What I love most about the No Comfort Zone Challenge is the week long duration. Each week I begin with something different and if I like what I did last week I find a way to incorporate into my life. And if I don’t like it, well, it’s only a week, right?
I had no idea that spending time in my basement away from my regular routine would lead to hot baths, quiet mornings and a more organized basement!
Last week, I challenged myself to read a book out of my comfort zone and … and boy oh boy did I pick a doozy. The nonfiction book called The Imperial Life in the Emerald City is an expose about the misadventures of the US occupation in Iraq after Saddam’s fall. As I read, my heart dropped and my disgust grew. The arrogance and deceit were evident everywhere you looked. My heart hurt to read it. So, good-bye book… I gave it a good try (6+ Chapters) but the leadership, greed and disregard for the citizens was too demoralizing.
A second book I have open and am reading is called The Happiness Project and it’s a study about …yes, you got it right — Happiness. Talk about two sides of a coin! Whew…
This week will be 30 minutes walking per day – outside. NO treadmill, track or elliptical machine. Out in the fresh air under the sky I love so much. I’ll let you know how it goes.
What do you plan to do?
Related articles
- NoCZ-12 Week 3 Update (margekatherine.com)
- My Happiness Project (mysubjunctive.wordpress.com)
- The Happiness Project – The Beginning (ccarretero.wordpress.com)
- Featured Shop: The Happiness Project (everything.typepad.com)
Happily ... after retirement 
Getting back to a space I love so much….quiet time in the morning before the house wakes up. Two days in and I’m remembering the sacredness of it. My days begin on a different note. More later in the week….
Love that you just chose to stop reading that book. I could feel the unpleasantness seeping in even as I read your words…and felt within myself that I’m not sure I could read a book like that. Kudos to you for understanding who you are and what is right for YOU.
Sending love…xoxo
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Great choice – I used to have a rule that once I started a book I had to finish it. Now that I am older I am much more cautious about what I allow into my brain. Hurray for you – sounds like you are feeding your brain much better stuff.
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There is nothing better than a walk outdoors to lift the spirit 🙂
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It is actually sunny here today and temps going up to 64!!! Strange at this time of year. So I plan to take a little walk this afternoon, even though I did my 30 mins. workout this morning along with the Leslie Sansone DVD Walk Away the Pounds.
I also limit the amount of negative things I read, watch, listen to. I believe it is better when we fill our minds, hearts, spirits with joyful thoughts and images which infiltrates the atmosphere, sending positives out to the world. It fills me with more peace and joy, which I send out to others.
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Hi,
I love walking early in the morning, it always seems so peaceful, we have a very nice walking area in a park that is not that far away, and I have a dog that demands to go walking, so just as well I do enjoy it. 😀
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Morning quiet is a gift we give and one that makes us wonder why we don’t do it more often! I am looking forward to reading your post about it.
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You are so right – Life is too short to read books that take me down and make me sad. There are too many other wonderful books and too little time!
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Let me tell you – my scarf came in handy today — boy was it windy during my mid-day walk! Brrrr!!
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Quiet moments of reflection are so sweet, aren’t they?
When I give myself time alone, I am truly honoring me and my space. And it feels wonderful!
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How wonderful that you and your dog have a daily date outside. Having a nearby walking area means – NO Excuses! Thanks for writing and happy walking!
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Yes it is so peaceful and helps us to empty out the crazy stuff. And resting with God,, giving thanks for his blessings makes the rest of my day even better.
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