Sneffels of Conviction

What's the Challenge?    Finally taking on a personal conviction that has been put on the back burner for too long.

Who's Invited to Participate?   Anyone with a gnawing sense of responsibility toward a particular cause or goal in their lives that has gone unheeded, until now.

What's the Point?   Because we've wanted to, perhaps for a long time, and have been looking for a reason to finally 'tackle the challenge', 'take the plunge' and/or, 'slay the beast' (however you want to look at your own daunting 'mountain to climb'); otherwise there wouldn't be that gnawing sense of 'I should be doing this, now!', would there?

How Else Can This Challenge Be Utilized?  This isn't your ordinary 'to do' list.  This challenge is addressing the issue that leaves you feeling you haven't been giving your own life your best effort.  We all have different issues, and each is a mountainous task (to us, anyway) to face.  If they weren't, we would've overcome them by now.  So.......

* When addressing your goal, think of getting family or friends involved.  If they understand this area that burdens you, they can better support you and possibly join in the undertaking in their own lives.

*Children have a very narrow view of life, so far.  If you have kids directly involved in your life, break off a little piece of your goal to share with them.

*If you need to approach this mountain alone, keep in mind that I'm climbing my mountain, too.  Many people are.  Address this attempt as personal, not lone.


To see the blogpost that inspired this challenge and to answer the questions of 'Why does this challenge have such a stupid name?' and 'What do mountains have to do with any of this?' visit Climbing Sneffels at www.crystalmwaring.blogspot.com.

Some tips to lead you forward:

*Whatever personal goal/conviction you are tackling, your efforts, defeats, and successes are your own.  No one achieves goals the same way as anyone else.  Whether someone did it faster or couldn't do it at all has no bearing on your own outcome.

*Conviction has a purpose.  It is a drive within ourselves to do what we know we should be doing or should have done.  Outside support isn't necessary for you to act on your own convictions.

*Often, there is more than one area in our lives that we want to approach with change or action.  Tackle each in its own time, with the first being the one that will aid most in achieving the others in their own turn.

*This change in your life doesn't have to have a deadline to its accomplishment (unless, of course, it's time sensitive).   Some goals involve a lifetime of change, with the growth of self being the ongoing challenge.  Pushing yourself too hard or jumping in headlong may well be your recipe for disaster.  Discouragement is often difficult to overcome so take your time to minimize its assurance.  In other words, take 'who you are' into consideration when approaching monumental goals.  If you need to take 'little bites' in other areas of your life, expect that approach to better serve you in this area.

Good luck, God speed and Congratulations!  (There is strength in optimism!)

The '2013, I Survived 2012 So It's Time To Rock My World' Challenge

What's the Challenge?    Creating a calendar on which to remember the highlights of the month; pics of friends, surprisingly wonderful weather, when uncle Dean had to have the pinto beans surgically removed from his nasal cavity, moments of inspiration, the new Victoria's Secret catalog arrived, Yay, you're pregnant!, Yay, you're not pregnant!......whatever good this year throws your way is to be captured and immortalized on this calendar.  To see the post that further explains the creation of this challenge visit www.crystalmwaring.blogspot.com 

Who's Invited to Participate?  Anyone who needs 2013 to be better than '12

What's the Point?    As a reminder that we aren't so easily beaten as to not be able to stand back up and find joy.  Essentially this is a practice in recognizing what is good in order to not have to work so hard in recognizing it in the future.  (Don't worry, it's an easy habit to fall into I'm told)

How Else Can This Challenge Be Utilized?  Do you have a family member or friend who is not so easily convinced that there is that much good in their lives?  Keep a calendar for them where you can prove through moments of silliness, warmth and the embarrassment of others that smiles can pervade their frowns, too.

Tips to get you started:

*Any blank 2013 calendar will be suitable as your canvas.  If, however, you don't like the monthly picture of different PNC bank locations just cover the picture little by little with select pics found in junk mail, store flyers or magazines, or just glitter glue the hell out of it!!  Here's a chance to use what you have lying around.

*I recommend that you use this calendar where you usually have your responsible grown-up commitments calendar of bill deadlines and dr's appointments.  If this moving this calendar stresses you out, try placing this new calendar on an opposite wall in the same room and possibly working toward switching their locations.  It will make for a nice surprise in the morning when you keep looking at the wrong one :)

*Don't try to look hard to find moments that are 'calendar worthy' 'cause then you're missing the point!  Simple, out of your control moments of pleasure are everywhere. Capture them!

*Don't make this a chore but something that stays in the back of your mind wherever you are.  Take mental notes or capture pics on your phone during the day. Use this calendar as something you look forward to seeing.

*Feel free to post in the comments section of this blog your favorite 2013 moments so far or how you've personalized this challenge!

A Letter To (A Higher Power)

What's the Challenge?   A wish list to the cosmos.  Let Santa, God, or the Universal Power know what's on your mind!!  Dig up some childish desires to unburden your heart of its weights for a while.

Who's Invited to Participate?  Everyone!

What's the Point? As a fun reminder that you are never too old to want the impossible, never too mature to wish for silly giggly things and never too strong to hope in a power stronger than yourself.

How Else Can This Challenge Be Utilized?  This makes a great family, classroom, Sunday School, scout troop, anyone anywhere project.  Or, use it in reverse as a personalized birthday or anniversary present: a list of memories made in the past year(s)

*Some tips for you before you begin*

*Decide on a number for your list beforehand  (I used 25 on mine for the days until Christmas.)  This will push you forward to really get those creative juices flowing yet keep you from missing work because you're having so much fun.

*If your imagination is a little rusty, make it easier on yourself by making wish lists for different rooms of your home (I'm partial to marshmallow walls in my kitchen, personally) or a list for a specific category ( your dream list of the 12 best light up sweaters you can imagine, perhaps.)


As always, I've put myself out there as the example so visit my blog Write For Life at www.crystalmwaring.blogspot.com for a giggle and a little more inspiration to get you going.  (Mine is in the form of a poem, but that's just me!)