31 Things Before I Turn 31: #24 Take the "No TV for 30 Days" Challenge

After getting out of the hospital, I got into a major creative kick and didn't turn on the computer for a couple of weeks. Then I realized, hey, one of my challenges is to go 30 Days without TV, summer shows are ending, most of the Fall shows don't start for two weeks, lets finish this thing. What an amazing experience! It really wasn't difficult, especially with my creative juices flowing and the weather turning so nice. I admit that I do enjoy chillin' to a good TV show, but I find that sometimes watching TV becomes a way to ignore the other things in our lives. Watching a show or two a night, or a few times a week, no big deal, but spending your whole day/evening with the TV, that's just not healthy. I also learned that there are still some shows that I watch more out of habit rather than enjoyment, and I didn't even miss them. So those got deleted. I will slowly catch up with the rest, maybe have a few marathons, plus there are new shows I want to check out. But really, if you don't look forward to it, what's the point? So what did I do instead?

1. Go out on Ladies Date Nights with friends. During this time I went to Eden's Alley, Accurso's, and the Bluebird and had some other friend time in between.
2. I meditated more. 
3. I started journaling daily and even purchased some inspirational books. It's been really great. 
4. I spent time outside just reading or soaking in the sun.
5. I spent time going to dinner and movies with my parents. 
6. I went up to various coffee shops and just read or did some writing.
7. I wrote a ton of Squidoo lenses.
8. I kept up with my blog, and did some design updates
9. I read
10. I did a few things off my 31 Things list, including organizing my photos, decluttering,  and some baking. 
11. I did MOPA sessions 3x a week, Resonance Repatterning, and Colonics. 
12. I focused on healing my body. 
13. I took naps
14. I made music playlists
15. I did some cooking, wrote a new casserole recipe, baked some blondies and my delicious pasta salad
16. I started back with Soldiers Angels and got my first lady soldier name this week

Overall it was a great experience. I really didn't even want to start watching again, but I wanted to eat something that involved both hands, and the new Sarah Michelle Gellar show "Ringer" started tonight. So I thought, what the heck? I enjoyed the show, but had no desire to watch any other TV. TV should be a form of entertainment, not a way to zoom out or my Mom and I will get into these conversations where she'll be backed up 2-3 episodes of some show and she's like "I should just sit down and watch them" and you know what, I used to feel that way too, but how stupid it that. It's not a chore, if you don't look forward to it, then what's the point. There are shows that I like that maybe once I start watching, I do enjoy it, but I have decided that if I'm not going to force anything, if it's an episode by episode show, and you get backed up, skin the damn thing already! Plus, you know you have those shows that you've watched for several seasons, and really, you don't care anymore, but it's part of what you watch. Delete it from your DVR; simple don't let your DVR record that show anymore, and see if you miss it. If you don't forget about it! 

Relationships As Assignments

I've always realized that people come and go from your life for a reason. Sometimes its difficult to let go; most of the time it's obvious that it's time. Each person is a lesson, someone that teaches us to grow, and I am grateful for that. Recently I've run into a slew of relationship challenges. Long term friendships that may be ending. newer friendships where the original connection is weak; it's been difficult. However, I've also had a newer relationship that has become incredibly strong, amazingly so. This person is a godsend in my life. I have a few other friends that live in other parts of the state/country that I know are lifers. Everything falls together beautifully whenever I see them, and if we ever do have a challenge, it's looked at as a way to grow, rather than separate. I also have started a new friendship that seems promising. It amazes me how life balances out sometimes. I do hope the straggling relationships can be rebuilt, but I know that if not, I gained something from those experiences. I learned to speak up, have more fun, appreciate the differences in people, and for all those lessons and more I am grateful. I am also grateful to the people that float in and out, the ones that comment on blogs, send cards, post kind notes on Facebook, etc. that you really don't have a deep bond with, but these are relationships non-the-less. The waiter at your favorite restaurant is a relationship assignment, as is the girl who rings up your groceries, your neighbor, postal carrier, and everyone you meet, regardless if it's only a moment, or for a lifetime. I feel blessed to have met so many incredible souls, and look forward to continuing to develop those long term relationships and appreciating and letting go of those that move in and out of our lives.

Reflections on 2010

As the year draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on the lessons I've learned this year:

1. Forgiveness is a daily practice.  It is the key to loving oneself and letting go of fear.  Without forgiveness, we would not heal.  
2. Gratitude changes everything.  The more I focus on what I have, rather than lack, the less I find I need to be happy.  
3. I can be flexible.  Whether it's a flexibility in my schedule, or my new-found ability to touch my toes, thanks to yoga, I have learned that being flexible is an important aspect of interacting with others. 
4. Crying and having feelings does not make me "ridiculous", it simply makes me human. 
5. Meditation is good for the soul.  It balances out my day, clears my mind, and gives me the tools I need to manifest my desires. 
6. Friendships are precious, and each one must be honored.  It is also important to know when it's time to let someone go. 
7. Loving yourself is the first step.  Without self love, my love cannot be shared with others. 
8. Communication is key.  Remember what they say about ass-u-me? Whether it's a family member, friend, your mortgage company, postal worker, etc. it is important to thoroughly communicate and ensure that both parties understand and are on the same page at the end of the conversation. 
9. Balancing the two sides of my personality, the organized control freak and creative free spirit has greatly improved my attitude and productivity.  By creating balance in my life I have time to do all the "to do's" on my list, in addition to working on creative products and being flexible in my schedule. 
10. Deep breathing allows me to really let go and align myself with my desires.  

What have you learned in 2010?  What will lessons will you take into 2011?