I have never actually done anything like this before, and if I make it to the other side, we'll see if it is something I would recommend, but I am about to embark on a major life overhaul. I am really about to do the unthinkable, unimaginable, and frankly the scariest thing I possibly could do...
I am going to focus on ME for an entire month. I will not drink anything alcoholic for the month of September. I am going to put myself on a dedicated exercise schedule, including walking, weekly yoga and ballet classes, and maybe even riding my bike again. I am going to take control of the clutter in my house and set weekly goals for cleaning and organizing. I am going to set a bedtime. I am going to prepare for the day ahead the night before (or maybe a few nights before if needed). I am going to go through all of my unread and unanswered email. I will read a book or two. I am going to church every Sunday in September. I am going to cook.
In other words, the Busy Black Woman is going to do what she often scoffs at others for doing--I am making New Year Resolutions...in September.
There are a lot of reasons why I need to focus on self-improvement and again, since I almost never make resolutions, this will be a challenge. Like most people, the road to this particular personal hell has been paved with good intentions, years in the making. Everyday I strive to be a good wife/daughter/sister/aunt/friend/lawyer/BBW but that all gets to be overwhelming especially when I look back over that list, and no where does it suggest that I want to be a good me. So starting September 1, I am going to do everything in my power to insert 'me' into my list of good intentions.
Why put off tomorrow what I could very well start today? Well, technically I am starting today by making this declaration publicly on my blog so that people know I am serious and want to be held accountable for falling short. Also, it helps that I have a few de-cluttering and organizing tasks planned to keep me occupied for the rest of the day. But in all honesty, because I do have one last day in this month, I also want to enjoy one last guilt-free drink at a party this evening.
I do need to make clear that I am not abandoning my BBW ways since that is the essence of who I am. But I am going to take a hard look at how those activities impact me, and whether the BBW persona limits the growth of me, the person. That means that I might actually say NO to the things that conflict with my new agenda. I will ask for help. I will not continue to carry the world on my shoulders and then get frustrated when no one offers to help. Some of ya'll might not like what I have to say (I'll be blogging about my progress throughout the month)...and I am totally ok with that.
Well, if the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, then here goes:
Wow! I should do the same. It might be easier with a partner who I can cry to when it is hard. But I'm not giving up alcohol;-). I'll do everything else.
ReplyDeleteKK, just for the month of September ;)
ReplyDelete