Discover a Quest

Discover a quest. After thirty one days of discovery, I hope you have learned something new about yourself. I hope that you will choose to include adventure in your daily life. Chris Guillebeau defines a quest as, "...a journey toward something specific, with a number of challenges throughout." We've spent the last month together finding ways to embrace discovery through individual challenges. My final challenge to you is to reflect on the Discovery Journal you have created. Jot down a few changes that you want to incorporate in your life, and continue on that exciting path. The mother of author H. Jackson Brown has been attributed to this sentiment, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."  Begin your quest today.

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Discover Change

Discover change. To quote my favorite childhood president, John F. Kennedy,  "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." For many of us change is something not always welcomed. However, the reality is that change happens. Sometimes we have control over that change, and sometimes we don't. This is where discovering change comes into play. Don't be so reluctant to change. Don't be so set in your ways that you allow the discoveries that change might bring to pass you by. Change doesn't always have to be something earth shattering. Rather simple, small changes might be just what you need to add a little more novelty to your life. Keep your eyes, and your heart open to change.

Challenge: Think about an area in your life that you have been considering changing. Using your Discovery Journal list ways you can accomplish this. Choose one step and get started.

Discover Discomfort

Discover discomfort. Now this may sound odd. Who would willingly choose discomfort over comfort? But take the advice of motivational speaker Brian Tracy, "Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new." Not only discover discomfort when it comes to trying new things, discover that discomfort is not the end of the world. Learn to just go through those moments, and allow yourself the time  it takes to adjust to your new circumstances. Rarely is discomfort something that should hold you back from attempting. The value of the growth involved makes the discomfort all worth the effort. Think about something you gave been wanting to do, but have been holding back. Know that you may feel a little uncomfortable, but push yourself forward to the challenge.

Challenge: List three things you have been considering doing, but have had some reservations about because it was outside your comfort zone. Choose one and get started. Journal daily about your discomfort. See if your feelings change along the way.

Discover Uncluttering

Discover uncluttering.  I love the quote by Alexander Pope, "Order is heaven's first law." Clutter seems to be a constant battle. I know at times many of us have thrown our hands up and surrendered to its powerful pull. However, discovering a way to keep your clutter at bay might be just worth the effort. One of the best, but not always easiest ways, is just not to own too many possessions. If you stop bringing items in you have fewer to manage. If possible don't invest in storage containers, rather find a way to rehome items you no longer use. Things that are easy to replace, and are used infrequently might be a good place to start. Discover that when your environment has some order you might find that you feel more peaceful as well. Now this is all relative, and you need to discover what level of uncluttering that works for you. But you might just be surprised at the benefits of uncluttering.

Challenge: Choose one small area, like a drawer. Empty it completely, and go through each item. Only keep the things you really like. Record your feelings in your Discovery Journal. How did you feel during the process? How do you feel now looking at the uncluttered drawer?

Discover Expression

Discover expression. The human heart and soul seems to crave a vessel for expression.  Author Oliver Bowden believes that, "Self expression is a vital part of understanding life, and enjoying it to the full." As children expression seems as natural as breathing. Free from the constrictions of judgement children literally dance through their days unaware that they shouldn't. Discover in your adult years a way to express yourself. Use your words, your writing, your voice, your music, your culinary arts, your humor, your body, your painting, your doodles to name more than a few. In the end you will have shared with the world your gift, your uniqueness, the mere fact that you existed. Resist the urge to quiet your expression. Share it with the world.

Challenge: Choose a vessel for expression. If it can be recorded in your Discovery Journal do so. If not, record your thoughts about your experience. How did it make you feel? How can you make more room in your life for expression?

Discover Knowledge

Discover knowledge. Knowledge is an accumulation of facts acquired through experience or education. Science fiction writer, Frank Herbert, of the Dune series professes, "The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand." Now I know that not everyone holds the same level of enthusiasm for knowledge that I do. However, with today's information explosion and easy access to resources there is no reason not to expand your knowledge base. Discovering new information can be both fascinating and fun. As an elementary school teacher I always loved to hear these words, "Did you know?" Children are natural discoverers of knowledge. They are like sponges when it comes to learning. Take advantage of discovering new things in many areas of your life. Your added knowledge will allow you to be more informed and to speak with more authority about things you know. 

