Small Steps = Big Results

"I prepared excitedly for my departure, as if this journey had a mysterious significance...."
Nikos Kazantzaki

Week 60
I am no longer 60. Heaven only knows the miracles that God had to manage in order for me to make it to 61. My turning 61 means this year's experiment has come to a close.  This was my hypothesis: 'Making small changes in my life can bring big results.'

I am now convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that yes, small steps do indeed bring big results.  I share some of those results with you in hopes of convincing you to continue (or begin) to create small goals for yourself.
 
turning 60 -versus turning 61.  I don't chew gum anymore. I now drink plenty of water each day. I take a multiple vitamin regularly. I have kept my chips and sodas down to no more than one serving per week. I eat more fruits and vegetables and listen to more classical music.

 One of my small steps was to drive my car better in order to get better gas mileage. I tracked my m.p.g. with each fill-up and found that after adding up each month's savings, as well as savings through my grocery card, I was able to save approximately $25 per month at the gas tank...$300 per year! And I kept my car clean and tidy, as well (another small step).

Although I didn't set out with a goal to loose weight, rather I wanted to become healthier, but as a result of walking more, and doing other exercise, along with eating more healthy foods, and less unhealthy ones,  I lost 8 pounds; 2 inches in my waist, two inches in my hips and have gone from a size 10 to a size 8. 

I had a goal of doing more reading and less TV watching.  And in order to learn more about US History I decided to focus my reading on fictional U.S. history novels.  I completed 10 of them this year.  I read three of Beverly Swerling's novels about  the history and building up of New York City, I read several books about the Civil War, one about the California Gold Rush, and about the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  I read 1000 White Women, a fictional tale about Indians and the White folks in the second half of the 19th century.  I read The Help and I reread The Grapes of Wrath.  About half way through my year I decided to insert non-fictional books as well. I read four books about the brain, as well as the book Excitotoxins; scary, revealing, and enlightening research about the dangers of MSG, sweeteners and other preservatives.  And I read Malcolm Gladwell's book,  The Outliers, a study of what extraordinarily successful people share in common.  And finally, I also threw in some fun, quick 'chick' reads.  I find myself wondering why I ever just laid in bed and watched TV, instead of reading.

I set 'creative project' goals for myself and with the help of a fantastic musician was able to complete a 10 song Christian Music CD.  I created two picture and song books for my grandchildren, and the third book is under construction. I wrote 3 articles for the local newspaper, I wrote in my journal each day and, except for two weeks, I wrote weekly Monday blogs.

Unfortunately we haven't yet had our physicals out at the college so I can't compare my blood work results with last year's. That really disappoints me, as I would love to have that quantitative measure to finish this year out with. I'll let you know when that happens.

Other improvements are not as quantitative, but significant just the same.  The summer seminar I facilitated, on taking care of our brain, caused me to really pay closer attention to the words I speak, and my ability to change my thoughts. My chains of guilt and 'unforgiveness' are feeling lighter these days and my attitude feels brighter. I had a huge 'ah ha' when I realized that our 'free will' is not only a precious gift from God, but that realization also comes with the feeling of  a huge responsibility. In other words, The good news is...I am in charge of being happy and content in my life  ...the bad news is...that means I can't blame my 'sucky' attitude on my life's circumstances!.... Oh Shoot! 

But lest you think I was successful in all of my goal areas:  I am still floundering on cooking more new recipes each week (even though my sister-in-law sent me several organized menu plans).  I find that going out of my comfort zone is still a challenge and frankly...quite uncomfortable.... and I have yet to be brave enough to set a small step for getting my home and office more organized.(I'm waiting for my 'decorator' sister and 'organizer' sister to come to my rescue!)

I find myself more mindful of each day and I do more things purposefully in my life. I think more about how I spend my time and I'm taking more responsibilty for the choices that I make that steals my minutes away. Generally, I feel healthier, more energetic, and more motivated to learn new things.

I wouldn't say my journey of being 60 necessarily had a 'mysterious significance', (as our quote says) but I do feel more of a passion, or is it a burden, to convince others that it doesn't take big, sweeping goals to change our lives in big ways, we can do it with baby steps...
                                                          easy steps...
                                                              small steps...

Please share some of your 'aha' moments or observations on the blog, or email me, Karen, at smallsteps4bigresults@yahoo.com