Doing anything for 30 days can help build or break a habit. Those 30 days can pass by in the blink of an eye without being marked with something special in your own signature style OR you could be intentional with your time and fill them with something memorable and meaningful.  It will take desire and discipline.  It will take being Brave on the Narrows.  But, it is attainable and definitely worthwhile.

Often times it’s just easier to take the easy route—to avoid things that require persistence, self control, and obedience.  It’s more enjoyable and comfortable to eat the extra piece of cake, to watch the TV show, to lay down and take a nap, to have the glass of wine, to buy the dress or shoes, or to hop online & zone out on social media.  I’m not saying these things are bad, actually they are quite wonderful, fun, relaxing, and entertaining.  But,  if one of these things is a regular habit that you want to break, then it would be more beneficial to stop escaping from obedience and get serious about developing some skills.

I, myself, want to take a stand and develop some healthy habits. No, I’m not giving up my Del Taco carne asada spicy jack quesadillas, blueberry bagels, or love for all things bread and cheese.  I’m talking about developing patterns and lifestyle choices.  Perhaps its shutting the TV off at night and reading instead; waking up early to devote time for communing with God; exercising regularly; learning how to play an instrument;  painting; cooking; and/or sewing.  So, what habit would you like to build into your life?  Who would like to take a 30 day challenge and do the thing you want to develop into a habit (or get rid of a habit) for 30 consecutive days in a row.

My challenge for the next 30 days is to read the Bible daily and also, write 500 words a day. I want to grow as a writer and be in God’s word every day.  I will keep you updated on how this challenge goes.  My blog may be my outlet for writing 500 words a day, so I would love it if you would follow my blog.  My challenge will start tomorrow.  I will have to sacrifice things in order to make this happen; and in turn, I will perhaps develop some other new healthy habits and character traits along this journey.

This 30 day challenge was inspired by a TED talk I watched at a Special Ed Department Meeting this past school year. A man discussed that anyone can do a 30 day challenge; and he also communicated how it can give you more confidence and change your perspective on yourself and life.

Sounds like a good thing to me…

I think challenging ourselves is part of being Brave on the Narrows. I also think it’s important NOT to compare our challenge to someone else’s challenge.  We all have different gifts, talents, and capabilities.  It’s important to just aim for growth and success—to water our own grass rather than noticing how much greener someone else’s grass may appear to be.  It could be a challenge to try something new for 30 days or to quit a bad habit for 30 days.   Just don’t compare.  That’s not part of the challenge.  That does not promote growth, but rather hinders it.

“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”—-Iris Murdoch

Ok, friends, here’s to a 30 day challenge. Please take the challenge with me and let me know what you are going to do or not do.  It will make us stronger by building discipline muscles that may be experiencing some atrophy.  Let’s be Brave on the Narrows together.