This has been an absolutely fascinating week. It’s been a particularly fascinating weekend. And to top it all off, today has been an outstandingly fascinating day. Watch out world! 🙂
I want to take a few minutes right now to reflect back on my List of 37 because it’s only two weeks in to the new year and I’m already learning so much…
1. Be My Own Soulmate –
I’ve gone hiking THREE times this week! Yes, that’s right – three. Today was an absolutely clear, beautiful day and I slew one of my own personal dragons by doing a hike that for some reason had gotten lodged in my head as impossible for me to do. It kicked my ass a bit on the way up, but Oh. My. Goodness. was it worth it when I got to the top!!! Lonesome Lake is a pristine lake nestled at the top of a mountain. Here are a few pictures from the day:
A journey of 100 hikes begins with a single step...
I mean really - can it get more beautiful?
A group of really cool people from Switzerland that I met on the trail
Self-portrait by the lake
I met some great people, had interesting conversations, and generally had a fantastic day. By myself. No one to push me or cajole me required. Such fun!
5. Accept challenges that are outside my comfort zone –
This has come up a bunch of times this week and each time I’ve said “Yes”. The most memorable was spending a couple hours taking a tour of a neighboring town with one of my colleagues at the newspaper. Normally I would choose to do that alone so I could control where and when I went places. Instead I accepted his invitation to take me out and had a really lovely time. It also gave me a chance to sit down and talk with this lovely man, something I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
7. Shed My Shyness –
Here’s where things start getting really interesting. I’ve been making a point of striking up conversations with people who I would normally be shy around. Women, children, couples – they’re all people I’d say something to. But attractive men who don’t have a wedding ring on? That’s where I tend to clam up and head for the hills. So this week I’ve been making a practice out of saying something friendly – not flirtatious, just friendly. And I’m astounded at the reactions that I’m getting. Rather than being laughed at or dismissed, they seem to be pleased to talk. Some of them even start flirting. Who knew?!??! In that original article that I read it said, “Outgoing people are actually perceived as more attractive.” Well darned if it doesn’t seem to be true!!
11. Treat my body to the foods that are healthiest for it & 12. Go outside more often –
Yep.
13. Remember that my presence is enough –
I had a really clear demonstration this week of what it looks like when someone DOESN’T believe that their presence is enough. I spent an evening with a lovely young man who wanted to impress me. So much so that he narrated practically everything he did and why exactly that made him a nice guy. It had the opposite effect – I wanted to say to him, “Stop telling me who you are and just BE that person!!” It’s a lesson to remember – just being me is all it takes. Trying to convince people of who I am and how great I am turns out to be counter-productive.
17. Go rock climbing –
This one is hilarious – I haven’t actually gone rock climbing yet, but darned if I didn’t get an invitation to go this week! The Universe absolutely cracks me up!!!!
28. Say yes to anyone who asks me on a date –
Two weeks in and I’ve already had an opportunity to practice this one twice!
If this is what two weeks in looks like, I can hardly imagine what will be happening a month from now! 🙂
2 comments
1 ping
Maria Pawlowski
June 20, 2011 at 1:18 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
What a wonderful experience to read of all your adventures. I’m happy to read of your many successes. I’m going to start my personal new year in August, so I’m finding great treasure and inspiration in your writings. Thanks for sharing on such a personal level.
Leah Carey
June 20, 2011 at 9:14 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thanks Maria! It was great to see you last weekend at the ASD convention. I hope in August you’ll let us know what your plans are for YOUR new year. 🙂
The Miracle Journal » A walk in the woods
June 26, 2011 at 6:46 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
[…] Miracles Add comments Today marked my second weekly solo hiking trip. Once again, I chose to slay another personal dragon by doing the Arethusa Falls […]