So I officially started my 7 journey today.  For the next 30 days I will eat nothing but chicken, whole wheat bread, black beans, spinach, tomatoes, oranges and cheese.  Today went really well until I ate a piece of chocolate from the candy bowl at work.  Totally forgot about the whole thing until I was savoring the taste of chocolate and went "O crap."

I've been sharing with folks at work about this seven months of living with less - of drastically reducing what I eat, wear, and consume on a daily basis.  They probably think I'm a little crazy.  I guess they could be right.  I'm in the middle of some life changing decisions.  I'm quitting my job (my last day is Wednesday), so I can find something that gives me more time  with my daughter, Eleanor.  I also shared with a couple of colleagues that I might be interested in going back to school - divinity or seminary.  (Let's keep this between us, since I've not discussed this interest with Hugh with any seriousness.  He might divorce me if I tell him I'm going to go back to school again.)  And to top it all off, I'm only eating seven foods for the next 30 days.  Yep, probably crazy.  Am I in the midst of a mid-life crisis?  I don't think so, I actually feel more at peace right now than I have in months (maybe years). 

This 7 adventure came just at the right time for me.  I prayed this morning that I would make the most of this experience.  The goal is not to do something gimicky, the goal is to reduce in order to make room for God to work and reveal his plans and purposes for my life.  I am in simplification mode.  My hectic schedule has to slow down.  I need to learn the value of delayed gratification.  I need to find ways to receive less and give more.  This is some of what I hope to get out of the next 7 months.  Here I go!


P.S. I just heard about a book written by a guy from Atlanta.  It's called "The Power of Half: One Family's Decision to Stop Talking and Start Giving Back."  I'm going to download it this week.  Definitely sounds like it fits right in with the theme.  

P.P.S. I'm already asking for a reprieve.  My boss is coordinating a going away dinner for me on Tuesday night.  I made the call that I would call off 7 for the evening and enjoy the meal with friends and colleagues.  Hope the group supports me in that decision.  I admit, I feel a bit guilty about it.