Does it seem like the first of a month sneaks up on you? It’s not like the end of a month is exactly an unexpected revelation. It just somehow always catches me by surprise. And there is something about the first of October that especially astounds me every single year.
Probably all this surprise has a little to do with my annual denial that summer is over. I drag my feet into fall – and those would be my cold feet, the very ones that I resist covering with socks until it just can’t be helped. I can never make myself put all those summer clothes away – and I certainly will not drag out a single turtleneck or anything made of wool until far later in the season. If you’ve ever heard me speak about embracing change, I apologize for this integrity breach. I find it ever so difficult to embrace the fall.
But march forth we must – and there’s no use whining about it. Or at least there’s no use whining any more than I already have. This would be me – commencing to stop whining. And perhaps to start winning instead.
Last week, on September 22 (a late happy birthday wish to my sister) it came to my notice that there were only 100 days left in 2008. And now there are only 93. This notice came to me courtesy of Gary Ryan Blair who created the 100 Day Finish Strong Challenge. You can find out more at http://www.goalguru.com/recommends/100DayChallenge. And I can tell you that I wish I’d thought of the idea!
The gist is that in the next 100 days – or 93 as the case may be – we can focus our energies and accomplish amazing things. Great idea, huh? A wish with a deadline.
As I look back on my 2008 goals, though, I can see that in some cases, the last 100 days of the year aren’t nearly as important as the first 100. For example, I’m on track now with my goal to swim 100 miles in 2008. But that wouldn’t be the case if I hadn’t broken my goal down so that I’d reach 25 miles by the end of March, 60 miles by the end of June, and 80 miles by the end of September. If I were just starting now, I suppose I could swim a mile a day every day, but I know myself and my schedule too well to know that just wouldn’t happen.
Still I love the idea of challenging myself in the last 93 days of the year, and I’m combing through the goals I set some 270 days ago to see which ones haven’t yet had the attention they need and which still fire enough passion so I’m willing to invest my energy on them. I’ve learned that I do better when I ponder and prepare before I push right in so that’s what I’m going to do this week. Next week – I’ll let you know what goal I’ll be focusing on for the last 86 days of the year!
What can you do for yourself in 93 days?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday Moment - Just 5 hours from home
It’s been a whirlwind for me in the last couple weeks – the level of busy that other people seem to manage with their eyes closed but that make me feel just a little unprepared for what’s coming next. There’s been a wedding, the final efforts on a consulting project, child care classes beginning, a theater experience, and a visit from my sister and her husband all the way from Kansas. Whew!
Well I make it all seem like it happened in the space of a week and it’s really been spaced out over about three weeks. But still. And it’s all been good. I’ll probably share some insights I’ve had from these various experiences – after I reflect on them a while for which I haven’t yet made space in my head.
So I’ll start with the wedding. Jeremy and I met a dozen years ago or so through work with our good friends at Executive Edge (www.executiveedgeinc.com – you’ll be impressed.) He was 18 and I was more than twice his age. We saw each other just one week a year for about ten years, but the nature of our work and the nature of Jeremy meant that we always looked forward to the next time we’d see each other. And along the way, another friend – closer to my age than his – and I did a fair amount of relationship counseling with this lovely young man. So I was thrilled to hear that he was getting married – and honored to be included on his guest list. No question. Had to go!
In order to attend, Ray and I drove 3 hours in New York, 1 hour in Pennsylvania, and 1 hour in Ohio – and had not just a lovely time at Jeremy and Jaime’s wedding, but also got to experience that natural learning and broadening stuff that comes with spending a little time even a short way from home. Ah travel!
First the wedding. Lovely. A bride who shimmered with excitement. A groom who stood tall and firm. Exuberant love of family. Great food prepared by the men and women of Jeremy’s home church. Dance floor crammed with friends and family. A chance to participate in creating a sand painting sculpture as a memento for the bride and groom. Good friends (those same Executive Edge folks) at our table. Meeting – and approving of – another young friend’s boyfriend. Oh. And by special request of the bride and groom – Jello shots made by friends and family. Overall, fun, endearing, a delightful experience that I feel privileged to attend.
And then more time with friends learning about their adventures – a ten-year-old’s view of exercising with Wii-Fit, planning trips to the Northwest, sailing lessons, learning to jump on Joe the horse. And lots more.
Meanwhile, all this took place in a part of the country populated by some 12,000 Amish people. So there was interest and curiosity about a culture that includes horses, buggies, bonnets, and quilts. We only dipped a toe into this country, but still our minds felt expanded.
