5-21: Week 3 - It takes 21 days

Some experts say that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. This doesn't apply to addictions, but ordinary behaviors. For example, at my last job we went through the 5S lean manufacturing process (Sorting, Setting in order, Systematic cleaning, Standardizing, Sustaining). We started by organizing our offices - everything had its place and we were challenged to keep everything in its place. Our resistance to change (who cares if I always keep my stapler on the right side of the phone?) was countered by the encouragement to try it for 21 days to create a new habit. Twenty one days doesn't seem so long to try something new - especially when your job depends on it! So, how am I feeling 21 days into my self-inflicted resolution? Will I return to my car dependence on June 1st?

I've been pondering this question over the last few days. This week seemed to fly by - perhaps the lovely weather contributed to my ease of travel. Biking with the kids seems easier and easier. Don't get me wrong - when I unhook that trailer and go for a spin it's like I'm a bird just freed from its cage flying around at super speeds! But my strength has finally caught up to the demands of my new lifestyle. The kids have increased their strength with all of the walking as well and seem to do it with greater ease. Corey's mom just commented the other day on my youngest's rock-hard legs!

There's also my revolutionary change in attitude about time. Anyone who knows me well knows that I like to be very efficient with my time - to a fault. My polar opposite with time, Corey, tries to get me to slow down and take more time. I'm currently reading Barbara Kingsolver's book "Animal, Vegetable Miracle" and I just read the bit about taking the time to cook and eat as a family instead of choosing fast food or a processed frozen meal. She challenges us to ask ourselves what we're doing with those minutes saved - what do we spend them on that's better or more worthy of our time? This helped me recognize a feeling I've had since my "And then something beautiful happened" post back in April. What is it about allowing myself to take more time to get somewhere that is so refreshing? Why do I look forward to "killing" time after school every day waiting for the next bus? When I think about the three-and-a-half hours I spend getting to and from school each day I really can't even believe I'm doing this. Seriously? 3.5 hours to go a total of 10 miles?! I must be out of my mind - why am I not missing this time? I'm not missing it because it's time better spent. It's not just getting to school anymore. It's having the freedom to stop and watch the excavators, pick up robin egg shells, chat with new friends along the way, play silly, made-up hopping games fabricated by my four-year-old, explore each flower (and weed), think of crazy songs when it's hot - or cold - or rainy to keep us going. I don't even know what I was doing with all of this time in April. Can you see my smile?

Despite this victory over physical strength and time, I also recognize the fact that I am unable to do this completely on my own. Accepting rides from others headed in the same direction has played a huge role in my ability to ditch my car. I asked Brandy yesterday to tell me honestly if the carpooling requests have been a burden on her. She said that they're not, but I'm still self-conscious about it and I think that over time it probably would become a burden or at least an annoyance!

So, my conclusion today is not as black-and-white as I usually like things to be. It's sort of a dark gray mixture of about 70% bike/bus/walk and 30% car. I guess I'll have to be patient and let time tell. . .