Transportation: I currently live in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C. and drive three frustrating miles everyday to American University. During this experiment I plan to use the Metro rail system when traveling to school and walk to 7Eleven to fuel my caffeine addiction. I am choosing the Metro system as a feasible option because it will enable me to read during my commute instead of acting tough by yelling at other drivers through closed windows (as if they can hear me). Although the journey is more time consuming, I have often wondered if using the Metro would make up for this by allowing me to take care of homework or, at very least, provide me with awesome people-watching.
Food: For as long as I can remember, I have always eaten meat with at least one meal throughout the day because I believed the protein would help me "get big" and I wouldn't always lose wrestling matches with my older brother. So, I have never given much thought on the impact of choosing to eat meat. Although my wrestling career will take a hit, I intend to eat only vegetarian options during the experiment and even go a step further by choosing to eat only locally grown vegetarian options.
Consumerism: I shop for groceries at
Trader Joe’s because of its close proximity to where I live. I use
reusable bags, but I haven’t limited my consumption of plastics in the
products I choose to buy. For this experiment, I plan to shop at the Eastern
Market on Sunday and bring my cute reusable bags along with reusable containers. Additionally, I plan to only use a Nalgene bottle
for liquids and carry metal utensils to use when I finally catch that bear--I mean...lettuce? Hopefully, I can keep
my trash down to my goal of one regular kitchen sized trash bag for the entire
week and recycle when applicable. This is the area in which I believe I can
make the most drastic improvements with the least amount of whining.
Technology: My current use of technology consists of
relentless efforts to check my email and cell phone, but the majority of the time it only results in
distracting me from actual work. I have chosen to limit my technology use to
two email “checks,” one Facebook “check,” and three text-message “checks.” This
is because I believe by limiting the times I check these distractors I'll be more focused on the present, which just might contribute to my overall happiness. Shocking, I know. With all this free time, maybe I'll actually get around to my adult-hood dream of building a fort in my living room.
Positive
Impact/Political Action:
My current impact on the AU community or greater social community has been next to nothing. This is different. I have the unique opportunity to volunteer
with a local homeless shelter by mentoring children and have a training that
coincides with this experiment.
Additionally, I plan to devote one chance per day to ask others if they need
help with studying or helping my colleagues review for tests/quizzes. I believe
I can break my independent habits by reaching out to my colleagues and offer guidance in living deliberately.
Happiness: I frequently exercise in the
gym to relieve stress and, sadly, my workouts typically take place indoors. However, my
favorite workouts have always been outside because I feel more connected to my
natural environment (and I get to chase squirrels--they're quite shifty--which we all know helps to build incredible hamstrings). So, because I want build up my hamstrings, I plan to devote three out of the five
workouts to running and working out on the Rock Creek Park Trail. I chose this option because I believe it
will improve my overall happiness, as well as gain a deeper connection to
Washington, D.C. Plus, If I catch that squirrel I can finally brag about it to my wife. Jackpot.
Stay tuned!