Challenge: In your Discovery Journal brainstorm a list of areas you would like to know more about. Check out You Tube for videos that go along with one of the subjects you picked. Jot down three new learnings.

Discover a New Path

Discover a new path. Are you bad about always taking the beaten path?  I know I am. However, I like the words of scientist and salsa dancer Erol Ozan, "Some beautiful paths can't be discovered without getting lost." I remember when I was in second grade I decided I would try a different way home. I remember the thrill of trying something new. Although my neighborhood was perfectly safe, it seemed a daring thing to do. As children the thrill of discovery comes easy. As we age we seem to follow that same well worn path. Perhaps that is more out of convenience than anything else. Try a new route home today. Pay attention as you drive by as to what new things you can discover. Never allowing yourself to seek out a new way, a different way may prevent you from an amazing new discovery just around the corner.

Challenge: Take that new way home today. Make a mental note of a few new discoveries. Record these in your Discovery Journal. Make a point of trying out one of your new discoveries.

Discover Your Past

Discover your past. "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots," are the words of publisher Marcus Garvey.  Take the time to discover a little bit about your past. Spend an afternoon with an older member of your family asking them to recount stories that they know about your family's roots. Look through family photo albums to put a face to a name. Check out your local library for any genealogy resources they may have. You could even locate a genealogy class in your community. There are on-line resources available that make family documents available to you. How deep into this research you want to go is certainly up to you. However, knowing a little of your family history gives you a heritage to take pride in. Discover yours today.

Challenge: Use your Discovery Journal to create a family tree. Begin with those family members that you already know. Try to go back one generation more using available resources. If available sign up for a trial membership with an online resource. Play around with the site and see what you can discover.

Discover the Library

Discover the library. Now for those of you who love to read this is a no- brainier. If you are like me  you've been visiting the library your whole life. But, if it's been a few years or even a life time you might be surprised what you can discover at the libraries of today. In addition to the tried and true books, libraries now have extensive DVD collections that rival the old video store days all for free. If you're interested in discovering new types of music there is a plethora of CD's available for the choosing. Love to cook? All the latest cookbooks are ripe for the picking. Love to travel? Not only do they have travel books, they have whole collections housed in backpacks to help you plan that trip of a lifetime. Looking for a place to entertain your preschooler? Weekly storytimes provide a completely free way to entertain your child. While there pick up a few gently used children's books from the Book Nook to add to your child 's collection. As for you, beach reads abound all for about a dollar. If you are needing to use a computer, take a computer class, get help on a resume, or join a book club the library is hard to beat. Discovering the modern library may be just what you need to enrich your days.

Challenge: Check out your local library on line first. Make a list in your Discovery Journal of things that might interest you and your family. Plan a visit to the library and start making it a part of your weekly routine. 

Discover Real Food

Discover real food. Julia Child once said, "You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces- just good food from fresh ingredients." Discovering real food is not only a healthy alternative, it can be an adventure as well. First begin by checking out the ingredients of food in your pantry. It won't take you long to discover that there are many ingredients you have never heard of and cannot pronounce. Start looking for fewer ingredient foods at your local grocery store. Compare one item with another and before long this will become second nature to you. Try to do the majority of your shopping around the perimeters of the store. Discover new foods in the produce department that you have never tried. A quick check on the internet will help you discover new ways to prepare these foods. Adding some fresh ingredients to old standby recipes will make all the difference in flavor. You may be surprised as to how well you feel when you start eliminating some of these processed foods and replace them with real food.

Challenge: Find a time to check out a grocery store known for its healthy food choices. Consider this a field trip of sorts. In your Discovery Journal write down the names of foods you find that sound like something you might like to try. Choose one item, and when you return home look for a new recipe using that ingredient. You may want to choose one new item each month to try at home.