On our way home, a billboard that announced PerchFest caught our eyes – and minutes later we were on our way toward Fairport Harbor, Ohio, where a fishing contest has spawned a terrific Perch and Walleye dinner and festival. There was a talent show – PerchFest Idol we assumed – a very interesting small maritime museum, and a lighthouse with 69 open steps spiraling toward the top. I clung to the rail, hand over hand, all the way to the top where the view of Lake Erie was worth it – before I realized that it was a lot scarier coming back down!
It was a grand trip. Just two nights and five hours away from home – but it was a whole world away. And that whole world entered into our psyches to become part of who we are. That’s the thing I find most interesting about going somewhere new. It’s what we learn – sometimes when we don’t even realize it – that makes us more open, more understanding, more compassionate, more curious about our fellow beings of all species. I’m thinking I should encourage more young people I know to marry – for their own happiness sure, but also so I have the chance for more of these kinds of broadening experiences that I savor so much!
Here’s wishing you the particular brand of broadening experience you savor in the week ahead!
Sally
Well I make it all seem like it happened in the space of a week and it’s really been spaced out over about three weeks. But still. And it’s all been good. I’ll probably share some insights I’ve had from these various experiences – after I reflect on them a while for which I haven’t yet made space in my head.
So I’ll start with the wedding. Jeremy and I met a dozen years ago or so through work with our good friends at Executive Edge (www.executiveedgeinc.com – you’ll be impressed.) He was 18 and I was more than twice his age. We saw each other just one week a year for about ten years, but the nature of our work and the nature of Jeremy meant that we always looked forward to the next time we’d see each other. And along the way, another friend – closer to my age than his – and I did a fair amount of relationship counseling with this lovely young man. So I was thrilled to hear that he was getting married – and honored to be included on his guest list. No question. Had to go!
In order to attend, Ray and I drove 3 hours in New York, 1 hour in Pennsylvania, and 1 hour in Ohio – and had not just a lovely time at Jeremy and Jaime’s wedding, but also got to experience that natural learning and broadening stuff that comes with spending a little time even a short way from home. Ah travel!
First the wedding. Lovely. A bride who shimmered with excitement. A groom who stood tall and firm. Exuberant love of family. Great food prepared by the men and women of Jeremy’s home church. Dance floor crammed with friends and family. A chance to participate in creating a sand painting sculpture as a memento for the bride and groom. Good friends (those same Executive Edge folks) at our table. Meeting – and approving of – another young friend’s boyfriend. Oh. And by special request of the bride and groom – Jello shots made by friends and family. Overall, fun, endearing, a delightful experience that I feel privileged to attend.
And then more time with friends learning about their adventures – a ten-year-old’s view of exercising with Wii-Fit, planning trips to the Northwest, sailing lessons, learning to jump on Joe the horse. And lots more.
Meanwhile, all this took place in a part of the country populated by some 12,000 Amish people. So there was interest and curiosity about a culture that includes horses, buggies, bonnets, and quilts. We only dipped a toe into this country, but still our minds felt expanded.
On our way home, a billboard that announced PerchFest caught our eyes – and minutes later we were on our way toward Fairport Harbor, Ohio, where a fishing contest has spawned a terrific Perch and Walleye dinner and festival. There was a talent show – PerchFest Idol we assumed – a very interesting small maritime museum, and a lighthouse with 69 open steps spiraling toward the top. I clung to the rail, hand over hand, all the way to the top where the view of Lake Erie was worth it – before I realized that it was a lot scarier coming back down!
It was a grand trip. Just two nights and five hours away from home – but it was a whole world away. And that whole world entered into our psyches to become part of who we are. That’s the thing I find most interesting about going somewhere new. It’s what we learn – sometimes when we don’t even realize it – that makes us more open, more understanding, more compassionate, more curious about our fellow beings of all species. I’m thinking I should encourage more young people I know to marry – for their own happiness sure, but also so I have the chance for more of these kinds of broadening experiences that I savor so much!
Here’s wishing you the particular brand of broadening experience you savor in the week ahead!
Sally
Monday, September 8, 2008
Monday Moment - Back at the Paddle Again
As many of you know, I set a big goal in the summer of 2007 to paddle my pretty little kayak the length of Canandaigua Lake, about 15 miles – and did on July 23, 2007. It’s been in my mind to make that an annual jaunt, so a 2008 paddle has also been in the works – in my mind and in my plans, but not exactly as laser focused as was my 2007 goal.
