What if the 66 day challenge could be like this poem by Hafiz?
I used to live in a cramped house with confusion and pain.
But then I met the Friend and started getting drunk and singing all night.
Confusion and pain started acting nasty, making threats with talk like this;
If you don’t stop that – all that fun – we’re leaving.
I’m not suggesting we all get drunk, but the idea behind it, the positive intent Hafiz suggests – that fun could make the difference to a challenge – IS appealing.
What if these next 66 days could be fun, at least some of the time?
And what if you could lighten up just a little. . .or even a lot?
There’s no right way to do this thing.
The 66 day workbook is an awesome resource but it will make no difference if you feel dominated by it. I’m suggesting you use it in a way that works for you, because being rigid is never a good idea. Ever.
So, if the exercise portion seems too intense => chunk it down to what you CAN do, and do that a little each day.
And if you’re intimidated by the idea of meditating => start with 5 minutes daily for the first week.
This is YOUR self-care process and you get to say how it’s going to go, and what it’s going to include.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, no matter how good the solution.
The more willing you are to use the workbook and adapt it to your needs, the more likely you’ll see results.
Me? I’m going to crank some music and dance for 5 minutes!
Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels
Drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
and take it easy
– The Eagles
So well-expressed, Sandi! Being rigid is never ever a good idea.
I suggest using the workbook like a flashlight. We should shed just enough light on our next small step every day during the 66-day challenge without worrying about the entire habit-forming practice. We can allow ourselves immerse in the joy of doing something little but precious for our body every single day.
Focusing on the simple daily activity and doing it in a way that best suits your needs is fun. It’s doable. And it’s going to bring about lasting change! Also I think we’ll enjoy the whole process if we all keep in touch and share what we do, how we do and what we feel about it daily on Twitter by using the hashtag #66day.
Excited! 🙂
That’s exactly it C.A.! There has to be an element of fun for me to stick with it that long, and I’m sure I’m not the only who one feels that way 🙂
No, you’re not, Sandi. I love CA’s description of the workbook as a flashlight and the reminder to keep it in the present, one day at a time. (Where have I heard that before?) I am in the process of writing a love letter to my body and will post it later today on my website. I’m getting so much out of this first exercise/assignment/homework. (We need to think up a fun name for CA’s strategies.)
Here is my intention for my Love Myself Program with which I will start each day — looking myself in the eyes in front of the mirror as I say it out loud. (Someone suggested that. Sandi? CA?):
“I’m going to become healthier and stronger than I’ve ever been before — physically, emotionally, spiritually. Because I deserve to be healthy and strong. And because loving myself and taking care of myself on all levels is part of what being a woman of integrity means to me. And I deeply value being a woman of integrity.”
If you can’t be with the person in the mirror how can you be with anyone else? Mirror work will be a valuable addition to this process and in my experience, always produces amazing breakthroughs!
xoS
Excellent point, Sandi. I’m all about focusing on one thing, breaking it down and taking small steps. Other people need to mix it up and feel like there’s a grand plan. The important thing is to learn what works for you. If you try something and it’s not working, don’t quit! Just look at what de-motivated you and try something else. Supporting each other during these 66 days will allow us to troubleshoot, etc.
I’m glad we’re starting today because I already goofed up last night, LOL. But I learned from that. I realized that I don’t do well with any plan that asks me to do something every day, at least not in the beginning. So instead of telling myself I’ll get 8 hours sleep every night, I’m going to go for getting to bed on time every other night. If I get to bed on time tonight, I can stay up a little later tomorrow. Not such a shock to the system. I really love my late nights…just don’t like the way I feel the next day! Eventually I’d like to get 8 hours five to seven nights a week, but I have to start with small steps or else I bail pretty much immediately!
YES on making it fun. I need to create a going-to-sleep ritual I love as much as I love staying up late. 🙂
Rituals will add a lot to the 66 day focus! Great idea Sue 🙂