Discover Through Play

Discover through play. Psychiatrist Stuart Brown is the modern day guru for play. His words are, "Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities." When we first think about play we are naturally drawn to the play of children and young animals. Play is how they learn about the world around them. It gives them opportunities to try on different hats as they grow and mature. It allows them to flex their creativity muscle and express themselves. So why is it that as we mature we suddenly don't seem to think that play is important anymore? What I love about play is that it doesn't just fall under one heading. If you are drawn to music, plucking out a tune on the guitar is play. Coloring a picture with colored pencils is play for others. Joining in a volleyball game is play for those who enjoy more physical activities. Discover what is fun for you and start including play in your everyday life. You will discover a richer existence and you'll just have more fun!

Challenge: Think back to when you were ten years old. What kinds of play did you participate in? Make a list in your Discovery Journal. Then write down ways you could encorporate play into your adult life. Choose one thing off your list and go for it. Write down how it made you feel. If it brought back some childhood memories it's probably a keeper.

Discover A New Way

Discover a new way. It's easy to always stick to the tried and true; to continue to do something because you've always done it that  way. However,  scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi states. "Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen, and thinking what nobody has thought." For years people made hard boiled eggs by boiling them in water. In fact, I don't think anyone thought there was any other way to do them. But one day on the internet I noticed that someone recommended baking an  egg rather than boiling it. We tried it and voila hard boiled eggs that were creamier with a less sulfery taste. Who knew? Discovery includes looking for new ways to do old things. The results might just be pretty darn amazing. If you haven't tried baking an egg yet you just might want to give it a go.

Challenge: Think of something that you do every day. Do a quick search to see if there are alternative ways to accomplish the same goal. Jot down in your Discovery Journal the steps needed to accomplish it.  Give it a try. Think of something else you could try differently.

Discover Big Goals

Discover big goals. I love this quote by Norman Vincent Peale, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."  Sometimes we sell ourselves short when it comes to goal setting. We never really stretch ourselves. We are guilty of overestimating what can be accomplished in a short period of time, and yet vastly underestimating what can be done in a longer period. This experiment in posting for thirty one days in a row over one topic is a big goal for me. At the end I will have accomplished a task that required accountability and persistence. But, oh how I have enjoyed the challenge. Writing about one topic is different for me as I usually am inspired to write about many things. However, the discipline required has helped me really hone in on one thing. Discover your big goal. Choose something that is not easily attainable, set your focus and go. Give yourself some kind of accountability to help track your progress. I think you will discover the pleasure of doing something well.

Challenge: Write down two possible big goals in your Discovery Journal. Perhaps even use a large font to serve as a visual reminder. Choose one and set your plan in motion. Make sure to be specific and give yourself a deadline. When you have accomplished your goal go back and jot down a few reflections about the experience. Even if you fall short,  journal about that as well. What did you learn?

Discover Through a Mistake

Discover through a mistake. In his attempts to invent a working lightbulb, Thomas A. Edison stated, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This attitude allows for attempt and failure, but also allows for perseverance. Trying something new for the first time may not result in perfection. But, it does allow for mistakes, which can catapult growth. I find this to be true in cooking. Each time I make a mistake I learn a better way for the next time. As a college student I delivered flowers part time, and found that whenever I got lost I would often times have a delivery in that now familiar area of town soon after.  Use your mistakes as a time of discovery. What did you learn? What could you do better next time? Don't shy away from making mistakes because their
lessons are invaluable. Remember the words of James Joyce, "Mistakes are the portals of discovery."

Challenge: Use your Discovery Journal to do a mistake review. Choose a mistake and give it a little analysis. What did you learn? Replay, that experience again and decide what you could do differently. The only problem with a mistake is continuing to make it over and over again. Learn from your mistakes.

Discover Nature

Discover nature. Aristotle says it best, "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."  In our part of the world summer heat holds on through September. But, oh how glorious is October. The cool air is perfect for nature walks. Now you may not live close to a hiking trail or a state park, but you would be surprised how much of nature can be discovered right in your own neighborhood. It's just a matter of taking the time to find it. Early morning walks greet you with birds chirping, the sun shining and fresh, cool air.  Squirrels might be scampering in hopes of locating a few more acorns before that first snowfall.  Leaves begin to change into their vibrant best, and brightly colored mums are the flower of choice on front porches. There is something about nature that lifts the soul. Nature has a way of inspiring you to continue down that path you have may been neglecting. Nature inspires you to love, and give, and appreciate. Discover nature this autumn.

