
I sat in silence most of today. That is unusual for me. Before my 21 day fast from, well – everything (basically), I had to have NOISE everywhere. I could not abide silence. At all. But, that has changed now. It is one of the many things that has changed in me thanks to my time out/hard reset. I may write in more detail about this experience, but for now, here are some of the fruits in no particular order:
- Silence – As I mentioned above, I love noise. Or I used to. When I was in college I got into the habit of always having the television or music going in the background and I have kept it up ever since. Quiet made me uncomfortable. Part of my fast was to delete all social media and not watch TV for 21 days. I had to learn to live in some quiet. I did play music some, but I found the quiet more and more agreeable. So, now I can sit in quiet in peace. Yay!
- Self-respect/Self-love – Now, I had not lost these things, but I had lost some confidence or maybe just misplaced it. Turns out it is still here. I will always work toward a better me, but I like who I am right now too. And, I will contintue to protect myself the way I would my kids or my BFFs. That is what self-respect is all about. Holding myself to my standards and my convictions in the face of, well, in the face of everything I suppose.
- Deeper connection to Jesus – I wanted this, it is why I started the fast in the first place. I am getting there. I am reading the New Testament and it is helping me reacquaint myself with the man he was and the examples he gave me for mine. I am also praying, addressing Jesus by name. If I want a relationship with him, we should be on a first name basis.
- Prayer – I thought I had a pretty good running conversation going, but let’s just say its been dialed up a notch or two.
- Social Media – Yes, I brought it all back. No, I don’t even look at it every day. I am so much more productive from this one tiny decision. I am painting more and my house is cleaner.
- More productive – I am more motivated to keep my house straight, my clothes washed, spend time with my kids, paint, write, etc. All of it. When I can’t come in and sit in front of the TV I do more before bed. So, I am still limiting my tv watching to just a couple of shows sitting down. Anything else can be in the background while I paint. But, seriously, what are some good podcasts that are not crime related????
- Healthier eating – 21 days of no sugar – Ok, Ill be honest. That 22nd day was most definitely a cheat day. But, I am back off of sugar again. I just feel so much better when I am sugar free. Also, I went without meat for 21 days. I felt just fine without it, but it is harder to eat low carb when I eliminate an entire food group. So, it’s back, but with more veggies. I will be looking for more sources of protein other than meat to incoporate into my diet.
In addition to fasting, I went on a solo weekend retreat to a local abbey where I was able to spend some time in conversaton with one of the sisters and it was very good for my soul. 36 hours of silence – it felt like two weeks. It was so good for me. I hope to go back when it is warmer and I can walk around the grounds in prayer with the sun on my face.
2 responses to “Fruits of the 21 Day Fast”
Bonnie, your experience sounds amazing. I resonate with the “noise” distraction though for me it may come from non electric sources. Rebekah Lyons (Franklin, Tn) has a pod cast. She also has a book about 4 life rhythms. Her teachings made a big impact on me during the first year of the pandemic. Be encouraged as God will honor your desire to become reacquainted. Prayers of peace, love and hope on this journey. Tiki
find a need … fill a need. start a podcast on painting and peace. i’ll join that.