Here we are in the first week of the Living Juicy Project, and already I’ve started some pretty serious soul searching.

This week’s theme is Procrastination. According to the theme, I’m writing my first Living Juicy Project post on the second day of the year. Actually, it was pretty ridiculous. I didn’t read the first page until 11:45 last night. Is it possible to plan procrastinating? And if so, why would anyone do it? I guess if you wanted to put off some soul searching…

January 1, Procrastinating- SARK writes some tough truths; that procrastination is part of being a perfectionist and having a low self-esteem. Essentially, if you always put things off, then you never ruin anything. Unfortunately that also means you don’t get anything done.

It’s hard. I don’t want to think I have a low self-esteem. I imagine myself bold and beautiful- like a soap opera star. But that facts are, particularly around my career, I definitely procrastinate. I do research on things for months before taking action. And I’m sure I’ve missed opportunities because I’m scared to start something and have it go wrong. Like if something went wrong, that would be proof that I wasn’t supposed to do it in the first place. So I’m stopped by the phantom mistake. It doesn’t exist. The only mistake I actually make is not trying anyway.

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January 2, Identifying Procrastination- According to SARK, some of the symptoms of procrastination are over-eating and over-sleeping. I’m sure I could add to that over-reading and over-watchingTVing.

In fact, I can even trick myself into believing my procrastinating is actually a good thing. I’m making a scarf for Person A, baking cookies for Person B, and helping Person C move. All the while, my own projects remain incomplete. But look how righteous I am? I did all these things for other people!

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It’s important to be gentle…It’s easy berate oneself for all the incomplete projects and missed opportunities. But you may have noticed, that doesn’t feel good and it certainly doesn’t help. Believe me, I spent a few pages chastising myself in my journal last night for my low self-esteem before I caught onto the the fact that I was hurting more than helping.

Right now, it’s enough just to notice and be aware. Yes, I procrastinate. Yes, that may be an indication of some things.

(Deep Breath) This is where I’m starting at. And that’s okay.

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Song to breathe by – Hard Time Killing Floor Blues by Chris Thomas King

A new year is just around the corner. Goodness, it’s almost been 10 years since Y2K, and it barely seems like any time has gone by- except I have all those memories (and a few pounds) I’ve gained. *grin*

The last couple weeks, as I’ve been thinking and singing in the shower, an idea has been growing and blossoming in my mind… I have a few favorite authors, but the most colorful and fun is SARK. You’ve probably seen her stuff- it’s an amazing and contagious source of smiles.*

She has this lovely book called Living Juicy: Daily Morsels for Your Creative Soul. Each week has a different theme of creative activities to nurture the creative soul. The first few weeks are ‘procrastination,’ ‘napping,’ and ‘inventing’. I’ve owned this book for years, but haven’t really taken full advantage of all it offers.

That’s all about to change.

This year, from January 1st to December 31st, I’m going to read, do, and write about Living Juicy. I have a feeling that it will change my life, but in a gentle way. This website is all about Loving Yourself and having fun doing it. I’ll be blogging about my experiences a couple times a week. I can’t think of a better way to go about it.

(Plus, I watched Julie & Julia this year, and I love the idea of taking something I love, doing it for a year, authentically sharing my experience with people, and possibly making a difference in your life.)

I invite you to join me! Next time you visit your local bookstore, flip through the book. See if it calls out to you. Maybe only some of the weeks will pull on your heart. You’re welcome to join me for however much or little feels right.

I have to say, I am very excited about this project. I’m excited to see who will join me. I’m excited to nurture myself. Like I’ll be giving my heart a gentle massage to get the creative juice flowing. And maybe, by sharing, I’ll touch your heart too. I’m excited to read about your experiences. I’m excited that it’s almost 2010, and I have a feeling that it’s going to be a full and luscious year.

The Living Juicy Project starts on January 1st. (Except the theme of the first week is ‘Procrastination,’ so don’t be surprised if I don’t post until the 2nd. *wink*) I hope to see you here!

Many hugs and warm winter greetings to you!

Erin

* For more SARK information, color, fun, or to buy the book, visit her website at PlanetSark.com