Challenge: Take that neighborhood walk, and record your findings in your Discovery Journal. Write a paragraph of hope for the coming months. Discover a park in your community you have never explored. Make a date on your calandar to check it out.

Discover a Cause

Discover a cause. Are you familiar with the name Blake Mycoskie? How about his company Tom's Shoes? This is the company where when you purchase a pair of shoes they donate a pair to a person in need. Mycoskie the founder of Tom's believes, "Anyone can make a difference, so you don't have to have it be some huge, global campaign...you can start small, and that's just as important." That's exactly what a group of mothers in my local community did. Concerned about children being hungry over the weekend, they organized through donations and the local schools a way that children could bring home easy to prepare food in their backpacks. Once the word got out, what started off small in one or two schools, now serves several. Discovering a cause that you can support through time, talent or treasure is a way to add depth to your everyday life. I like the idea of starting small-you don't have to spend all your time on this endeavor. Just like drops in a bucket, everyone working together allows the cause to expand. Look for ways in your life that you can discover a cause.

Challenge- Jot down categories of interest in your Discovery Journal. Look for organizations that you could support. Choose one to get involved with. If you don't find one, but see a need, in what way could you help?

Discover Resourcefulness

Discover resourcefulness. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle has become the mantra of our day. In our easily disposable world it is common place to just throw things away. Discover a different way. Challenge yourself to be resourceful. Resourcefulness was all our forefather's knew. Things were not easily replaced, and necessity became the mother of invention. The easiest of these three things is recycling. All it takes is a little time to do your part. Imagining a landfill full of water bottles or K cups inspires me to recycle. Look for ways to reduce your use of something. Cloth napkins instead of paper, refillable K cups, dryer balls vs dryer sheets are all ways to use less of something. Perhaps the most fun and creative choice is reuseing.  Look for ways to reuse something before you throw it out. Many containers are perfect storage for items around the house , and Pinterest is full of ideas. Discover these three actions, and not only will you be helping the environment, you will be saving money, and being creative as well. Make resourcefulness a new part of your life.

Challenge: Divide a page in your Discovery Journal into three sections. Label Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Check to see which items your city accepts for recycling and make a list of things you can contribute. Write down one thing you use on a daily basis that you could reduce the amount of. Choose one thing to reuse, and write down three possibilities for its use. 

Discover Questioning

Discover questioning. "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning," These are the words of Albert Einstein. Sometimes it is easy to just accept things as they are; to never question why? Discovering questioning opens the door to finding new ways. Often times we continue to do the same thing, the same way, throughout our life; never questioning why we do the things we do. Now, I suppose this may not actually be a bad thing, but what if through questioning you might find a better way, an easier way, a more enjoyable way? Take the time to start questioning. Look for different ways to do things. Ask others how they do things, and perhaps give a few a try. A questioning mind is a curious mind. Curiosity leads us to look for innovation and ways to improve. Choose to be open to questioning.

Challenge: Think of some simple every day things you do. In your Discovery Journal jot down one question as to why you do something the way you do. Look for three different ways to do that one thing. Ask yourself if one of these ways is a better way. Challenge yourself to come up your own new idea.

Discover a Different Point of View

Discover a different point of view. Are you quick to judge? Are you sure that your way of thinking is the right way? What if there were more than one way to consider things? What if our rush to judgement was getting in the way of understanding. Take the time to discover a different point of view. Now I'm not saying that your point of view has to change after this. In fact, it may even be strengthened, but taking the time to explore this can result in understanding, compassion and empathy. It may also result in a change of heart and cause you to reach out and offer support where you may not have done so before. Reading, movies, and conversations can play an important role in this discovery.  Henry Ford believed, "If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own."

Challenge: In your Discovery Journal write down a point of view different from your own. Brainstorm as many reasons as you can as to why this person feels this way. Compare and contrast it to your own point of view. Are there any similarities? Have you changed your mind about anything? Is there anything in your point of view that you hold more strongly to than before? Try this anytime you come across a difference of opinion.

