Living with less...

First, the cleanse - 

So technically it's been about three weeks since I started my cleanse BUT, let's be real, my cleanse ended about 30 minutes after it began. I learned something interesting about myself - the second I tell myself I have to do something, I don't want to do it; as soon as I tell myself I can't have something, regardless of how little I actually used or ate it before, I suddenly crave it. So, all in all, the non-doctor-recommended cleanse was a bad idea. I'm not saying cleanses are a bad idea, but apparently they are for me... especially when I'm accountable to no one but myself.

And then I realized... This was never meant to be such work. The only way a lifestyle change will stick is if it's somewhat enjoyable. I go to the gym eight million times a week because I enjoy it. Food likewise should be about pleasure. So yesterday, after three weeks, I finally let myself off the hook. Ironically, all I have wanted and had today is uber healthy food. Go figure.

So what's the next step? Like clockwork, my life magic has kicked in again. Every time I find my interest weening, boredom encroaching, or just the need for something new, life hands it to me. I'll admit, I have been feeling rather glum these last few days, a little bit of "what direction does poor little maya head in now?", and right on time, Oprah provided the answer (that's right, I proudly watch Oprah). Today's show was all about the things we can learn to live without in order to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. From this premise of unpeeling the layers in order to get at the substance, comes my next set of goals:

For one week starting tomorrow (Thursday):

• Absolutely zero TV. Matt will be very happy about this one.
• No computer after I leave work at 5. If you need me desperately, text or call.
• Give away ten things that I can truly live without.
• Live on a budget - $100 for the week (major grocery shop excluded).
• Brown bag lunch everyday (except tomorrow because I already have lovely lunch plans).
• More mindfulness about simplifying every part of my life.

Wish me luck... and feel free to join me in my ventures (I'll need things to talk about if I can't peruse the net all night long)!

mxo