Welcome to "THE iPLEDGE CHALLENGE' Your journey starts here..

[Freedom's Wings]

GREETINGS EVERYONE,

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY...

I'VE CREATED THIS TOPIC TO HELP US ALL IN FINDING SOME DIRECTION IN RECLAIMING OUR LIVES. SOooo....WITH THAT SAID....

"THE iPLEDGE CHALLENGE" is a feat I've been thinking through for a while now. It’s designed to assist each of us recovering addicts at any stage we may be in to slowly but steadily move unto our proper and rightful paths in life. The goal here is just as simple as the 30 and 60 day challenges aim, to bring a bit of mindfulness and deliberateness into our day-to- day lives as we reconfigure the answer to those nagging, "who am I" and "what's my true calling" post-adderall questions.

While on Adderall our brains went on auto-pilot, coming into who we are truly meant to be now will take a bit of daily reconditioning. Thus, here are the iPledge guidelines:

For simplicity, I’ve broken the rules into three sections:

1.) First, ask yourself these 3 important questions and answer it on this forum:

a. What three words best describe my pre adderall persona?

b. What three words best describe my persona post-adderall?

c. What three words would you like to describe your current persona?

For example I will use my own stats:

a. PRE-ADDY: Funny, loving, smart

b. POST ADDY: Anxious, boring (at times), driven

c. IDEAL PERSONA: Accomplished, loving, happy

2.) Ask yourself what you can do starting right now to begin guiding yourself towards the long term goals expressed in question c. on number 1 (THE IDEAL PERSONA) and list them on this forum.

Again I will use my own life as an example:

a. To feel more joyous I will begin reading positive books, affirmations, quotes daily and try to memorize at least one I can use day-to-day as a mantra.

b. To feel accomplished I will begin taking steps to enroll in school to finish my business degree.

c. To feel happier I will practice taking out time for myself daily even if it is just a few minutes to meditate and realign my chakras.

**3.) Ok, 1 and 2 were the hard parts. But if you’ve gotten them out the way and have made it this far then number 3 is the Action/mindfulness and most important part of the challenge. Just as with the 30 and 60 day challenge logging in/posting consistently is most helpful in this feat; still posting a few times weekly or at the end of the week to confirm or note otherwise will also serve this purpose.

To complete task #3 participants must take into account their goals from question # 2 and write AT LEAST three things they will actively do throughout the week as a short term goal of the longer task.

Number 1 and 2 are just pre-requisites and are only done once unless you decide to change your aims; NUMBER 3 IS THE CULMINATION OF THE ENTIRE CHALLENGE, THUS IT MUST BE DONE WITH CONSISTENCY TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE. WEEKLY OR WEEKENDS, WHICH EVER IS MOST CONVENIENT FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE, LOG IN AND POST WHAT YOUR GOAL FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK WILL BE. MAKE SURE TO DATE IT, FOR EXAMPLE 12/17/13-12/23/13, AND AT THE END OF THE WEEK RE-POST IF YOU HAVE MET YOUR AIM FOR THAT WEEK AND/OR NOTE ANY STRUGGLES YOU MAY HAVE HAD DURING THIS TIME. THIS CHALLENGE IS DESIGNED TO BRING US CLOSER AS A COMMUNITY, TO OUR TRUE SELVES, AND ULTIMATELY TO THE WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE OUR DAILY LIVES. ALL ARE WELCOME, SOoo WON’T YOU JOIN ME??

As an example for number 3, once again I will use my own life as art: It’s really simple and this is the only part that is continuously done.

EX: Pledges I will accomplish during the week of 12/15 – 12/ 21 are;

575]1. I will Exercise 3 times for at least 20 minutes each.

575]2. I will send out 3 Resumes.

575]3. I will read 1 chapter of a new novel I’m reading.

Now, at the end of the week I will re-post as to whether I’ve completed these three tasks. Do this step over and over and over weekly and that’s all. I love my little Quitting Addy family. Together Lets make this challenge a success as we support one another and make our dreams come true! Be Well!

[Zerokewl]

This is a good idea. I need to give some thought on this as to what I want to pledge. Great way to end 2013 and start 2014.

[JustinW]

Perhaps you could guide us on how you came to your answers for step #1 - I've always sucked at putting lists together that describe me at any period in time.