Discover Through the Eyes of a Child

Discover through the eyes of a child. Entrepreneur Jeff Bezos says, "There'll  always be serendipity involved in discovery." Children have a knack for this kind of thing. Perhaps it is their shorter stature that allows them to view the world from an entirely different angle than the rest of us. I remember a former student who immediately overturned a rock on a field trip exposing a hibernating snake. My own daughter stopped in her tracks at age three to smell a rose that was nose height. Children take such pleasure in the small, hidden treasures of life. If you get a chance, observe how a young child reacts with his world when not being rushed on to the next thing. Take a lesson from this wise being who literally takes in life and revels in its majesty. Choose to discover your world through these same eyes. Don't let something pass you by in your hurriedness. Accept the gift these young ones have to offer.

Challenge: Take the time to observe a young child as he or she reacts with nature. Take your own walk and observe three simple things. Jot down your observations in your Discovery Journal. If you feel inclined sketch what you have seen. Ask a question or reflect on a memory. Slow down your pace.

Discover Art

Discover art. Pablo Picasso believed, "The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls." Discover that art is a path to your expression, and not something reserved only for the highly gifted. How often have we used the excuse that we could not draw or were not very artistic? How sad to believe this and miss out on the joy that art invokes. Remember the excitement that new box of crayons brought? One way to discover art is through an art journal. An art journal is a bound representation of your creativity. It is important to keep in mind that there is not any one way to do this. If you love paint and messiness go for it. If you like precision and neatness there is a place for that, too. I enjoy collage and have used a combination of photos, mementos, quotations and colored scraps to make mine. Each page generally has a theme and is a fun way to collect my thoughts.  Over time you will have a whole collection of your unique art work. Don't allow your doubts to deny the discovery of art.

Challenge: Use your Discovery Journal to create an art journal page. Gather materials from around your home and combine them in a way to express your creativity. You might even want to use the theme "Discovery." If you enjoy this you might want to start an Art Journal of your own.

Discover Creativity

Discover creativity. The late Maya Angelou so aptly put, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." Discover creativity in your life. If I could choose the one thing that I encouraged most for my students, it was the opportunity for creativity. The mind is a marvelous thing and given a chance it really thrives on being creative. Know though, that creativity can be manifested in a host of ways. Don't be so quick to judge yourself as not being creative. Discover in your life that creativity is not all about writing a novel or painting a masterpiece. Rather, it is found in all the everyday ways that you solve your problems. When you substitute an ingredient in a recipe, or make do using what you have on hand, or come up with a quick fix for something that is broken, these are all ways to utilize your creativity. Start asking yourself what you can do about something instead of what you cannot do. Start brainstorming as many ideas as you can. You will be surprised at how your creativity shines through. Discover the excitement that creativity brings to your life, and how once you get started it really does produce more and more.

Challenge: Choose a minor dilemma that has been hanging over your head for a while. Use your Discovery Journal to brainstorm a few ideas. How can you solve your problem using what you already have? What small tweaks could you make that might make all the difference? List 5 ways to solve your problem. Then challenge yourself to come up with 5 more. Keep going until you have 25. Allow some of them to be outrageous. Before you know it you might have the answer to your problem right there before your eyes.

Discover Brain Power

Discover brain power. Writer A.N. Wilson wrote, "Brain power improves by brain use, just as our bodily strength grows with exercise." As important as it is to hit the gym or take that daily walk, it is equally important to exercise your brain. Of course, reading is a natural go to, but there are other things as well. Discover what you enjoy that challenges your brain. If numbers are your thing Sudoku might be right up your alley. If you are a word person, like me then a crossword puzzle can help shake the cobwebs out of your brain. For a music lover, discovering a new instrument may be the perfect choice for you. Learning a new language, learning how to knit or crochet, or learning how to play a new game are all ways to strengthen the neurological pathways of your brain. The old adage,
"Use it or lose it," holds true for your brain as well.

Challenge: Make a list of the type of things you find fun; words, numbers, music, games, languages, crafts to name a few. Choose a category and jot down three possibilities. Choose one and let the discovery begin.

