The List

 

So Why??

      So Why?  Why Jen?  Why are you doing this?  Is it a midlife crisis?  Empty Nest ?  Are you dying?  Thankfully no to the last one , but partially yes to the first 2.  The last 26 years have been sort of a whirlwind.  I sometimes felt I was just keeping my head above water.  

    I have been married to my husband for 30+ years, a mother to 3 amazing kids for the past 26 years, & been a teacher for a few more. And while all of these roles are, and have been fulfilling, they all have one thing in common.  Caretaking.  And don't get me wrong, I love caretaking.  It's the role I feel most comfortable in. But as the years have passed I feel the balance is off.  So, I have cleared my schedule for the next year and allowed myself permission to find my balance.  These challenges are my way of exploring balance for myself.

    I have thought of doing a huge overhaul of my whole life. Attack everything all at once and swear to never go back.  But, I have learn over the past 53 years of my life that that is a recipe for failure.  So many diets, exercise plans, self help plans, books left unread.... you get the picture.  So I got this idea.  What if I just had to try something for a week. Something that I think would improve my life, but without the pressure of making it permanent.  Like a free trial subscription.  Then I evaluate how much it added to or subtracted from my well being.  If I like it, I keep it up. If I don't , then I let it go.  

     So that's my plan.  Sort of a buffet of self help.  Some of these challenges may seem silly, but I'm intentionally exploring what brings ME joy, makes ME feel physically healthier, and brings ME a sense of peace.  I'm planning on doing a weekly wrap up of each challenge on this blog.  If you like this idea, make your own list and explore along with me.  Here's to continually growing and learning!