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Our church just did a continuous three and a half day read through of the Bible. It inspired me to up what I could do in a month with my reading. Cut through 250 pages in the last 24 hours like it was easy. Reading really is a muscle. Hope the Bibliotheca project has many gems in there for you.

For cutting out online shopping impulse purchases I create a want folder in my apple notes. Anything I want goes in there for at least a month before I allow myself to buy it. about 20% actually gets purchased and if the trade off is loosing a 30% deal, I remember I didn't buy 80% of all that other stuff.

Looking forward to seeing where you take your writing, imagery, and videos in 2024!

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I didn't realize that the 80/20 rule also applies to the "want" folder! That's a great thought. Thanks for pointing that math out.

And did you read the whole bible in 3.5days?! Can't wait to hear about what you'll be reading in 2024 too.

Looking forward to another creative year with you, Steven :)

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Dec 28, 2023Liked by Becky Isjwara

That is incredible on the 3.5 days, but I bet it is doable. I hope you enjoy the journey and have time to reflect as well as you read.

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Dec 28, 2023Liked by Becky Isjwara

Incredible idea Steven on the Apple Notes side.

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I like the "what I'm going to stop doing" approach as opposed to "what I'm going to start doing." There's no question it could be just as useful as a discipline. And the items on your list are inspiring. Especially not blaming others for one's emotions. That alone could transform a person's life!

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Thank you Rick! Hopefully this one trait will help transform my life :)

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Dec 28, 2023Liked by Becky Isjwara

You blew my mind with the idea of not filling a commute with podcasts. My word for 2024 is going to be "clarity," and I'm starting to think that clarity is going to involve a lot of uncomfortable silence.

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Clarity is such a good word! There's so much noise now with everything vying for our attention, so clarity sounds really valuable to have. Wishing you a more clear 2024 ✨

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Great essay Becky!

I love the idea of "not listening to podcasts on your morning commute".

I've done that for mine commute and work travel and you notice a lot more about the world like the musicality in the mundane.

When I have to drive 3-5 hrs for work travel instead of listening to music or podcasts, I would call up friends and catch up with them.

It's a lot more fulfilling and engaging than trying to make sense of the flood of news

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Calling friends during commutes is SUCH a beautiful idea!

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I love this. Turning it into human connection or connecting with the world around you!

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Loved how this turned out Becky! I also just started reading the Bible so perhaps we’ll have to chat about it sometime.

Hope you have a great start to your new year & good luck with all the reducing !

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Thanks Tommy! How's it going for you so far?

Good luck to you too, and looking forward to another year of writing with you :)

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Dec 30, 2023Liked by Becky Isjwara

Good stuff here Becky! Attempting the digital free evenings, all inspired by you!

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Thanks Emma! Hopefully we'll last in 2024 doing that!!

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I read somewhere that not doing things is harder than doing things. Like, the brain doesn't understand the negative and instead fixates on the verb part of the not doing goal. I am curious to see how your cut down goals shape up. All the best!

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Oh really? I guess I'll find out when I sit in silence :p thanks for the kind words, hope to report back with some results and reflections!

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I love this insight into your choices, Becky. From the approach in positive psychology of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses (“distracting myself with shiny new habits), to making deeply intentional choices to respond rather than react, especially with how you’re exploring your emotional landscape to cut out blaming others for your emotions and trusting your intuition about your weight.

You’re already diving deeper into yourself, and 2024 hasn’t even started yet!

One of the best teachers I’ve come across that’s helped me tune into my emotions and be able to have the space to have difficult conversations is Oren Jay Sofer - “Say What You Mean” is a great book/resource, but his teaching online is equally compelling.

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Dec 28, 2023·edited Dec 28, 2023Author

Ohh thank you for the recommendation! I haven't heard about this resource before, I will definitely check it out.

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Dec 27, 2023Liked by Becky Isjwara

Being mindful before bedtime is GREAT. When you find yourself already winded down before physically in bed, it just feels amazing!

I’m cutting out a lot of external influences especially after breaking up. Now it could be my lifelong detachment from excessive info. It helps me to focus and think more in-depth!

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I'm glad to hear it's been going well for you! It's inspiring to know that the outcome is worth it :)

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Another great idea and read from Becky!

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thank you, Karena!

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Aloha Becky! These goals are inspiring the heck out of me as I'm revisiting setting more clear goals for myself. I'm curious how these habits and projects are coming along?

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