Discover a Hobby

Discover a new hobby. I remember when I first retired I began looking for new ways to spend my time. One of the things I had always regretted was not learning how to crochet. My grandmother had tried to teach me years before, but I gave up way too soon because it felt awkward in my hands. I also knew that someday I would have a grandchild and that I would want to make him or her a blanket, and so my quest began. Between help from a friend, a really easy book, and you tube I was finally able to learn how to crochet. I spent hours in front of the television watching my favorite shows and crotcheting. It's actually quite relaxing. I made scarf after scarf until I felt confident in my stitches.  Discovering a new hobby is a way to stretch your abilities. It allows you to learn something new, to develop new skills, and to just enjoy yourself. With all the resources available online, it is just a matter of picking something you like and getting started. Remember to allow yourself a learning curve, and don't give up too soon like I did in my younger years. Discovering a new hobby may be just what you need to bring a little spark to your life.

Challenge: Use your Discovery Journal to make a list of three new hobby possibilities. Choose one and devote some time to researching it online. Make a trip to your local craft store and invest in what you need to get started. If you want, check to see if there is a class being offered in your area. Most of all have fun!

Discover Up Close

Discover up close. In today's modern world most of us have a camera attached to our phone and are readily snapping photos- perhaps even selfies. My hope for you is that you will take a few steps closer when you take these shots, and zero in on something up close. Now the reality is that you have to have a macro lense to get really close up, but a few steps closer will be fine. Start discovering life through the lense. As you compose your photo consider what part of it is really the most important. Try a few different shots from a few different angles. You will find that the quality of your photographs will improve considerably. Your subject is usually more important than your background. Although, finding that perfect background will definitely enhance your picture. You will be surprised at all the new things you can discover through the eye of your lense.  Discover up close today.

Challenge: In your Discovery Journal make a list of three places you could visit to photograph. Some suggestions might be an arboretum, a farmers' market or even a junk salvage shop. Take as many of your pictures close up as you can. If you would like to print out a few you could include them in your journal as well.

Discover Dedication

Discover dedication. Have you ever considered the things in your life that you are dedicated to?  Some people pattern their whole life around their dedication to a cause. I find this to be admirable.  It seems to elevate your life to a whole new level. If you are wanting more meaning in your day to day world you might want to rediscover the things that make your heart sing.  You might want to dedicate more of your time and energies toward this passion. If your dedication in some way helps others or makes the world a better place then all the better. It is easy to slip into a life based more on yourself than others.  It is easy to look out for number one.  However, the most meaningful things we do in life seem to reach out and touch others. Discover that dedication in your life.

Challenge: jot down in your Discovery Journal three things that quickly come to mind when you think about things you love. How can your life be more dedicated to these pursuits?

Discover Stillness

Discover stillness. It's hard to be still. Hard to slow down enough and settle our thoughts. Our mind is always racing keeping us from the sleep our body craves. But taking the time to be still can recharge our energies for the next hurdle. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed that we don't even know where to begin. Philosopher Lao Tzu taught, "Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear." Take the time to discover stillness in your life. Open the window and listen to the gentle breeze, and the the songs of birds. Slow down and stop trying to fix all your problems at once. Take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Just this small act may be enough to change your perspective about your circumstances, and allow you to go forward with fresh eyes.

Challenge: Set the timer for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Embrace the stillness. Record your observations in your Discovery Journal. 

Discover Your Own Way

Discover your own way. Gretchen Rubin, author of  The Happiness Project says,  "You can choose what you do, but not what you like to do." These words were powerful to me. They helped me discover that the things that I enjoyed doing for fun, might not be the same as someone else, and that was okay. Take the time to think about the types of activities that you enjoy. I found that one of my favorite things to do was taking notes about the things I was reading. At first I didn't really consider this a real activity, it was just something I found myself inclined to do. My discovery was that in my thirst for knowledge, I found it incredibly fun to write it all down. I also realized that few people, other than Gretchen Rubin and myself enjoyed doing so. Rubin also aspires to "Be Gretchen." I have taken these words to heart and have discovered that being true to my own nature brings the most satisfaction to my life. Stop thinking that your different way of doing something is wrong. Embrace your uniqueness.

Challenge: Make a list in your Discovery Journal of the things you do that makes time fly. Reflect on these activities and how you can incorporate them more in your life. Make an action plan and record three steps that will get you started on your path.

