5 Ways That I’ve Changed Since 9/7/10

The past 22 days have changed me.  I’m not yet sure the extent of this change and I’m not yet sure just how it’s changed me, but it has changed some key parts of my life.  I sincerely hope that when I wake up in my bed in Charlottesville next Thursday that some of these changes stick around for a while.  Here are five ways that I’ve changed since I left home on September 7th:

* I have a greater faith/spirituality.  God and I went thru a pretty nasty separation when mom was sick and and even nastier divorce after she died.  I’ve prayed/mediated/reflected/whatever you want to call it more in the past 3 weeks than I have in the previous couple of years combined.  It’s been incredibly comforting, especially during the moments of loneliness that I’ve felt.  I believe that mom is proud of my entire journey, but I KNOW she’s REALLY happy about this point… And Michael, you were right.

* I’m eating better.  There was a point in time when I was the ‘Mayor’ of the Taco Bell AND McDonald’s (at least according to Four Square) on 29 near Rio before I left.  Those days are gone.  I’m not saying that I have the BEST dietary habits now, but I’m not eating fast food on a daily basis and have tried all kinds of new, healthy foods that I’m now OK with eating!  Not to mention the effect that all the stories that I’ve heard have had on my desire to NOT eat horribly anymore!

* I’m spending more time outdoors.  It’s peaceful, meditative, and relaxing.

* I’m talking to strangers more.  Yes, I know that’s not ALWAYS the safest/smartest move, but I’ve seen a ‘new’ side of people on this trip that I hope to continue to see upon my return to Charlottesville.

* I’m going to continue to make positive connections out of negative ones.  While my birthday will come and go, the ’29 Days’ idea and everything that this past month has been about will continue and I’ll keep writing about it!

I’m excited to get home and then, a week or two after I get home, ask my friends if they’ve noticed anything different.  If the answer is yes, I hope it’s reflected thru some of the points above.  If no, then I’m going to be disappointed in myself.  Thanks again for everyone’s help and support – I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in the past 3 weeks and I’ve still got a week to go and lots of new connections to make!