With one such long paddle under my belt, I was confident I could do it again – maybe a little too confident. I didn’t train quite so much as I did last year, finding excuses in the thunderous weather patterns of July and the heat and winds of August. I planned to do my paddle later in the summer – so I didn’t feel the urgency to get out there quite so early or so often. And doing something the second time has never carried the thrill level of a first for me. I’m a person who loves new experiences, who gets excited at the start of a project, but all too often bogs down in the middle.
However, even with all my less-than-focused preparation for my lake-length paddle, I still did it. Early last Thursday morning, Ray drove me and my boat to the south end of Canandaigua Lake so I could try the south-to-north experience to mirror last year’s north-to-south paddle.
I was aware as we drove and after I launched that this year’s paddle felt more that I was keeping a promise to myself than I was doing it for pure enjoyment. I thought, “I’m doing this more to say I did it than because I really want to do it.” I felt a little sore from last minute training the two days before, and the temptation to roll over instead of roll out had been pretty strong that morning.
But even with all that, I found myself in the midst of pure enjoyment after all. I paddled steadily in no great hurry – and in the first hour from the south end, I saw not one other boat on the lake. It was all mine in the quiet of a gentle breeze at my back. Even as I got further north, I saw only a few devoted fisher-folk either anchored or slowly trolling on my lake.
At about the half-way point – which I could detect more easily this year because of last year’s experience – the wind shifted to the north and I was grateful for its cooling effect. About the same time, I realized that my pace was considerably quicker than last year. I’d thought I might shave some time from last year’s five hours because I had stopped so often to take pictures that I didn’t feel so compelled to take this year. But even taking less camera time into account, I was further than I thought I’d be. Huh.
My goal never – last year or this – included a time element. I estimated how long it might take both times – more to plan how much food and water I should take along and to worry whether I might need a bathroom break before I reached my destination. (I didn’t either time despite drinking lots of water along the way. Whew!) The idea was to finish, never to compete against a deadline.
But in 2008, it became clear – especially as I reached areas closer to the north end where I’ve paddled more frequently – that I would certainly beat last year’s time. And maybe by a lot! At around the three hour mark, I estimated that I might actually be able to finish a whole hour ahead of last year’s time – and that became a new goal.
By this time, though, I was hurting a little. I needed to shift my leg position more often, the muscles in my arms complained with the push and pull of every stroke, and my abdominal muscles also strained. It’s always a surprise to me, but even when though kayaking looks like you only use your arms, it actually works your whole upper body – and on that day, I knew it. So my choice became slow down and prolong the hurt, speed up and get it over with quicker, or maintain the steady pace, knowing that that I’d get there and this too, would pass without any lasting damage.
Mostly I maintained my steady pace. But I did keep checking the clock. It soon became clear that I wouldn’t break four hours, but I didn’t miss it by much. My 2008 lake length paddle took four hours and eight minutes. Yea!
Last year I reflected on what I learned in my lake-length paddle and I was curious to see how that compared to my 2008 experience. Let’s compare.
In 2007, I said that setting a goal is an act of power. Oh yeah, I wouldn’t have rolled out last Thursday morning without a goal nagging at me!
In 2007, I said that a deadline helped motivate me to keep to a training schedule. Ah, that’s where my laser focus got a little fuzzier this year.
In 2007, I saw the bragging rights as a big reward for my effort. I still like looks of stupefaction, but I notice that my closest friends and family seemed less impressed – as did I – than they did last year. There is something magic about that first time achievement – which says to me that an effective goal has to stretch beyond our current achievements in order to fully motivate – and fully impress others as well as ourselves.
In 2007, I realized that although getting ready for a big goal is important, it’s also important to get off the dime and just do it – ready or not. I said, “I need to remember that taking on any new challenge won’t feel easy-chair comfortable – and I don’t need it to. I’m tough enough to withstand a little emotional and/or physical discomfort.” In 2008, I proved to myself that, in fact, I am tough enough to keep paddling through a little pain. That’s good to know, but maybe next year, I’ll work a little harder to get ready – and that might break my four hour, eight minute record.
In 2007, I was reminded that many people look toward physical challenges as a way to stretch in emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, and spiritual arenas too. Same goes for 2008. I believe more than ever in tangible efforts that give big intangible rewards.
And in 2007 – and in 2008 – I found that reflecting on what I learned added spice and flavor to the experience. It’s been great to share my bragging rights with you. But I said last year, and I’d like to reiterate that what really excites me is to hear about the challenges you’re taking on. Let me know by replying to my blog at http://healthypeoplelearn.blogspot.com.
And may you have opportunity to share bragging rights of your own for some new achievement this week!
