The Experiment

A few years ago, I designed a little self-makeover project that I called "The Optimism Experiment".  I was tired of living as a pessimist and a cynic, and decided that some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, some prayer, and some blogosphere accountability would be helpful as I made the transition.  Sort of a conversion, if you will.  Some people think that you can't do much to change "who you are", and if your glass is half empty, well then, too bad for you.  But guess what? It worked! Ask anyone who knew me 5 years ago.  I still have gloomy days, to be sure, but I am not walking around under a little black rain cloud like I used to.  And the difference is awesome.

And so, with that success under my belt, I'm undertaking a new project.  A one-year experiment in treading lightly, loving myself, and remaking my heart.

I will turn 33 on 2/22/11.  To celebrate this numerically AWESOME year, I am embarking upon a one-year experiment to make-over (or, make-under) my life.  I've been floundering in a squall of vanity, spiritual stagnation, over consumption, and general slothiness.  It's grossing me out.  And it doesn't bode well for what I hope will be at least another 33 years on the planet. 

It may be physically and psychically painful to give up some of the STUFF that I have packed around me for all these years, but it feels like it is time to let go.  My arms are too full of crap to embrace my life to the fullest, and sometimes even to reach out like I want to do. 

The purpose of the experiment is not just to see if I can spend a year making different choices about my products and food.  It's really about leading myself back to....myself.  A beloved daughter of God that never needed to work so damn hard in the first place.

My Hypothesis: My diet, exercise, ecological footprint, appearance, and spiritual health are all tied up together in a sparkly web. Steps to live greener and healthier, for example, should also impact my skin and love handles. Letting go of some of my consumer-driven crap will impact my spiritual health. Letting go of bad habits that fuel self-absorption frees me up to love others more deeply and less selfishly.  Being happy with who I am adds a natural glow.

BASELINE DATA as of Feb. 2011These probably are not scientifically valid, but they at least give you an idea where we are starting.
(What's that line about "Lies, damn lies, and statistics"?)

My Hair:


Spreading gray.














My Face:


Home from work, made-up only in the morning.



 

Another shot, full arsenal of products in use.



My average grocery store tab per month: ~ $300

My average Target receipt (aka: the "stuff" purchase baseline): $85

Starbucks trips per month: ~ 5

Starbucks trips per month that I use a reusable BPA-free travel mug: 0

Exercise: maaaaayyybe two yoga video sessions per week, plus walking about 45 total minutes per day (to and from the train, Auggie walks).

Weight: I'm all about transparency, but I just can't bring myself to type the number.  Let's just say my BMI is about 25%, or just barely into the "overweight" category.

My spiritual life: church on Sundays, steady streams of during-the-day prayers, and occasional Bible reading.  And also long theological conversations with the Hubs from time to time. Oh! and some books sometimes.  Can you see I'm digging here?

My Goal: By Feb. of 2012, I want:

- To produce fewer bags of trash AND fewer bags of recycling

- Cook more, buy fewer packaged foods (put more FOOD in my food)

- To be slimmer and fitter - back under 10 min miles for a 10K

- Give my gray hair a chance to really rock (let myself be myself)

- Re-energize my spiritual life by focusing on gratitude, abundance, and loving my neighbor

- Scrutinize my purchases for their impact on my health, the planet, and my spirit