The hustle and bustle of the holidays are just around the corner! Things are about to get BUSIER and BUSIER just when we would like to be able to S L O W D O W N and enjoy the season.
I’ve been thinking about ways to be more intentional about my actions and my decisions as November begins. That’s why I came up with the No No No-vember Challenge. You can view my video about the challenge here.
What is the No No No-vember Challenge?
I’ll tell you! It is challenging yourself to say NO to 3 things for one month. (If you’re reading this in a month other than NOvember – NO Problem! You can adjust this challenge to fit any time of the year.)
Here’s how it works:
NO #1
Say NO to buying anything for Yourself in November. I know many of you will start your Christmas shopping this month, and that’s OK. But refrain from buying anything for yourself (other than the necessities like food and health needs.)
That means No Black Friday steals for you, no picking up a new eye shadow, a new pair of earrings or new clothes. If you really want to go all out for this challenge, you could cut out the special coffees you may treat yourself to some days. You decide how far you want to go with this challenge and see how you do.
But the main thing I want you to remember is that you CAN DO or CAN BUY FOR OTHERS. Feel free to surprise a co-worker with a bouquet of flowers on her desk when she comes into work. Pay ahead for the person behind you at the drive-through. Or purchase a certain-something for a deserving person that you know.
NO #2
Say NO to junk food for 3 weeks. We know that we are all going to be eating extra desserts, etc. during Thanksgiving week, but let’s challenge ourselves to not purchase any junk food the first 3 weeks of the month. Say no to the candy corn, the french fries, the Oreos, and the little bag of potato chips.
Instead, grab an apple, some celery or carrot sticks or a small handful of healthy nuts when you feel the need to snack.
NO #3
Pick one day a week to say NO to social media and technology. I know – this is going to be a tough one for many of us! Me included!
Let’s try to put our phones and laptops aside for one day a week. I realize that you have to use your tech devices at work to check email, etc. This challenge only applies to your personal messages and technology.
Put your phone away for one day each week and focus on the people and experiences in front of you, instead of what is in the palm of your hand. No texting, no scrolling through Facebook, Tic Tok, Instagram – no games on your phone or laptop…
You can make an exception for important phone calls, of course, but let your family and close friends know ahead of time what day you will be taking a no-tech day, and let them know you will not be checking emails and texts that day. Let them know they can call you if it’s important.
Use this time for face-to-face communication with someone, going for a walk, dinner out with friends, submersing yourself in nature, journaling, counting your blessings… Plan a date night with your significant other – even if it’s watching a movie together at home. Put your phone out of sight!
Create something or get back to that hobby that you love but tell yourself that you don’t have time for anymore. Meditate, pray… the list goes on and on!
I’m excited to take this challenge and see what I can learn from this experience. Won’t you join me?
Please leave me a comment and let me know what you learned from this experience.
Until next time… Remember to Keep It Simple!
XOXO Angie
P.S. If you’re interested in decluttering and not sure where to start, you can get my FREE 7 Simple Steps A Week Decluttering Guide here!
