I have been talking a lot to anyone who is even remotely interested about the 21 Day challenge that I did. I am giving you some links below, so if you have nothing profitable to do, you can spend some time grazing through it. I haven't blogged about it yet, because I haven't had time to scan and post photos, but I will soon! This is what I want to share with you now.
Research has shown that it takes 21 days of repeating a task for it to become ingrained as a habit. I have long felt like I was entrenched in a "comfort zone" in many areas of my life. I set for goals for myself, three about creating art, one for walking at least one mile a day, to help me expand my zone or move to a new one. The walking goal I met, and, since March 27th, have walked at least one mile except on the day Neal died and on the day of the funeral. While at Sound to Sea, I walked an average of 3 miles a day, on sand and up/down hills. It was so good! It is amazing the difference that this habit has made in my life! I bought a pedometer and have found that I walk nearly a mile each day just in daily teaching (usually .90 -.99 of a mile). I just go the long way and walk faster, and that gives me another mile to add to my treadmill mile!! Yeah!
The 21 Day Challenge was started by Rhonna Farrer, a former art teacher, now stay at home mom and graphics designer. She is one of my favorite life artists ( as we scrapbookers are now called!) I encourage you to read through the comments from some of these ladies and men who accepted the Challenge. The stories are awesome, and some will make you cry buckets. The 21 Day Challenge is now in its 3rd cycle. I am not doing it this time, since I am still trying to get my pages done from the first one! But I am still walking and loving it! This week's word to reflect on and create about it is "Habit".
If you don't want to read through all the comments, Rhonna's art is awesome and totally inspiring. You will find a lot to reflect on that will make you feel full and blessed. I do, every day. There are often links to people who have posted their challenge art. Totally inspiring!
This was the beginning of the second challenge, that I did.
Here is the very beginning. Scroll to February 16th to read her beginning entry.
I hope that some of you will glance through or study the challenge. It has made a big impact on my life. Just this morning, when the alarm went off, I ALMOST hit the snooze. But, now I have a habit. I walk, reading a book or magazine. The sweat pouring out of me, getting toxins and laziness out, makes me feel powerful. My first mile took me almost 30 minutes exactly and I thought I was having a stroke. Today, my mile took me 20:22 minutes and I could have gone farther, but I had to get ready for school. I feel so much better. In addition to a medication change, walking has helped me get my knee alignment back and helped me lose 22 pounds. I've lost down two pants sizes (I'll tell you which ones if you ask me!), and I am fixin' to go down another. I can't wear my pants without a belt or my butt crack shines! Whooo HOOOOO!
It took me 44 years to get in the shape I'm in. I know it will take more than 21 days to change that. But I have a positive habit now. No more leg/back pain. I can breathe better. I look and feel better (whether you think so or not doesn't matter. I feel it.)
I love each and everyone of you. I Challenge you to make a life changing habit. Start today. You Can Do It!
Love,
Faster, Sassier, and Lighter,
Elaine
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