Thanks iTunes for always asking me so politely.
If you act now I’ll deviously trick you into installing a useless toolbar that really just hacks into your computer and makes porn sites pop-up uncontrollably at the most inconvenient times.
“No mom, it was that damn virus I got the other day. I swear I’m not into midgets who love Cleveland Steamers and Golden Showers. Sorry, I mean little people.”
Ok, I don’t really have a new version of HoboDrifter available for download… yet.
The only download I have is at the bottom of this post in case you missed it a couple weeks ago.
I am here, however, to update my progress with The Radical Appreciation Project! That’s right, I’m halfway through (15 days) and I’m geared up to finish strong.
So far, things are truly going great. But don’t be fooled. It hasn’t magically filled each of my days with sunshine, rainbows and lollipops; let’s be realistic.
What it has done is help me shift from shitty to great faster than I ever have before. Even if the majority of my day was miserable, the daily reflection each night cleans the slate and gets me ready to make tomorrow a little better.
Sound interesting?
Learn a little more about my adventure with Radical Appreciation and you might just want to join in… it’s never too late.
Ok, I promised an update so let’s get to it.
I haven’t fully decided if I’m going to share with you all of the fascinating details and incoherent, journal style rambling that I have safely stored on my computer. But I’ll give you a teaser from yesterday:
Day 15
Tuesday 11/29/11
20 minute Radical Appreciation walk
Reflective Appreciation – Tell one person you care about how much you appreciate them
Radical Appreciation walk
Time of day: 6:00 PM (43 degrees)
Today’s walk was more relaxing than anything else. I took a stroll around the block making sure to say “thank you” with each step; at least in my head. It loses its appeal after a while, just as anything does when you repeat it for 20 minutes straight. But a strange thing occurs every 5 to 10 minutes: the term “thank you” takes on different meanings. At first I don’t really know why I’m saying it; just following instructions. But then I start to actually think about it. Each step is a thank you to God, or the Universe, or the Force, or whatever or whomever you believe in. It’s as if every moment I exist is a gift. It’s a very interesting mindset to be in. You can’t help but feel content, feel appreciative to just be alive. It’s difficult to explain unless you know what I’m talking about. You know those moments when the world just seems to be perfect? Everything falls into place and you would have to try your hardest not to smile. That’s what the radical appreciation walk can replicate; for a short time.
Then there are times I start thinking about my day and what I’m thankful for in terms of specifics. A great brainstorming session for my daily reflection writing. There are also random thoughts and a few “hi’s” to passersby. But as I mentioned earlier, it’s a just a chance to relax and unplug from the world. All I take are my keys and my wallet (in case I get the urge to stop at a grocery store). No phones to interrupt the peace. No music to drown out my thoughts. Just me and the pavement. I have to say, it was a great walk today.
Expressing my Appreciation
I dropped the ball on this one. I pseudo expressed my appreciation to my best friend’s wife and good friend of mine, Kristi. She sent me a random text just to say “hi” and it really made my day. I fired back with a message saying it was great to hear from her… so I was close.
Daily reflection (what did I appreciate today?)
I appreciate radio DJ’s picking up on my vibe and stating the name of the band and the song I didn’t know. Now I can download that shit for multiple plays. Booya!
I’m thankful for the ability to cook a delicious dinner. A little whole wheat pasta, asparagus, and some veggies with hummus… fantastic. I appreciate listening to music while I cook. The combination of two of my favorite things: food and music. I don’t know if it gets much better than that… maybe throw in some sex and we’re golden.
I’m thankful for Mad Men. I don’t watch much TV (given we don’t have cable), but a well produced and thought provoking show is magical to watch. I’m in love with the writing and the dialogue… and January Jones.
I’m thankful for the warm weather as we near the end of November. It sure makes working outside a lot more enjoyable. I better appreciate it now, because the report for the next couple days is not favorable.
I’m thankful for the appreciation walk. I was skeptic when I first read the instructions, but I had to give it a try and I’m glad I did. It may sound stupid to say “thank you” out loud or in your head with each step, but you’ll be amazed at what it can do to your mindset.
Lastly, I appreciate the completion of my daily goals (I always set 3-4 “must do’s”). Sometimes they are lofty, and sometimes they are right in check. In either case, I love erasing each task off of my dry erase board every time I complete it. A value I’m seeking to instill into my character is commitment. This has been a great stepping stone to accomplishing that goal. Thank you everyone I encountered today for your influence. Goodnight.
Pretty simple, right?
Simple and effective, just how I like it.
I hope you enjoyed that little piece of insight into my day. Hopefully it got you thinking about all the small yet amazing things that you could show a little more love to from day to day.
Gratitude is a powerful weapon and a great wing man; it’s always there to go home with that negative idea that “has a great personality.”
If you’re a little more intrigued now, you can still download the Radical Appreciation Project ebook for free right here.
If you’ve been enjoying this journey with me, don’t be shy. I showed you mine, so you show me your… journal, you sickos. Share your story!
Thanks for letting me share a little piece of me with you all. I appreciate each and every one of you!
Keep Drifting.
