Most of ya know I've got a thing for the number 5.
It's a nice round number and it keeps me sane.
Don't question my logic.
It's sound.
I swear.

Today I'm risking it all and breaking with my tried and true
bloggy commitment to write only lists of five.
For those just tuning into this weekly program,
that's three years of blogging and never once breaking the rule of five.

Why am I risking possible webernet Armageddon?
 Because I found this wonderful new meme-thingy
and I just had to join it.
What it is?
The 22 Things Creative Change Challenge
by one Angie Richmond of the blog Write Me Happy

What's 22 Things all about?
I'll let Angie explain in her own words:
22 Things is a Creative Change Challenge. By signing up, you are announcing to the world - and more importantly yourself - that you are breaking free of the long standing idea that in order to make changes in your life, you have to do BIG things. 22 Things is about making a list twenty-two small steps you can take - right now - to change your life.
 It's such a simple realization
and yet one so easily forgotten.
When faced with my BIG goals,
I personally tend to go all freak-out mode
and try to do far too much all at once,
thus causing overload in me brain-brain,
which sparks feeling of helpless and a lack of control.
 cue: self-deprecation followed by an inability to do anything

The whole reason I started fresh,
the whole reason I've created this blog,
is to work toward squashing all my emo-mumbo-jumbo
and live out my dream of being a writer.
Not becoming one, cause I am one, but being one,
there's a difference and I'm finally seeing that!
The aim isn't to be a published writer
(although wouldn't that be grand?!)
but one of those people who sit down every day
and spin their little tales creating worlds
and people only they can dream up.
That's what I want.
BUT most importantly,
when I tell people who I am,
the real deal-e-o,
I want to be able to say it with pride
and not blush and mumble something incoherent,
a never-ending apology about who I am.

Angie's 22 Things a Creative Change Challenge is just the thing for me.
And I strongly believe it's not just for me,
but for everyone, whether a writer or an accountant
we all have dreams,
all have things we want to make happen,
and all have those freak-out moments of but-how-do-I-make-this-happen.

Angie is not only giving us a few tips on how to make changing our lives easier,
but for those of us willing to put ourselves out there she is providing a place
to talk, to share, to dream, to encourage, to change together.
How fan-freaking-tastic is that?!
And YES, I am totes tearing up!
*lightweight*

Also, her name is purdy freaking fabulous,
earning her solid street cred, no doubt.

When I think of my BIG goals
I know the best way to reach them is by:

1. surrounding myself with people who are supportive
 and share the love by supporting them
2. learn to take care of myself and treat myself with more respect
3. get over my fears and insecurities
4. strengthen my skillz of a writer
5. meet other writers by networking, joining in,
and, in general, supporting them

 The following are 22 lil steps I could take
in an effort to achieve my goal.

The List

  1. read a lil everyday
  2. write a lil everyday
  3. call/text a family member everyday and tell them I love them
  4. read a book with my littlest cutie everyday
  5. stretch in the morning and the evening 
  6. take my vitamins everyday
  7. stop being afraid of editing Fluff, Nonsense, & Other Emo Crap (title copy written)
  8. find ways to break free from feeling small (i.e. grow a pair)
  9. dance around the living room at least once a week
  10. sing a song at the top of my lungs once a day
  11. take a long walk once a week
  12. take pride in my lil associate degrees (yes two thank.you.very.much!!) that took seven long hard years to earn
  13. learn to embrace being a super sucky speller 
  14. learn a new word and/or grammar rule once a week
  15. make writing a priority in my life
  16. accept the help of my mister even when I feel he's giving too much
  17. listen to a new song once a week
  18. make date nights a priority
  19. instead of hoarding stories share them
  20. make time for tweeting and blogging
  21. turn off Twitter and iPhone for a few hours each day
  22. take time to sit with a cup of tea and a notebook each day to daydream
They will not change the world,
but they just might change my life.
Most importantly,
they just might get me there,
ya know that place
far off in the distance
barely visible to the naked eye
where you've always longed to be
that feels right and just-like-home.
The place that scares you the most.
The place you long to be.
The place where you belong.
In the words of Thomas Edison--
"It's very beautiful over there."

Soooo...
What's your list?

p.s. Make sure to check out Angie's list and find links to participating goal setters by clickity clicking here.

6 comments:

  1. Oh my! I LOVE your list! You are truly embodying the whole principle of 22 Things. *BIG HUGS*

    Good luck on your journey and remember to think small ;)

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    Replies
    1. I am oh.so.happy. you like the list!! And I shall try my hardest to "think small." *huggers right back at ya*

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  2. I *hearts* your list! I'm especially fond of the dancing around the LR & singing at the top of your lungs. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Truth be told, I already do this once a day, just thought I should keep the good times rolling. ;)

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  3. OMGOSH! I love this!! Such a simple yet meaningful way to better your life. Not to mention how great you'll feel by doing it. I already do some of the things on your list either weekly or daily. Life is beautiful, no? =)

    ReplyDelete