So, People, I’m getting ready.  And for me that means lots of thinking time.  People have told me that I can be a mover-and-a-shaker, that I go through the world like a whirlwind.  That I just set a course and move.  The reality is that I have generally taken the time to SET the course.  I’ve thought about WHY I want to move, figured out which WAY I want to go, and bought into the whole plan before I’ve taken a step.  When I finally set myself into action, I’m good and ready. 

I like the idea of 40 Days and 40 Nights for a lot of reasons.  The “40” has historical value, is used in the solar calendar, etc.  Of course, I like all the Biblical references.  (I’ve been told that when 40 is used in the Bible it isn’t really 40…it would be like me exaggerating and saying “I did that a zillion years ago”…but that’s another discussion).  I’m going to look at this 40/40 as a “fast”, of sorts.

We generally consider dietary fasts; cutting out certain foods or all foods.  Some deny themselves water as well.  Some have used fasting periods to give up alcohol or sex.  For me this is about giving up some habits that aren’t working for me.  Quite frankly, I’m not sure I have to list those habits (and I don’t mean to you in print, I mean to myself).  If my life were in perfect balance I wouldn’t feel the need to change a thing.  I could stand a little change, so that’s what this is about.  Quite frankly, by taking on some new behavior, I’ll probably drop an old one. 

Start by claiming what you want to do.  That’s a personal thing.  Start thinking about how your life could be in better balance, who you’d be if you practiced a little more balance, what you’d do if you were a little more balanced, etc.  Keep thinking; you might come up with a few more particulars.

Once you claim it, proclaim it.  Tell someone.  Call it accountabilty, call it the buddy system, call it whatever you like.  Throw it out to a friend, the universe, God, or whatever works for you. 

Follow along with me and consider (read:  think) about the daily posts and/or tasks.  Or actually “do” them.  Humbly deny yourself (the old ways) and take up a new.  The actually tasks may help you along, but they can also be viewed as that outward reminder of what you’re doing.  The acts themselves can be tangible, visible reminders of what you’re doing.  The focus for the day, merely marking the path.  Check the blog each day.  Check-in with someone (let me know how it’s going, if you want).  Take the time to think about how you’re getting stronger. 

Take your eyes off your ordinary everyday world for a bit.  Detour on the path?  You may be challenged to take one.  Lovely little side road?  You may enjoy yourself.  But make no mistake; the path still gets you to where you’re going.  That’s the main thing.   

As for me, my right lower body is still a little weaker than my left.  It will get stronger.  And I need better physical balance on that side.  I’m a little right-side dominant when I work, so I’m going to get better skilled at working with my left upper body.  My diet could use a little pre-holdiday moderation.  I could cut a little body fat.  I am going to be more social. 

I could be gentler with myself and  move into and amongst the world more lovingly.  Yeah.  Keeping the main thing the main thing:  More Lovingly.  To myself and to others. 

So what’s the main thing for you?  Proclaim it, people.  Get ready…