Marisa Miller Wolfson’s Vegan At Heart Weekly Mission

2010 is upon us and it’s time to start setting some serious goals. Our buddy old pal Marisa Miller Wolfson is helping everyone discover balance this week with her Vegan at Heart Weekly Mission. Are you someone prone to overwork? Maybe already feeling a little overwhelmed? Well, put down the Xanax and take a deep breath — Marisa has some friendly words of support for you!

Weekly Mission: The Ever-Elusive Search for Balance

Today your mission is to set your intentions to create a healthier, more balanced you this month. Something tells me that I may not be the only one who has returned from the holidays cringing at the thought of diving into the cold pool that is my regular work-a-day life that’s filled with “must-do’s” instead of “wanna-do’s.”

I desperately cling to memories of quieter holiday moments when I felt at peace, whether reading a fun book, admiring a beautiful tree, or playing board games by firelight. But then I remember that those things haven’t gone anywhere. I can recreate them in smaller measures in my everyday life.

Every chance we get to create more balance in our lives will fill our cups enough to be able to give more generously of ourselves to the world. When we consistently go against the grain of society by living in a way that’s gentler on the planet and fellow beings, it can feel demoralizing and laborious. Let’s raise the peace and joy quotient in our lives so we can give–and live–more freely.

The New Year and the fresh, post-holiday perspective provide a unique opportunity to embrace new thoughts, habits, and actions. Why don’t we take advantage of this moment and set some intentions? I prefer the less intimidating (and less perfectionist) babysteps approach and set intentions not for a year but for four little bitty weeks and see how it goes. Wanna join me?

1.) Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths.

2.) Take a few moments to think of the things that truly bring you joy and peace.

3.) Choose four of them, and schedule at least one block of time per week for the next four weeks. If you can’t think of four ideas, just put down “balance time.” Don’t have a 3-hour time block? How about an hour? Put them in your calendar, and don’t move them unless you absolutely have to. If you do have to move one, schedule another block of time that week. This should be a priority, and your peace of mind–and your little cup–are worth it.

4.) Vocalizing your intentions will help you commit to them. If you’d like, leave them in a comment so we can hear them and be inspired.

5.) Get the ball rolling. If it’s a particular book, locate a copy. If it’s going to a basketball game with a long-lost friend, look into tickets, etc.

Okay, here are mine (gulp): read a novel, make a phone date with my college roommate, work on a vacation photo album from last year, and either attend or host a vegan potluck and game night. What are yours?

Hey. Happy New Year!