Sunday, March 4, 2012

22 Things - Creative Change Challenge

Sometimes life seems way too BIG. Sometimes we feel stuck, wishing we could change things, but not knowing how to start. We've all been there, all said things like:

If only... I wish... Some day I'll...

It's so easy to get mired down with every day life. With the I Want It NOW mentality that our society seems to have embraced, it's frustrating when we know what we want, but we are too impatient to wait. Too scared and overwhelmed to take the first step.

I'm speaking from experience here people. Impatience has caused a great deal of stress in my life. I've been spending years trying to run without learning first how to walk. Hell, even before I've learned to crawl. I want to change my life, but I'm paralyzed by the daunting task ahead. 

It was in the midst of this internal struggle that 22 Things was born. Call them baby steps, call them what you like, but in essence it's about focusing on what we can do, not what we can't. So that's just what I did. I made a list of things I can do right now. When a bunch of small changes are combined, they lead to BIG things and BIG changes!

How Does It Work? 
22 Things is a Creative Change Challenge. By signing up, you are announcing to the world - and more importantly yourself - that you are breaking free of the long standing idea that in order to make changes in your life, you have to do BIG things. 22 Things is about making a list twenty-two small steps you can take - right now - to change your life.

How Do I Join?
Easy!

First, sign up using the handy Mr. Linky's Magical Widget at the bottom of this post. Include your blog URL so we can all visit your site. This is all about sharing and inspiring others.

Second, make a list of 22 small things you can do right now. Forget the BIG stuff. Don't worry if you don't have a theme in mind, in fact it's probably better if you don't! Let your intuition dictate what's important to you.

What's Next?
So you've signed up, great! You've got your list, awesome! Now what? Well, three things:

1. Grab the lovely badge for your blog, because BLING makes everything better!

2. Follow my blog for updates on 22 Things.

3. Blog about your experience. I encourage you to blog at least once a month on your small step journey. Each month I will post a theme. Yes, yes I know. I just finished saying forget a theme, forget the BIG stuff and I mean that. BUT, I strongly believe that we need to re-evaluate our lists from time to time. As we accomplish an item, we can replace it with a new item. Life is not static, therefore are lists shouldn't be either. The general themes will help spark ideas. Use them, or not, it's your choice. Use the tag #22Things on Twitter.

Grab this badge for your blog

Below is my list of 22 Things. Notice that they're small things. Instead of listing 'get published' I wrote 'keep writing'. Maybe next month I'll add 'enter a contest'.
  1. Register for a university course
  2. Buy art supplies and play!
  3. Keep writing
  4. Keep editing
  5. Look for workshops and lectures on topics that interest me.
  6. Network.
  7. Read more.
  8. Have fun.
  9. Be self aware and mindful of the world around me.
  10. Talk to my supportive friends and family.
  11. Enjoy the time I have and be positive.
  12. Have faith in the Universe.
  13. Sing and dance for no reason.
  14. Blog about my journey.
  15. Listen and learn more.
  16. Have patience and meditate.
  17. Take risks to boost confidence.
  18. Accept and allow myself to make mistakes.
  19. Realize life is all about the journey. It's not a race to the finish.
  20. Remember it's never too late to change things.
  21. Remember there is always hope. 
  22. Try new things without fear.
My hope is that this challenge will inspire you to take those first steps. To overcome that sense of fear and apprehension. Have fun, be creative, share and inspire others and check in with yourself often. Remember it's all about the small things here!

Special thanks to Benji Todd for his amazing artwork for the badge!

32 comments:

Meghan said...

Such a great idea Angie! I've already got my first list done and will share with everyone soon. My compliments to Benji as well — love the badge!

Angie Richmond said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I'm on board. :)

Angie Richmond said...

YAY! Thanks Meghan and Dan. I'm excited to take the small step journey with you both :)

Sara Leggeri said...

This will be fun. Count me in!

Angie Richmond said...

Welcome aboard Ellie and Sara!

Tracy McCusker said...

Look at me, joining up before I have my list! I'm quite sure I can come up with a list of 22 big things. Small things? Quite the task!

Angie Richmond said...

Woo! Way to go Tracy! You can totally do it :)

Unknown said...

How could I not participate in anything you run? Count me in like flynn! :D

Angie Richmond said...

Thanks Anna!!

Kern Windwraith said...

What a terrific idea for a challenge! You are made of awesome, Ms. Angie. I'm in! Will post about it on my blog as soon as my brain returns to its rightful position in my noggin.

Bullish said...

Well, I did this all cattywompus and linked before drafting a list, but I wanted to get my boot in the door!! :)

Angie Richmond said...

Welcome aboard Anna, Kern and Ruth! Let's all take those small steps together!

Steven Paul Watson said...

I'm in, but it'll be a few days before I post my 22. Maybe even the weekend.

Angie Richmond said...

YAY!! So glad you signed up Steven :)

Meg said...

thank you for inspiring us miss!

Angie Richmond said...

Thank YOU for joining, Meg!

Anonymous said...

I'm IN! Can't wait to get started! Thanks!!

Angie Richmond said...

YAY! Welcome abroad Diann. Your list is wonderful!

Diane Fordham said...

Hi Angie, I've given you a 'Sunshine Award' with a link to your blog :-)

Angie Richmond said...

Thanks so much Diane! I'll go check it out :)

Moira said...

22...?I guess I will have to start with one...!

Angie Richmond said...

Start small! If you can't get 22 right away no worries! thanks for joining Moira :)

Stephanie said...

I did the challenge - better late than never, right? ;)
I love your number 12! Faith is a journey in itself.

karmacoy said...

I finally figured the badge thing out, Thanks Angie!

karmacoy said...

Oh, and I did post my List a few days ago, too! looks like I neglected to mention that here in the comments. I am enjoying checking out others lists, slowly but surely trying to get to all of them! Some nice lists and goals for sure!

Angie Richmond said...

So glad you managed to get it to work! Great list :)

Angie Richmond said...

Stephanie it is never too late to join! Welcome!

Unknown said...

I finally done did it! :D

Angie Richmond said...

Yay!!

Anonymous said...

I love this idea! Thanks for posting :o)

Angie Richmond said...

Oh, well thanks for signing up Kelly!!

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