Day 403: Keeping Going

by ashleighpenrod

This is technically the 403rd day of this blog, which – according to my mindset when I started blogging 403 days ago – means that yesterday should have been the last day.

But, like David Bowie once said, time may change me, but I can’t trace time (that’s not exactly the point I’m trying to make here, but… you get it). I started this with the intention of blogging every day until December 31, 2013. I made it until March 29, 2013. Then I slowed down and it was a good choice.

Things ch-ch-change. Instead of closing up shop, I’ve decided that 402 will persevere until the end of time (or until I no longer have an internet connection or a computer or any lists to write or interesting people to learn about).

So in honor of keeping going, I made a list. It’s not a list of 2014 resolutions or pledges. It’s not lofty or necessarily aspirational—it’s just a checklist. Of small things that are do-able every day, like “brush your teeth” or “put on pants.” These are easy.

To Do (Each Day)

  1. Smile when you wake up (even if it doesn’t come naturally and you’re just moving your face around).
  2. Be kind.
  3. Breathe first. Then react.
  4. Walk around with bare feet.
  5. Take a breath of outside air halfway through the day (no matter how cold, rainy, hot or dry it is out there).
  6. Admit that you don’t know something.
  7. Make an effort.
  8. Slow down.
  9. Put your phone away at night.
  10. If you didn’t get to it today, let it go. Then do it tomorrow.