Embracing Change: My Journey to Self-Discovery in 2022
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Chapter 1: The Path to Detachment
In 2022, my guiding principle is to release everything that does not contribute positively to my spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This concept of detachment, often discussed in Buddhism, has become central to my life. I've previously documented my evolution from Acceptance in 2014 to Detachment this year, so I won’t reiterate that journey here. However, the process of eliminating the unhelpful aspects of my life creates space for new, joyful experiences.
As I continue to focus on my spiritual growth, I also aim to enhance my health and foster better relationships. This commitment aligns with my goal of detachment, as I strive to fill my life with enriching elements. Yet, there’s another dream—my 'Wild Deuces'—that I am eager to bring into existence this year.
"This journey of self-discovery is filled with unexpected turns."
Section 1.1: The Power of Writing
Writing has been my ultimate passion, consistently driving me to awaken at 3 AM, inspired by my muses. It provides an outlet for the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind, igniting my creativity and allowing me to inspire others through my words. For a long time, I was content to share my work online, indifferent to whether anyone read it or not. I lacked faith in its value and adopted a mindset of low expectations to avoid disappointment. However, I realized that this perspective embodied a form of detachment—being emotionally distant from my own creations.
In December of the past year, I experienced a pivotal moment. Although I can’t pinpoint the exact cause, it prompted me to reconsider my approach. Perhaps it was the influence of self-published poetry I've encountered that sparked the desire to publish my own work. Despite my past hesitations, I made two significant decisions: First, I would monetize my writing on Medium, and second, I would compile a book of my poetry to sell on Amazon, with the support of a wonderful friend.
I approach both endeavors without any fixed expectations. This isn’t about fearing disappointment; instead, I’ve come to understand the essence of letting go. I’m allowing the Universe to facilitate my journey, which feels incredibly liberating.
Subsection 1.1.1: Poetry's Echo
Section 1.2: Time Management and Decluttering
My second 'wild card' involves improving my time management and decluttering skills. I often find myself wasting hours in inactivity, which brings me little joy. To combat this, I’ve initiated the 'Five Items a Day' rule—every day, I remove five items from my creative space that do not contribute to my writing or art. This has revealed the extent of clutter I previously allowed to accumulate.
To enhance my time management, I started with the book Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind by the 99U Project, but it leaned more toward business strategies than personal growth. I then discovered Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy, which offered practical advice that resonated with me. I prefer tangible tools, so I’ve developed a list of resources based on this book:
- A calendar for weekly and monthly planning.
- A day planner that helps map out my daily tasks, including:
- To-Do Lists to track my accomplishments
- An Activities List for leisure activities
- A Me-Time List for personal relaxation and family interaction.
- Alarm clocks and timers to maintain focus during projects.
I’ve divided the elements in my planner to differentiate between work tasks, creative pursuits, and personal relaxation. This process requires breaking old habits and forming new ones, aligning with my theme of detachment.
Chapter 2: Realizing My Dreams
The first video titled "Wild Deuces at the Hoppin' Around Goes Retro #7" captures the essence of spontaneity and creativity in life. It showcases how embracing unexpected moments can lead to vibrant experiences.
The second video, "Deuces Wild Official Trailer #1," serves as a reminder of the wild adventures that await when we dare to pursue our passions. It underscores the importance of living fully and authentically.
I aspire for 2022 to be a year of productivity and realization of dreams. I am aware that achieving meaningful goals requires hard work—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I also recognize that challenges will arise, and I will embrace those days by prioritizing activities and personal time. Ultimately, I will trust in the Universe to guide me on this transformative journey.
©2022 Lori Carlson. All Rights Reserved.