Walk in the Woods

Daily Journal Nik Curfman Daily Journal Nik Curfman

Journal: #265 Godly Books

Kirk gave me a book, not a link to podcast. I don't listen to podcasts. Not my thing, which Kirk does not know. My father knows does. He also knows I need encouragement and what my reading habits are. So, He gave me a book last summer to ferry me from where I am to where I want to be. Amazing.

Godly Books

I am not an avid reader. Not yet. I read in great spurts when my mind or heart is hungry for knowledge. My appetite will last for weeks to a few months. Then I reach a point of satisfaction, my belly full of new ideas and stories. I find humor in it now, but this feast or famine pattern bothered me until my late 30’s. It didn’t suit my desire as an intellectual. After all, smart people read. Do they not?

At 40, I care less about the intellectual thing. If I am judged by the books I read or number consumed, I'm hanging with the wrong people. I like that I read in sprints, because I prefer to read when prepared to receive the story. For example, I needed two years to finish Tattoos on the Heart. It’s not a hard read. A serious reader might finish it in a day. I could not. Most of the stories gripped my heart, leaving me in snotty tears. The best I could do was a few pages a week.

So, why am I talking about my reading habits? That's a good question I will now answer: Two days ago I picked up a book given to me last summer by my business coach Kirk. It's called The War of Art, which is about the battles creatives wage when we attempt to face our fears. Much like Tattoos on the Heart, I am challenged every 2-3 pages.

I love it. I love the timing of it, and the fact the content speaks to an area of my life where I need help. (God is so good, eh?) What I need is courage to create, to risk being misunderstood. The author- Steven Pressfield- is a skilled warrior in this fight. Through his words, he stands at the top of the ridge calling me onward. Perfection isn't real. It's about the doing. The opinions of others do not sculpt or draw, write or sing. It's about the doing. The Lord knows this, which is why He put nuggets like The War of Art in my path.

I thought about this dynamic this afternoon. Kirk gave me a book, not a link to podcast. I don't listen to podcasts. Not my thing, which Kirk does not know. My Father does. He also knows I need encouragement and what my reading habits are. So, He gave me a book last summer to ferry me from where I am to where I want to be. Amazing.

Thank you Lord for loving me in extraordinary ways. Thank you for books and wisdom. And, your tireless devotion to me. I love you.

Amen.

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Journal: #177 Going After Goals

I’m happy I’m serving my heart with my goals. On paper they aren’t sexy, but they matter to me. I can build on this success. I find encouragement to go after slightly more scary goals and interests. My new goals including sculpting and daily exercise.

Yesterday was a day of quiet triumph. I found the path back to hope and vision for my life, and it began when I surrendered my mind to the Holy Spirit. By the time I fell asleep, I was content and thankful for bottomless grace.

Today, I checked on some goals I set the day after Christmas. Two of those goals are blog and walk +10k steps for at least 45 consecutive days. In each instance, 45 days would be a new high water mark.

Given today is the 16th, I’m nearly half to these goals. It was a good feeling to know I was closer to accomplishing two goals than I thought. Motivation surged through my heart today as I walked deep into the woods, and I considered new short-term goals.

As simple as it seems to walk for 45 straight days is a challenge and commitment. The weather in Redding is rainy this time of year. I’ve got to check the weather radar to plan my walks around incoming waves of rain. When I need to, I walk in the rain.

Writing is a bit easier than walking. I made a spreadsheet of topics and ideas, so I don’t have to be inspired everyday. The real trick is I’ve got to find time to focus and do the work. Unlike getting my steps in, writing requires concentration. I can’t talk to my parents or friends while I write, which I do on my walks.

Overall, I’m happy I’m serving my heart with my goals. On paper they aren’t sexy, but they matter to me. I can build on this success. I find encouragement to go after slightly more scary goals and interests. My new goals including sculpting and daily exercise.

I’m so thankful and happy for this second. Progress is progress, and worthy of celebration.

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