[Freedom's Wings]

This is a good idea. I need to give some thought on this as to what I want to pledge. Great way to end 2013 and start 2014.

Hey ZKewl,

 

I'm glad you like the concept. I never even realized the time frame being the end of the year; but I do agree it is a great way to get the New Year's ball rolling. The good thing about these pledges is they help to bring us current and they don't have to be some astronomical feat, just small changes that lead to a great results.  I look forward to hearing your pledge ideas; Perhaps we may get some sort of idea list going and be able to piggy back off another's thoughts. Til next time. Be Well!

[Freedom's Wings]

Perhaps you could guide us on how you came to your answers for step #1 - I've always sucked at putting lists together that describe me at any period in time.

Jus, 

 

I'm no list wonder myself; but the way I came up with the answers for #1 was I just basically asked myself how I felt about me, thought about what I've heard others say about me, and asked myself what adjectives I would like to represent my nature. That helped me narrow it down to 3 basic traits to try to focus on at least initially.  

[Zerokewl]

I for one am looking forward to putting 2013 in the rearview mirror. It been a pretty dramatic year. 

[Freedom's Wings]

I for one am looking forward to putting 2013 in the rearview mirror. It been a pretty dramatic year. 

Here Here to that ZK!

[Jon]

I admire all the work you put into this Freedom's Wings. I think you are amazing to even be able to think clearly at this stage in your quit.

 

Commitments scare the hell out of me, because I'm afraid I won't keep them...but here goes: I pledge to do something physical every day. No time duration, just the execution of physical movement. It could be some pushups, some curls, some yoga, a walk, but something that involves bodily movement and exertion of energy. I will keep a log.

[Freedom's Wings]

I admire all the work you put into this Freedom's Wings. I think you are amazing to even be able to think clearly at this stage in your quit.

 

Commitments scare the hell out of me, because I'm afraid I won't keep them...but here goes: I pledge to do something physical every day. No time duration, just the execution of physical movement. It could be some pushups, some curls, some yoga, a walk, but something that involves bodily movement and exertion of energy. I will keep a log.

Thank you Jon. This sounds like a nice idea. I am sure you have it in you. I will be on the look out for your log; commitments freak me out too, but I figure hell it's worth a try, even if I fail over and over at this point at least i'm trying, The same is true for you. lol and really I'm a mess right now but like I said, I'm trying for what it's worth.    Also, I'm trying to stay as close to the site as possible. You guys really are my only refuge so I just thought it might be nice to try and help us ban together in some mindful way on this thing.  

[Jon]

  Also, I'm trying to stay as close to the site as possible. You guys really are my only refuge so I just thought it might be nice to try and help us ban together in some mindful way on this thing.  

Here Here to that FW. This site is my new addiction.

[Freedom's Wings]

Im off to bed. Goodnight gang.

[JustinW]

I admire all the work you put into this Freedom's Wings. I think you are amazing to even be able to think clearly at this stage in your quit.

 

Commitments scare the hell out of me, because I'm afraid I won't keep them...but here goes: I pledge to do something physical every day. No time duration, just the execution of physical movement. It could be some pushups, some curls, some yoga, a walk, but something that involves bodily movement and exertion of energy. I will keep a log.

Jon, I would like to join you in this journey - say the next 30 days?  If we started yesterday, my day 1 included shoveling the sidewalk and snowblowing the driveway.  I think I have a SLAP tear in my left shoulder 'cause the pain was excrutiating.  I really need to lose this extra 20 lbs. and I think that this would be a good way to do it.

[JustinW]

Sounds more like the "get off your butt challenge" but I digress...

[Freedom's Wings]

Sounds more like the "get off your butt challenge" but I digress...

Lmao. That was perfect Justin. " Get off your butt challenge. ha... Thanks I needed that. And I think you might be on to something. Last go round it was you guys supporting us girls, this time seems you and Jon are teaming up. 

[Jon]

_{Jon, I would like to join you in this journey - say the next 30 days?  If we started yesterday, my day 1 included shoveling the sidewalk and snowblowing the driveway.  I think I have a SLAP tear in my left shoulder 'cause the pain was excrutiating.  I really need to lose this extra 20 lbs. and I think that this would be a good way to do it.}

 

Justin, It will be great to have you on board. I like it because it gives me the freedom to do anything physical, rather than commit to one activity and doing stuff that is necessary, like snow removal, counts as something physical.