With one such long paddle under my belt, I was confident I could do it again – maybe a little too confident. I didn’t train quite so much as I did last year, finding excuses in the thunderous weather patterns of July and the heat and winds of August. I planned to do my paddle later in the summer – so I didn’t feel the urgency to get out there quite so early or so often. And doing something the second time has never carried the thrill level of a first for me. I’m a person who loves new experiences, who gets excited at the start of a project, but all too often bogs down in the middle.
However, even with all my less-than-focused preparation for my lake-length paddle, I still did it. Early last Thursday morning, Ray drove me and my boat to the south end of Canandaigua Lake so I could try the south-to-north experience to mirror last year’s north-to-south paddle.
I was aware as we drove and after I launched that this year’s paddle felt more that I was keeping a promise to myself than I was doing it for pure enjoyment. I thought, “I’m doing this more to say I did it than because I really want to do it.” I felt a little sore from last minute training the two days before, and the temptation to roll over instead of roll out had been pretty strong that morning.
But even with all that, I found myself in the midst of pure enjoyment after all. I paddled steadily in no great hurry – and in the first hour from the south end, I saw not one other boat on the lake. It was all mine in the quiet of a gentle breeze at my back. Even as I got further north, I saw only a few devoted fisher-folk either anchored or slowly trolling on my lake.
At about the half-way point – which I could detect more easily this year because of last year’s experience – the wind shifted to the north and I was grateful for its cooling effect. About the same time, I realized that my pace was considerably quicker than last year. I’d thought I might shave some time from last year’s five hours because I had stopped so often to take pictures that I didn’t feel so compelled to take this year. But even taking less camera time into account, I was further than I thought I’d be. Huh.
My goal never – last year or this – included a time element. I estimated how long it might take both times – more to plan how much food and water I should take along and to worry whether I might need a bathroom break before I reached my destination. (I didn’t either time despite drinking lots of water along the way. Whew!) The idea was to finish, never to compete against a deadline.
But in 2008, it became clear – especially as I reached areas closer to the north end where I’ve paddled more frequently – that I would certainly beat last year’s time. And maybe by a lot! At around the three hour mark, I estimated that I might actually be able to finish a whole hour ahead of last year’s time – and that became a new goal.
By this time, though, I was hurting a little. I needed to shift my leg position more often, the muscles in my arms complained with the push and pull of every stroke, and my abdominal muscles also strained. It’s always a surprise to me, but even when though kayaking looks like you only use your arms, it actually works your whole upper body – and on that day, I knew it. So my choice became slow down and prolong the hurt, speed up and get it over with quicker, or maintain the steady pace, knowing that that I’d get there and this too, would pass without any lasting damage.
Mostly I maintained my steady pace. But I did keep checking the clock. It soon became clear that I wouldn’t break four hours, but I didn’t miss it by much. My 2008 lake length paddle took four hours and eight minutes. Yea!
Last year I reflected on what I learned in my lake-length paddle and I was curious to see how that compared to my 2008 experience. Let’s compare.
In 2007, I said that setting a goal is an act of power. Oh yeah, I wouldn’t have rolled out last Thursday morning without a goal nagging at me!
In 2007, I said that a deadline helped motivate me to keep to a training schedule. Ah, that’s where my laser focus got a little fuzzier this year.
In 2007, I saw the bragging rights as a big reward for my effort. I still like looks of stupefaction, but I notice that my closest friends and family seemed less impressed – as did I – than they did last year. There is something magic about that first time achievement – which says to me that an effective goal has to stretch beyond our current achievements in order to fully motivate – and fully impress others as well as ourselves.
In 2007, I realized that although getting ready for a big goal is important, it’s also important to get off the dime and just do it – ready or not. I said, “I need to remember that taking on any new challenge won’t feel easy-chair comfortable – and I don’t need it to. I’m tough enough to withstand a little emotional and/or physical discomfort.” In 2008, I proved to myself that, in fact, I am tough enough to keep paddling through a little pain. That’s good to know, but maybe next year, I’ll work a little harder to get ready – and that might break my four hour, eight minute record.
In 2007, I was reminded that many people look toward physical challenges as a way to stretch in emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, and spiritual arenas too. Same goes for 2008. I believe more than ever in tangible efforts that give big intangible rewards.
And in 2007 – and in 2008 – I found that reflecting on what I learned added spice and flavor to the experience. It’s been great to share my bragging rights with you. But I said last year, and I’d like to reiterate that what really excites me is to hear about the challenges you’re taking on. Let me know by replying to my blog at http://healthypeoplelearn.blogspot.com.
And may you have opportunity to share bragging rights of your own for some new achievement this week!
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