So it’s the last quarter of the Buck Moon, and no, I’m not joining a Lunar Cult (yet). This phase is all about looking back at the last cycle, seeing what I’ve learned, what needs to go, and how to move forward. Think of it as a cosmic detox.
What have I learned from this cycle?
- Self-Assessment Reality Check: I’m not as good as I thought I was. I’m actually behind in the progress expected for someone in my department with my tenure. Turns out, believing you’re awesome doesn’t make it so.
- ADHD Epiphany: I believe I have ADHD, mostly untreated. This might explain why my brain feels like a Chrome browser with 43 tabs open, none of them useful.
- Resource Revelation: I could use a resource like FAST MINDS (click the image below, I get some money. I like money, much obliged) to help myself and my family navigate this condition.
I started Part 2 of Fast Minds: How to Thrive If You Have ADHD (Or Think You Might) but I haven’t done the questions yet.
Because I like money, click on the image and purchase the audiobook from the Amazon store. - Culinary Adventures with My Son: My son wants to explore new foods and their cultures. He’s ready to escape the Pork Chop/Pasta Gulag.
- Morning DUMP Clarity: The Morning DUMP has helped me immensely in organizing my thought goblins. Seeing them spread out on the page diminishes their power.
- Productivity Boost: The obligation list I make from the Morning DUMP has been key to my productivity. It’s like a to-do list on steroids, without the post-cycle constipation regret (allegedly.)
What am I ready to release?
- Blame-Shifting: There’s no sense in shifting blame. In the end, I am responsible for my own development. Time to own up and stop passing the buck—unless it’s the Buck Moon, of course..
- Scattered Focus: I’ve been all over the place and didn’t know why or how to stop. My brain has been a circus, and it’s time to send the clowns packing.
- Digital System isn’t perfect yet: Not having the system set up completely for my digital kitchen. I have started—that’s the important thing. Half-baked is better than raw, amirite? (I can always tweak it until fixed)
- Website Woes: My site is defunct for now. I have invested a fair amount of money into it since 2008. It’s time to see a return from it or at least turn it into a digital museum of my mistakes.
- Impostor Syndrome: My crippling impostor syndrome. It’s like having an annoying roommate in my head telling me I’m not good enough. Time to evict that jerk.
How can I forgive and move forward?
- Musical Motivation: First off, write this entire journal entry while listening to Tool’s Pneuma and the rest of Fear Inoculum. Because nothing says ‘self-improvement’ like progressive metal.
- Book Exercises: I’ll work through the exercises in the book (click the link above for the audiobook. Life changer!) with the aim of figuring out what will work for me. Spoiler: it involves a lot of swearing and coffee.
- Mid-Year Road Map: Now that I have the road map from my mid-year review, I can identify my areas to work on. By the end of the year, I’ll have made significant progress or at least learned some new curse words.
- Morning DUMP Investment: The Morning DUMP is well worth the investment, so I’ll keep doing it. It’s like brain yoga, so satisfying.
- Self-Cheerleading: If I could be as brazen with myself as I am with anyone else when challenged, I would kick ass. I have to be my own cheerleader.
Go me, rah rah. —Me
Have you ever tried using lunar cycles or any other quirky rituals for a dopamine fix? Share your experiences in the comments! And if you’re as intrigued by FAST MINDS as I am, don’t forget to click the link—your brain (and my wallet) will thank you.