Thirty one days. On August 1st I made a snap decision to make a video for every day in August. I didn’t know when I began just how hard it would be to “get it together” and share a piece of my life every day. I didn’t know how much I would dread trying to think of something to say in those moments.
You see, about a year and a half ago I closed a healing arts studio. A place I had created because I wanted to create an open and supportive community for people to learn and grow in the little conservative town of Jersey Shore in central Pennsylvania. I failed. I mean like really, really failed. I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into. I didn’t understand how challenging it would be. At the time, I felt as if the little town had rejected me.
Since the closing, I have mostly kept to myself. I put a nice protective barrier around myself. We all do it don’t we? Being vulnerable is scary business. But you know what? It has been the most empowering thing I’ve ever done.
What can be accomplished in 31 days? In August, my 31 day VEDA journey forced me to open up and be real and sometimes quite boring for my viewers. It was really difficult sometimes. In the next month, September, I made the conscious decision to get out and be social. What fun that has been! It’s led me to meeting new people, making new friends. Now it’s October and it’s time to get back to this weekly blogging/vlogging business.
So tell me, what can you accomplish in 31 days? Make the conscious decision now to do it. It doesn’t have to be ‘big’. Some of the most profound changes happen when we allow a gentle shift to flow. What will be your gentle shift? Your first step?
“Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Lao Tzu
If you missed my candid daily August Vlogging Challenge or just want to revisit, here is a quick summary.
Day 1 Introduction to VEDA Boring… skip this one.
Day 2 Loneliness vs. Solitude Take a walk with me.
Day 3 Examining what is right about Life The joys of everyday life.
Day 4 I tried something new today! Jumped out of my comfort zone for this.
Day 5 Be Still Self care in nature.
Day 6 Making Wholesome Food Choices Why I switched to a Raw Vegan lifestyle.
Day 7 A Conversation with my Feet Earthing because I don’t want to be on camera.
Day 8 How I Meditate Simple steps to meditate.
Day 9 The Moustached Lady I was a hairy kid.
Day 10 What I’m Reading A sampling of my book collection.
Day 11 Let Yourself off the Hook Giving myself permission to take a break.
Day 12 I almost let myself off the hook AGAIN Coping with the aftermath of suicide.
Day 13 Self Care with the Family A visit to the chiropractor.
Day 14 Visit a State Park RB Winter State Park.
Day 15 New Friendships Being open to new friends.
Day 16 Why I’m a Retreat Coach My views on what a women’s retreat is all about.
Day 17 A Listening Angel I learn the best lessons just by spending time with friends.
Day 18 Writing Letters The lost art of writing letters.
Day 19 Turning in Early I wanted to wake up with the birds.
Day 20 Planning our next solstice retreat! What would you like to see at a Winter Solstice Retreat?
Day 21 A first time for this! My first visit to a tattoo shop.
Day 22 A Random Ramble My thoughts on allowing myself to be free.
Day 23 Back to School Shopping & County Fair Just a peek into a summer day with the Rockwells.
Day 24 What is your favorite type of vacation? How I recover from a day of shopping.
Day 25 One Can Make a Difference And that means you!
Day 26 Crazy Nails & Sophie Shout Out A manicure from my daughter and shout out to a special viewer.
Day 27 Make Friends with a Tree Connecting to the simple pleasures of being outdoors.
Day 28 Camping & Vegan Chocolate Hills Creek State Park and chocolate!
Day 29 Yurt Tour A PA State Park yurt tour.
Day 30 Camping is Good Medicine Camping was just what I needed to retreat and rejuvenate.
Day 31 Love My takeaways from the 31 day challenge.