Image taken from the Kong Kong Institute of Technology website
Ok. I don't know what it is, maybe the fact that winter has been cancelled here in Haifa this year, or the fact that my house is inhabited by women only lately, or just my constant need for change. Anyway, the reason doesn't really matter. What matters is that I am making changes - again. And not just changes - but commitments and personal resolutions. Significant ones.
The first one you're already familiar with: my commitment to finish the first draft of my novel by March 8th 2011 (my 36th birthday).
The second one came while I was doing some inventory of my closet and realized that I have everything (even too much of everything). Though I don't shop much for myself, I buy 1-2 items every 2-3 months, but still, the amount of material things tend to accumulate. Thus my second resolution: limit my consummerism. By this I mean NO SHOPPING for clothes, shoes, bags, or any othr accessories until March 8th 2011. So far, I'm doing good. This of course excludes books - my very expensive love. But 90% of the books I buy are second-hand, most bought from the Better World Books, where part of my money goes to fund literacy around the world. So this is OK.
Now, to my third commitment: my best friend just quit smoking - cold turkey. I've had numerous attempts at quitting smoking, all of which failed. I think now I'm ready to stop - for good. Today (January 16th, 2010) will be my last day to smoke. I will wake up tomorrow, January 17th, 2010, to a brand new, smoke-free day. I know it will be difficult, but I am concentrating on all the good, positive things I will gain from quitting smoking. I'm going now to prepare a motivation list to reproduce and hang in different places throughout the house to remind me of all what I will be gaining. I'll of course keep you updated, and if any of you want to join me on this journey, feel free to write to me, either in a comment or to my personal email.
Hugs,
khulud
Dear Khulud:
ReplyDeleteI am glad about these changes that you have decided to make in your life. These are healthy for the human being. I am sure you will be motivated by these changes. Life gives us many chances to clean up the clutter and I am happy that you have accepted the challenge.
Go on Khulud. Happy esp about the smoking part.
Joy and peace always,
Susan
I've thought about a year of no new clothes, recognizing how much I already have, but have yet to make that resolution - proud of you for doing so! And especially to make the choice to quit smoking - such a hard habit to break but I think the perspective that it is FOR YOU, not for anyone else, will help. Sending good thoughts that you sense the benefits right away and feel empowered by these decisions.
ReplyDeleteOK, but if you need to smoke or shop in order to work on the novel, go ahead! Set priorities - I want to know how it continues!!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a sustained determination :) May you succeed in implementing what you aspire to changing the most.
ReplyDeleteInitiating change in numerous ways is the best way to realizing balance. Whatever is hard to conduct implies the greatest of rewards.
Good luck.
Susan: thank you for your positive encouragement.
ReplyDeleteRebecca: the shopping part is easy. just try it. It'll also force you to be creative with the clothes u own.
Bettina: you are mean... I was just thinking about writing - and that's when I miss my cigarettes the most, and u are giving me a justification to go back and smoke... but I will not give in. It will be interesting to see how well I write without the cigarette... will let u know how it goes.
Expression of the mind: yes, maybe you're right about change in different ways... because in order to break the smoking habit, I have to make room for changes and new experiences. same with any other change. A change in one thing brings about change in another thing.