30 Minutes for 30 Days
The best way I know to make something stick
In August or September of 2015, not long after my ex-husband and I separated, I wanted to feel better. It was at that moment that I was able to look back at myself -almost from above - and see clearly that when I moved my body I generally felt better, and less so in periods of stagnation. So I knew I needed to get moving again.
I honestly didn’t know how. Before I had that realization, getting lunch felt so hard, I couldn’t imagine anything more. But I knew it was necessary. So in conjunction with an amino-acid treatment I started with my doctor (which was a discussion prompted by my therapist), I committed to myself that I would move in any form for 30 minutes for 30 days in a row. It didn’t have to be strenuous - or much really - a 30 minute walk, even 2x10 minute walks and 10 minutes of stretching would be fine. But I knew for me, if it wasn’t something I did everyday, then doing it could always be done tomorrow.
It worked. Unless I am sick, I doubt I’ve gone more than 2 days in a row in those 8+ years with out doing at least something. I know how much better it makes me feel, mind primarily, but of course body too.
And I know this “30 minutes, 30 days” is my personal best way to try something new, and if I like what it is, make it a habit.
Worked last year when I wanted to up my morning water intake from the somewhat-regular glass to a non-negotiable minimum 32-ounces before consuming anything else (which unless I am traveling is warm with lemon, should you care).
It’s worked over the years when I have my semi-annual to attempts at running.
So here we are with writing. I’ve always had a little voice egging me to write, and over the course of the last year that little voice has gotten loud enough it doesn’t feel right to tune it out. Unfortunately the voice hasn’t shared what to write yet, just to do it.
So I started, first in notebooks, and then some blank word docs. 30 minutes at a time, part way through these first 30 days.
And to really push me, occasionally I’ll publish here.
