What I've learned so far--52 minus 8 weeks

It's hard to believe that 8 weeks have already passed in my quest to a better Diana. The days are long but the years are short. Time Flies.

"All good is gained by those whose thought and life are kept pointed close to one main thing, not scattered abroad upon a thousand"--Stephen McKenna

These past 8 weeks have kept me focused in thought and deed. And, while I am focusing on a different task weekly, I am ONLY focusing on ONE thing each week. Success comes from FOCUS.

8 weekly challenges have met with varying degrees of success:

1-The Power to Choose
I feel as if I have been set free. Choosing not to embrace a negative emotion has greatly impacted my happiness. I continue to practice this daily and my mantra has become "Let it go".

2-Blessing
Recognizing the blessings that surround me has been, well, a blessing! I am surrounded by good things, great and small, and will continue to notice them in a more deliberate way. It really is the little things that matter!

3-Listen Up
I need continued work in this area but am more aware when I drift away or am not focused on verbal conversations. I am trying to appreciate silence more too.

4-Excesses
Still practicing excess but more aware of the opportunities to indulge and trying to steer clear of them. Some days and situations (like scrap booking and yarn stores) make it easier than others. Tithing and savings first out of a paycheck are now a common occurrence.

5-A Week without Whine
Still going without wine on many days and sleeping better as a result of it. And, while I am not an expert, I believe I am whining less too. Working on both of these on a daily basis. Awareness is a good thing.

6-More Strokes, less Pokes.
I think I am hardwired to be a poker...I am going to visit this in a more deliberate way in future weeks by incorporating things like compliments, holding my tongue and giving hugs.

7-One Less Thing
Successfully doing inconsequential things more efficiently and on occasional days experience less stress as a result. I have to break a 52 year cycle of being an over achiever and multi-tasker. Needs continued work.

8-Say Yes
My rigid nature makes this one a challenge but I am working on saying yes when it doesn't impact life altering events.

I believe the last 8 weeks have been a positive experience and I am a better person for it. It has given me a self awareness that I would not have had otherwise. Setting small goals on a weekly basis has enabled me to make necessary adjustments and keep my commitment to the task at hand.

Week 1 (Power to Choose) has impacted my life (and probably the lives of countless others) the most significantly.

Next on the agenda
Generosity, Eliminate self depreciating remarks, Embrace Fun and Worship through service!