We’ve all heard the cliches: “live every day like it’s your last” or “it’s not the number of breaths you take, but the number of moments that take your breath away.” But really, how can one actionably appreciate life and create these mind-shattering moments, when all of life’s requirements insist on getting in the way? Damn you job and kids and groceries!
The BIG Idea
I have a proposal for those who desire to live a more fulfilled life, but can’t afford to stop living their mundane one in the process. Do just ONE pattern-interrupt thing a day.
I’ve created sixty days worth of totally free challenges. I’m using myself as the guinea pig and making my way through them day-by-day. Some days, I have awesome insights, like reminiscing with my college girlfriend for the “call someone you haven’t spoken to in over a year” challenge. Some, I’m hungover and like, “Today I’m supposed to give someone a hug? Ugh. Ok, get over here husband and put your arms around me.”
There are three core tenets…
Love Self
It can be challenging to remember just how lucky we are to wake up, breath and even get out of bed to go to that crappy job. Loving self is all about doing things solo that remind us of that luck. Examples: look in the mirror and list the things you love about yourself or feel the surface under your feet.
Love Nature
The physical world that surrounds us is spectacular. Connecting with the flora and fauna around you and exploring regions beyond your purview puts something like the eating of a banana into a different, global perspective. Examples: Take a picture of a flower or eat a fruit and Google all the animal who sustain on that same fruit.
Love Each Other
Connecting to others makes us happier, healthier human beings. And so, much of our list requires human interaction. Some actions engage strangers, but most aim to connect to those with whom we’ve lost touch or build a deeper connection with those we engage with regularly. Examples: Wave to someone from afar or write someone a thank you note.
The Result
I’m only about a quarter of the way through. Each day though, I look forward to the task, which takes me out of my day-to-day to-do list and connects me to something “important.” Sometimes these tasks have actually forced me out of the house, which is a blessing in and of itself for someone who works from home.
Join Us
I hope more people will do these silly little things and let me know about them using the hashtag #60DaysBlessed. And you can follow along on my journey, as I blog about it. You can also get inspired with each day’s Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/60daysblessed/
Here’s the first ten days:
