Be the change I wish to see in myself...

Most people have heard Ghandi's phrase, "be the change you wish to see in the world." It's compelling. Well I've been thinking alot lately, and frankly, I find myself beating myself up quite often, for things I'd done ten years ago, even twenty minutes ago.

"That was a pretty stupid thing to say." "I can't believe I did that." The little voice in my mind was reminding me constantly of small errors in judgement. But I was making them big and thinking about them for hours.

Then I was watching Grey's Anatomy on my computer (we don't have a t.v., but I cheat occassionally and download episodes on-line). Someone mentioned Ghandi's pearls of wisdom, and the next time I was over-analyzing something I had done, I heard those words again and I thought, "I'm going to be the change I wish to see in myself."

So from now on, instead of thinking, "That e-mail could have been written by a fourth grader-is there no way to go back and un-send it?" I am going to forget about it. There are so many more important things my mind could waste it's time thinking about. Instead of overthinking, I am going to start living differently.

I am going to make one new change every week. Maybe it will be a personality trait that I want to improve, an action such as recycling more, or even an exercise routine. But I am going to do it everyday for a month, and when I start to think negative thoughts I will have something that I can be happy for.

Last week, I am began walking everyday for at least two miles....so far it's been great. I have a grocery store two miles from the house, and I've been going there. I can only bring back what I can carry in my bag, so I went yesterday, and I will be going today. My legs are kind of tired, which tells me that I should definately be doing this!

Enviro-bonus: I am using my car less!

Welcome!

Yesterday I had a relaxing day off. I have banned myself from use of my car at least one day a week, and am really loving the consequences of that. My morning began with a four mile round trip walk to the store. I shopped there for what I would need for a rice salad I wanted to make in the afternoon. On my way home, I stopped on the beach, and sat and read a book, “I Hate School” to help me relate to the children I work with-I am fortunate to live in Southern California and can walk via the beach to many choice destinations.

When I got home I ate a bowlful of cherries, and then walked to an earth-friendly, fair-trade local coffee shop, where I had a yummy vegan cupcake and some hot chocolate. I walked home again, put on some warmer clothes and headed back out to visit with a friend who waits tables at a vegan restaurant where I had a whole coconut, a kale salad, and cucumber water.

Although tired at the end of the day, (I walked at least 10 miles) I felt satisfied and slept like a rock. Today, I am facing more of the same-walking, eating, relaxing, and smiling.

Why all the walking? First of all, I’ve found that a day off is much more relaxing if I turn my errands into joy. Second, I’m headed to Spain in 6 days and I plan on walking all over there. I want to get lost in the streets and the culture and have lots of energy doing it. So this week and last week I have been walking everywhere. I even got dropped off at work last week to walk the five miles home. I thought it would feel like a chore, but it was great.

Signing off, for now.

Que pase buen dia-Have a good day!

Ciao,
Clara