So during the last few days of the lifestyle experiment pretty much went like this...
Wake up
Sneeze
Cough
Take meds
Drink tea, water, or gingerale
Repeat
In between that cycle I sent a few emails, answered a couple calls, and picked up all of my used kleenex of the floor! Yuck! Needless to say, my experiment didn't go as planned. Yet I can say that during a few clear moments I was able to reflect on what was really important to me. I thought about how many healthy days I haven't maximized to my potential. I can't get that time back....thankfully I BELIEVE that the best is yet to come.
Today, the day after the experiment I felt great! Still have a few symptoms...but I'm getting my groove back. Oh and that reminds me....perhaps I had another Aha moment! I slept A LOT during my battle with the flu and I was amazed at how refreshed I felt now that I've almost fully recovered. I think a part of me just needed to shut down for a little while too, my body was responding the stress I put it under. I realized that I often wait until I'm absolutely burnt out or things have gotten so chaotic before I take a break, and that's not healthy....its escapism. And so I also decided to plan a vacation. I haven't taken a full week long destination vacation in years! I'm so excited to plan my adventure!
Next, I will still work on the elements of the experiment, and of course along the way I'll be creating my NeoSoul Lifestyle!
I am completely overcome by the flu! My sleep lacks quality as the symptoms and thoughts of what I should be doing run through my head. I've heard the saying before "you health is your wealth"...ain't that the truth. This time has refreshed my memory that I should do what I can when I can...nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, right?! I know I certainly didn't anticipate being sick. Yes indeed, we need to make the most of what we have in life.
Sunday...the day of rest and now REFLECTION too. I've been off track with the flu, mostly sleeping and drinking gingerale :( While being sick inside I watched a few movie (of course in between naps) and frankly a few of them made me sad. I realized the importance of creating the right environment for myself...as it can seriously affect my mood. I'll be taking some more time to review my NeoSoul Lifestyle vision tonight. Honestly, it makes me a little nervous....this is going to take some work! These simple changes are tough! Yet, its worth it to go through this process to create the life I envision.
Its the weekend! I usually take this time to "get things back in order" because during the work my primary focus is work (I plan to change that too). I'm particularly looking forward to the FLOW component of the experiment!
To keep our energy flowing...here's a little inspirational clip from Will Smith:
So today we begin our lifestyle experiment! Looking forward to share my reflections with you and I hope you'll do the same. Many of you know that the evolution of my NeoSoul Lifestyle is about creative expression through travel, food, and MUSIC! Here's a little something to get you motivated....one of my favorites!
As a quick refresher, the monthly experiments are designed to empower you to take simple and practical steps to create your own NeoSoul Lifestyle...a life that honors your soul. Every month the experiment takes place the 1st through the 7th. It is my hope that by starting these exercises it will trigger you to SUSTAIN many of the practices throughout the month and beyond!
So, let's begin! Here's our April experiment...
DETOXIFICATION - In this component of the experiment we practice behaviors to cleanse our life. I always like to have a water element as a part of this process!
Make a glass of water your FIRST drink of the day and drink a glass with every meal
Turn off your computer, tv, and phone OFF one (1) hour before you go to bed
RESTORATION - Now that we have cleansed a bit, we now have room to restore something in our lives. And yes...I'm still keeping sleep as a part of the experiment :)
Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
Reflect on a positive habit/hobby that you have let go of and think of a way to bring it back in your life then DO IT!
FLOW - So we've detoxed the negative and restored the positive! Next is to create some new energy into your NeoSoul Lifestyle.
Yes you guessed it...keeping one of the previous exercises. Reflect on how your year is going so far. Are you on the path you visioned for yourself? Have you forgotten the plan? Does it need to be remixed? Does thinking about planning your life for the rest of the year give you a headache? Try planning the Spring season! Or just this month!
Create a lunch time experience....this means NO drive-thru fast food, NO eating at your desk, NO eating in front of the TV! Instead try new options like a new restaurant you've heard about, surprise your child at school, make a date with a special someone, find a place to listen to your favorite tunes or read a LEISURE book.
KARMA- As we live in this world and take better care of ourselves we are able to give to others. Simple and plain.
Give a compliment to a stranger (I can't tell you how many times this simple act has brightened my day!)
Send a "Thinking of You" package to someone that you haven't connected with (not including Facebook or Twitter) in a while. Send a card, a small "favorite" of theirs (candy, flower, CD, or gift card) and then set up a Skype session to get back in touch LIVE...you may want to send them a webcam as a gift if he/she doesn't have one :) ***You may want to do this exercise less than everyday...just make sure it is sincere and meaningful***
So, I hope you are ready and motivated! You can do this, and frankly...YOU DESERVE IT! The optimal experience of the experiment is to do each of the lifestyle element exercises DAILY April 1-7. But as Rev. Run says "Do your best, and forget the rest!"
And as always...I would love for this to be an interactive experience, so share your thoughts along the way!
You can also chat with me via Twitter @NeoLifeCEO and use the #NeoSoulXp hashtag!
