Pacts

The pathway into the ‘Experimental Mindset’ is to make a pact with yourself.  One at a time, no multi-pacting.  A pact is not a generic or goal-based statement like, ‘I will write a book by Christmas’.  Rather, ‘I will write 300 words each weekday for 100 days’, just to see what happens.  Taking notes, recording observations of what happens along the way, not self-negating criticism, just data.  In this way, everyday life becomes experimental and curiosity rises out of the “Slough of Despond”.

Recently, to support someone, have committed to giving up a processed carbohydrate, one a week over eight weeks until the end of August.  Once given up, the carb is off limits for the whole eight-week period.  Week one was easy, carb was cake and I had Covid so, no problem.  Week Two, biscuits.  This is when extreme crankiness and complete lack of dog-lover tolerance started.  Week Three, Pizza.  This was a cheat as I have pizza once in a blue moon.  Week four started last Monday and it was crisps, but I added all carbs crunchy or doughy, such as chips, croissants, crusty rolls as I have observed my addiction and it is not pretty data. 

Currently, there are three main observations, just data, no shame – well a bit of shame, but that’s really only the first touch of Grace.  The week before I’m due to give up a carb, I buy it so I can have it before I give it up.  Lemming-brained.  Second observation is, I seek out carb alternatives every week.  Which is why I lost 2cm off my waist – the only measurement of the experiment – then put 2cm back on again, as bought chips and croissant because couldn’t have pizza, that I didn’t even want.

Third observation; the anger I’ve been avoiding feeling.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slough_of_Despond