My Happiness Project (Day 4/100)

Hello Day 4!  I am going to add to my reading list - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  This book was recommended to me by my lovely roommate and dear friend.  It seems have been around for a little while now.  I am looking forward to incorporating the thoughts and ideas explored in this book along with the things expressed in the 100 Day Reality Challenge.  I will add in some innovative quotes and merge it with own incites I have found.   

Such a thriving point in my life - I get to read, learn, explore and create.  Plus, I am not even on this 100 Day Reality Challenge alone.  I get to share in this journey with a dear friend. 

What I have found to be even more encouraging during these past four days is that everyone I have told about my reality challenge has been overly supportive!  It's great knowing that I am working towards surrounding myself with people who not only care about me, but are willing to listen to my happiness goals.  If anything, it is giving them a new look on their own life. 

"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy."  ----Robert Louis Stevenson

Fresh Start (Day 1/100)

 I am open to the idea of what the next 100 days will bring in my 100 Day Reality Challenge.  I am ready to send out my intentions and take action to bring about a new and empowered self by May 24th!

It's Day 1 - I am up and energized...about to do a whole apt deep cleaning (I always feel better when I am in a clean house, don't you?)

For now I am excited to see where the next 100 days takes me and how I can use the power of positive thought and focus to impact my life...

100 Day Reality Challenge

Ok, so here's an idea I have for the next 100 days.  Starting tomorrow and going until May 24th, I will be partaking in the 100 Day Reality Challenge!  Please visit http://cocreatingourreality.com/ to see the website and read more about this facinating project. 

Basically, for the next 100 days I will:
1. Focus on an intention - something I different I want in my life
2. Take steps to make this intention happen
3. Bring out positive thought, mediation &/or prayer to help guide me
4. Surround myself with positive people, events & things that will help be fulfill my set intention
5. Journal, blog, tweet, facebook, text, post to my new pinterest page, and possible video blog to share/grow deeper in my journey

It may sound trippy - but I think it is worth a try!  I am so glad that my dear friend ask me to join her on this epic journey.  I mean, what else did I have planned for the next 100 days?  I might as well work to make my life richer and more engaging.  One of the creators of this movement, Lilou Mace, talks about having a "juicy" life.  What a fun image!  Just a life more full of flavor!  A life you can sink your teeth in - a life that is savory & tasty.  A life you can truly enjoy! 

I will be posting updates on my journey and I hope you will check out this project/program and give it a try.  Let me know if you do!  

And...we're off...reality challenge...I accept!

More Than Just A Color

Ladies & Gentleman - you do not want to miss Arena Stage's production of Red by John Logan!  It has been extended through March 11th.  Hurry...

This masterpiece is more than a look into the life of artist Mark Rothko.  It is more than simply a tale of a painter and young boy who admires his work.  The play exemplifies one of the arguments that the character of Rothko makes within the script itself - he argues that his paintings are living and he compares them to children.  These paintings live and breathe.  And as such, the best way to experience John Logan's work is to share in the same air as the actors - to breathe with them and watch them bring to life the words of the play.

The play is not for the those looking for something light, silly and carefree.  This is quite the opposite really.  You will  be pushed to think and rationalize.  I find the direction to be brilliant and I admire the director and actors allowing for moments when the play simply is.  There are moments when the actors are mixing paint or taking in the art on the canvas.  I admire life on stage - the ability to not rush and to just live.  To some, these moments feel slow and without cause.  I could see that it might take you out of the world of the play... maybe the director in me is coming out, but I live for watching actors on stage doing the simple and mundane. 

The title suggests words synonymous with other things that are red - one might think of hearts, strawberries, tomato soup, a crayon, parts of the sunset, etc. 

The title might seem simple or uncreative. 

This play is so much more.   

Bring It

We have all been there...it's January 1st and now what?  Do I make a list of resolutions?  Do I even care enough to change what I was doing last year?  It may be almost at the end of the month but I am still defining my resolutions...or rather how I want to create an even better 2012. My obsession this week is focusing in my resolutions and the current book series I am addicted to (I have fallen into the arena...I have been sucked into the Hunger Games)

Here's what I have so far:
1. Read 12 books of varying genres, I figure there are 12 months in a year and it's 2012...time to step it up a notch. Who knows maybe I can even get to 15!  And the book that I am currently devouring is "Catching Fire", book 2 of the Hunger Games series which is brilliantly written by Suzanne Collins.   
2. I am going to stop accepting situations in my life that I am unhappy with - if I want to change something, then I am going to start taking actions to change it.  (a little vague, I know...)
3. Work on really and truly stretching myself to Give Back - I have not yet read (but it's on my list): "Start Something that Matters" written by Blake Mycoskie, creator and founder of Toms - a wonderful one-for-one business program that allows for you to not only buy awesome shoes (and other items) but then give a pair to a child in need. 

I love the blog of "Start Something that Matters" that highlights other programs with a Give Back motto and also highlights the wisdom of Blake Mycoskie.  I have never met him, but think he is simply fantastic!  He seems to have such a rockin' cool soul.  (Plus, one of his entries on his blog offers some great idea for books to read!  It helped to inspire me reading 12 this year.) 

4. Grow closer in my faith.  There are always new things I can learn and new avenues to be explored.  Plus, continuing to improve my relationship with Christ is a win-win.  I am also going to look more closely into the life of a saint.  This year it's Saint Thomas of Villanova and I will try to gain future insight into the virtue of humility. 

 

5. Keep my mind & body stimulated - this is an extension of my reading goal...and adding on healthy living.  It's important to exercise to stay fit but to exercise your mind too so that it stays focused.  I will try to do more puzzles and word searches.  It may sounds simple but even that is a big help to keep your mind active.  I want to incorporate more foreign and/or independent films that require more thought to process.  As much as I love Romantic Comedies, it is also important to put value into other avenues of Film making. This also goes with keeping my creative juices flowing.  I will do better to have more blog entries as well as work more on actually completing the One-Act plays I have started.  It's as if the characters' stories have been put on pause and they are desperately waiting to have it completed.  

Alright 2012, you may have started off rocky - but you will finish strong! Bring it!