Discover Wanderlust

Discover wanderlust. J.R.R. Tolkien said, "Not all who wander are lost." The definition of wanderlust is a strong desire to travel. Now unfortunately most of us cannot just drop everything and travel at a moments notice. Sometimes our finances don't allow us to travel where we really want to go. Nonetheless the benefits of travel make it a worthy aspiration. We don't always have to travel far to see and experience new things. People we have never met are just around the corner. Becoming a tourist in your own town allows you to discover a wealth of experience without having to break the bank. It's not unusual for people to never get around to exploring the sights of their own hometown. Now with the internet it's quite easy to locate those gems around you. I always feel invigorated when I've traveled somewhere new. It seems to motivate me on my road to personal growth. Roman Payne said it best when he said, "To wander is to be alive."

Challenge: Choose a weekend to discover somewhere new in your town or a neighboring community. Record in your Discovery Journal your experience. Sketch or photograph your discoveries as well.

Discover Exploration

Discover exploration. Remember when you were in elementary school and learned about famous explorers like Christopher Columbus?  Did you ever think that you too could be an explorer and experience your own discoveries? Discoveries about the world around you or about yourself?  If you would like to explore this further, you might want to read a fun book entitled, How To Be An Explorer of the World, by Keri Smith. Smith spearheads a mission to explore your own world. She states that, "Everything is interesting." She includes thirteen examples of how to be an explorer. One of her tasks is an Archaeological Dig where you use a collection of objects that relate to your childhood. She has you write a brief story about each one. She even suggests recreating your childhood bedroom in
miniature. Author Wally Lamb states, "The seeker embarks on a journey to find what he wants and
discovers, along the way, what he needs." Take time to become a seeker and discover exploration.

Challenge: Find five objects that represent your childhood. Write in your Discovery Journal a brief story about each one. Check out How To Be An Explorer of the World on Amazon.

Discover with Fresh Eyes

I'm excited to announce that I am taking  part in a writing challenge called 31 Days. Each day in the month of October I will be posting on one topic; 31 Days of Discovery. I have been wanting to participate in this challenge ever since it began several years ago, and now that I have my own blog I can't wait to get started. Each day I'll share with you a new discovery and offer a challenge for you to consider. More than anything I would love to hear from you about your thoughts and would be honored if you would consider sharing this with your friends. Let's get started!

Discover with fresh eyes. I think French novelist Marcel Proust says it best, "The voyage of
discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." I think sometimes it is easy to
get caught up in our daily living and forget to really "see" what is around us. We keep thinking that maybe if we lived somewhere else or took an amazing vacation our life would be so much better. Take some time today to really look at what is around you. Discover something you have passed by
recently. Look at it with fresh eyes and allow it to fill you up.



Day 1 Challenge: Start a Discovery Journal. I like to use old fashioned composition notebooks. I have even used old greeting cards to decorate the front. This journal will be a record of your journey through the 31 Days of Discovery. Each day I will give you a brief assignment in hopes to encourage
your own discovery Find three ordinary things  and jot down what you haven't noticed about them

before.











Day 2: Discover Exploration
Day 3: Discover Wanderlust
Day 4: Discover Your Own Way
Day 5: Discover Stillness
Day 6: Discover Dedication
Day 7: Discover Up Close
Day 8: Discover a Hobby
Day 9: Discover Brain Power
Day 10: Discover Creativity
Day 11: Discover Art
Day 12: Discover Through the Eyes of a Child
Day 13: Discover a Different Point of View
Day 14: Discover Questioning
Day 15: Discover Resourcefulness
Day 16: Discover a Cause
Day 17: Discover Nature
Day 18:Discover Through a Mistake
Day 19: Discover Big Goals
Day 20: Discover a New Way
Day 21: Discover Through Play
Day 22: Discover Real Food
Day 23: Discover the Library
Day 24: Discover Your Past
Day 25: Discover a New Path
Day 26: Discover Knowledge
Day 27: Discover Expression
Day 28: Discover Uncluttering
Day 29: Discover Discomfort
Day 30: Discover Change
Day 31: Discover a Quest