Saturday, November 26, 2011

The November Challenge closes early

I've brought my so-called "November Challenge" to an early close and will give myself a final grade of B-.

I had no idea it would be so much harder than last May to enforce this challenge. It quickly became clear that the presence of my back to back retreats (in May) was the key motivating factor in maintaining my focus. This time, there was no such motivating factor. In fact, it now seems in retrospect that I had a reverse effect from May, where I started the month with no regular work schedule and a certain loose schedule that enabled daily yoga practice and more flexibility.

By November 10th, the commitments started to come in like dominoes. Suddenly I was hired for a one-day film job, and then I was hired for a new full time job and slotted in to an intense fifty hours of training.

This new development meant that the Challenge had to put on the back burner, as my schedule quickly filled up at times when yoga classes are regularly offered. At the same time, I found myself walking in to the height of commercialism in the holiday festive season and spending too much time at a near to work coffee shop. This did provide opportunities for the power of restraint, as I declined opportunities to partake in caffeinated beverages, but definitely consumed a large amount of hot chocoloate... which does have a little caffeine in it.

The process of journaling also went to the shadows as my daily work schedule continued at a full pace. I was embarrassed to notice today that it had been a week since I last wrote in my personal journal, and hope to correct that today.

Finally, last night brought a visit to a local bar - and I'm sure I will go there again, as I appreciated the ambiance and small scale of the place. I didn't want to let an opportunity go by to not indulge in their plentiful, unusual beer list, and proceeded to enjoy a CALIFORNIA crafted, Belgian inspired dark brew with distinct pleasure.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Sometimes life is what happens when you are making plans.... so enjoy it! I am sure you will seize the opportunity to focus within when the time is right. Sorry we didn't get to catch up, time flew by when we were there.