I found myself a couple of weeks ago, while having dinner with these cool people who love the outdoors, telling them the joke about how I don't like to be outside and then laughing it away like always. But, as I reflected on the moment, I realized that it makes me sad. I used to sit in my favorite chair and look out the window but I don't even do that anymore. I'm just inside. All the time.
Of course I walk outside to get here and there but, when given the choice, inside always wins.
So here's the deal.
I've decided to get outside. I'm going to go slow and try new things along the way. The blog is the first part of my process. In fact, if it weren't raining, I'd be outside typing. Oh well...
I'm reading "The Happiness Project" by Gretchin Rubin and I'm inspired to do this right. I'm going to break up the next year into month-bites and give myself goals for each month. I'm starting May 1. I would start today but it's still so cold. I know. I'm in trouble.
I have high hopes for myself. As I take time to encounter the great outdoors I would love suggestions. How, when and where do you like to be outside? What would you suggest I try? Hiking? Dancing in the rain? Praying in the sun? I'm wanting to do it all.
I want this blog to be a place where I can discover more about myself and this strange quirk which keeps me closed in. I want this experience to open me up. To free me to be more connected to mama earth and all the beauty I know surrounds me. I want to live life abundantly. It's Easter. I believe in new life and I'm looking forward to living it.
So I guess, upon further reflection, I more than want to want to get outside. I want to get outside already!
Let's go!
Great minds think alike! http://alandethic.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-year-with-leopold-project.html
ReplyDeleteI will look forward to reading about your adventures. I've been trying to keep my goals 'low key'---even just 30 minute ventures.
Getting outside is a wonderful idea. You don't have to venture far or do anything major. Sometimes, just sitting with the sun on your face is all you need.
ReplyDeleteI get outside by working in my garden beds. Often, it's just to check in on my plants and pull weeds. Maybe you could plant something in a pot (outdoors) that needs to be watered?
Loved having you in Austin!
Hi Shandra! I love your goal. I too have been reading the Happiness Project and so I will be very interested to see what you com up with. I also spend most my time indoors, but when I do venture outside I always wonder why I don't do it more often. Just taking a walk is such an easy way to get outside - it doesn't require special equipment like a bike or fancy running shoes. As someone who likes taking pictures, taking a walk with my camera forces me to slow down and look for beautiful plants, bugs, and interesting architecture.
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