So I guess I’ll list a few things I’m sticking to this summer. This begins June 1. I got this idea after reading The Year of Less by Cait Flanders.

First, any time I commit to something I must anchor it to a reason for doing it. Otherwise, I fail miserably. The anchor keeps me grounded and helps me move past the temptation to go back on my promises.

Second, with that being said let’s do 30 days. I’d love to say 60 days, but i’ve got to be realistic. If I can do 30 without crumbling, snapping and folding, I’ll go for 60!

The List
1. No buying things for myself that are not on the approved list for 2 months. The approved list has necessities and only replacement items. Earrings are not on that list. I have plenty of and give some away from time to time. (Shhhhhhh, don’t tell my daughters.)

2. I am drinking water and only water. It can even be sparkling water. I know the sugar is bad for me. It saps my energy and makes me tired. Drinking alcohol makes me tired also and 3 drinks per week increases my chances of Breast Cancer occurring again.

3.  I will be doing and saying what I believe. (Even if I’m in the middle of something and discover it’s not what I thought or want to do – I’m finished. Doing otherwise is not being truthful or real. I will try not to hurt anyone’s feelings as I withdraw from whatever it is.)

4. I’m not buying clothes for myself. I have too many already and I’ve cleared my closet of things I thought were great bargains or just don’t look good on me. So, I now have mainly the things I really like a lot. And you’ll see them again and again.

5. Since we have limited decision-making energy I’m getting my morning routine “down pat”. (Where did that phrase come from?”) Prayer, reading, teeth brushed, exercise: tai chi or Qigong, walk or weight training, meditation, getting washed up (as old people used to say), dressed, having a protein drink with greens and I’m out the door!

6. These last three are really hard – going to bed on time to make sure I get 7-8 hours of sleep. We each need about 7-8 hours of sleep per night to get rid of toxins, get to deep sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

7. One more! Quit all electronic devices an hour before I go to sleep and don’t have them within 6 feet of me. I know there is more required – turning off WiFi, having grounded bedroom plugs, etc. But one step at a time for me, please.

8. (Oh, I forgot or maybe it was a Freudian slip.) No added sugar! Yep, this may only be 30 days. I mean who can resist Pat & Larry’s ‘Sweet Tea’?

What Counts?
Trying! I hope I make can it through this challenge successfully. Yep, it’s gonna take the Lord getting me through this and any other circumstance. As Marianne Williamson says, “There is no level of difficulty in Miracles”. Hopefully, I’ll be healthier and happier after 30 or maybe even 60 days. 

I’ll let you know how it goes.

“Without an anchor, we can be drifted to any shore.” Lailah Gifty Akita

Dr. Harriette