“Good morning! How’s it going? Good. You can sit anywhere you like.”
“Can I go back to the car?”
Go slowly, but never backwards. Slowly, deliberately, I would attend this orientation seminar for new students. Yet quickly would my mind wander as I weighed my options. This university, my sister chose as the previous one lacked community- a major factor in many realms.
My company, other than my sister today includes the compact point-n’-shoot from Olympus, the note pad I acquired at Bob Slate’s and a ITOYA Blade pen- all I needed to record a memory, today’s journey. I could not match the MC’s enthusiasm, the associate dean of students. I didn’t feel at home- I was far from Olympus.
With the conclusion of the title by James Clear came an accomplishment- I finished the book with frameworks on how to develop and discontinue behaviors. My only takeaway was synonymous with the late rapper Nipsey Hussle’s leitmotif.
“The marathon continues.”
Despite my consistent efforts, many obstacles stand in the way. Even upon completion of the reading, I don’t necessarily feel much different than when I began- the idea behind atomic habits themselves. Tiny changes. Remarkable effects. I could certainly attest to that, as I typed my thoughts frantically in a race against time and myself to complete the one task, not “break the chain” of consistency in my efforts. Each task I strove to complete was “another vote” for the identity I aspire to. The book itself wasn’t a checkmark to tick off, thought I’m pleased I finished viewing all the new text the author offered- it was part of a larger process.
Use the lens of photography to view life, focus on examples new and old from any and everywhere. Take the steps within texts to prove their promise- could I get rich? Become invincible under the sun? Stop picking my nose and write more chapters to my long-awaited novel?
Only time would tell- and with 8 minutes left before my self-imposed deadline, it says “Now.”
Post Summary
- My sister's orientation almost stopped today's post.
- Finishing a book wasn't the end of the text, just a new beginning to understanding.