Thursday Day 13

With the rain pooring almost non stop yesterday, with the ocean water chocolate mud color due to the storming, and with my poor little body tired from all the active challenges, and with a long day of work in store, yesterday was a challenge.

For the first time since I have started this, I felt a little tired.  I am not one who needs a great deal of sleep, and I have really enjoyed balancing the 1000 challenge with still working full time.  Having said that, yesterday I was a little pooped.  In fact I had to talk myself into getting out of bed to write my blog this morning - I was so sleepy, but very happy to be up and writing now :)

One of the things I really was hoping for on this trip was to see a wild boar in the wild  As much as I have hiked, I never saw one.  I was feeling disappointed as I thought this was "THE" wildlife encounter I really wanted to have here, boy was I wrong.  As I was walking around yesterday I suddenly looked up and made eye contact with a wild mongoose.  Then there were two, then three, and finally four of them running around.  I was ecstatic.  The reason being, I was immediately rushed back to a time in my childhood where the cartoon, Riki Tiki Tavi was amongst my favorites.  If you haven't seen it, check it out on youtube.  I watched it on there last night.

I began reminiscing of a time as a kid when I used to watch that cartoon with a great deal of amazement wishing I could have a mongoose for a pet.  I used to run out into my yard with my make believe mongoose friend and together we would protect other animals in the yard from the imaginary evil snakes that lurked around.  Seeing those mongoose's was amazing!!!!!!

I feel like I try to connect with my inner child on a regular basis.  I feel like I do a fairly good job with finding fun and fascination in the little things.  I try to laugh a lot and not sweat the small stuff.  Having said that, I feel like doing this challenge is connecting me with that inner child on an entirely different level.  I notice myself playing more, giggling more; my friends and I have had so many times in the week I have been in Hawaii where we have been doubled over in tears laughing.  It really is amazing to see how this is engaging me in a new level with that part of me that loves to laugh, play, and have fun.

Please keep the comments and suggestions coming.  I love reading all them.  Also, those of you who have taken the time to send me personal emails - Thank You.  I am deeply honored that you would share your personal stories with me.  I am moved that my challenge is inspiring you to take steps forward in your own lives.

Until next time...

Carpe Diem,

Jesse