 

 My work schedule doesn't fit to commiting to do one activity. Routine is something I lack in my job and it really sucks for recovery. I'm looking at my work options very closly right now. 

[JustinW]

For Day 2 I worked on my plane for an hour in the basement but I wasn't completely satisfied that it was active enough to meet the challenge so I did 40 crunches, tried to see if my shoulder could handle pushups (it couldn't), and I ended with 3 repetitions of shoulder strengthening exercises on each side.

[Freedom's Wings]

Goodnight all. Im off to bed. Hope all is well.Tomorrow I go car shopping.

[JustinW]

Goodnight all. Im off to bed. Hope all is well.Tomorrow I go car shopping.

I ended up doing that on the Wednesday before black friday...ugh

[Freedom's Wings]

*Yawn* So i'm pooped. After a long day of hunting for a new car to buy, I'm finally home. Things seemed to go well...We'll see. Anybody got any info on Cadillac SRX's? Oh, and by the way I appear to have lost my wallet and you know what right now I don't even care. Why you ask? Well BE-CAUSE i'm POOOooooped. Goodnight everyone!

[JustinW]

Day 3 - 42 minutes of Wii Fit Plus and I'm down almost 3# for the week!

 

The SRX has a lot of things going for it (like not using the Vortech 4200 inline 6), the one that I test drove was garbage.  The engine sounded like a coffee grinder (V6) and acceleration was less than stellar.  I suspect that the V8 version is the one to buy if it has AWD.  For similar money you can get an Acadia without the Cadillac markup.  The Suzuki version of the Acadia is the real bargain because Suzuki has such a bad reputation; don't be fooled, it is the same vehicle.  I decided that I was done with GM (the Corvette is my only exception) due to the poor quality of my Envoy so I ended up with a Toyota Highlander.

[Freedom's Wings]

I ended up doing that on the Wednesday before black friday...ugh

oh Don't even remind me

[Freedom's Wings]

Day 3 - 42 minutes of Wii Fit Plus and I'm down almost 3# for the week!

 

The SRX has a lot of things going for it (like not using the Vortech 4200 inline 6), the one that I test drove was garbage.  The engine sounded like a coffee grinder (V6) and acceleration was less than stellar.  I suspect that the V8 version is the one to buy if it has AWD.  For similar money you can get an Acadia without the Cadillac markup.  The Suzuki version of the Acadia is the real bargain because Suzuki has such a bad reputation; don't be fooled, it is the same vehicle.  I decided that I was done with GM (the Corvette is my only exception) due to the poor quality of my Envoy so I ended up with a Toyota Highlander.

Congrats on day 3 of sticking to your pledge Justin. You are on a slow and steady roll! Keep it up! I've only exercised once this far this week. I look forward to getting in a couple more sessions. 

 

Thanks for the feedback on the SRX, so your overall opinion is the the SRX sucks, just to be clear? The one I test drove was a V6 and AWD. What is  the Vortech 4200 inline 6? 

[JustinW]

Actually, I liked the interior design and the fact that the door jams were all covered to prevent rust.  I was looking at used (2008 40k miles), not new and I know that how the vehicle is cared for makes all the difference.  The interior was trashed by kids and carseats (light color leather + kids = bad).  I looked underneath it and saw yellow paint marker on some frame members probably meaning that it had been in a wreck and they were parts from a salvage yard.  It also didn't have 3rd row seating which was a requirement for my wife.  I really tried to sell myself on it but it wasn't meant to be.  If it is well cared for, it's quick enough for you, and it meets your mission then I don't see a good reason why you would walk away from it.  The used car market is about the individual vehicle and not so much about make and model.

 

Vortech 4200 inline 6 = 6 cylinder engine that is used in the Envoy, Trailblazer, Ranier, and Canyon.  It has some really stupid design quirks that make it so maintenance can get really expensive.  For example, you have to pull the engine out of the vehicle to replace the oil seal on the front cover.

[Freedom's Wings]

I went for the Cadillac SRX, I Should be bringing it home tomorrow. **Fingers Crossed**

[JustinW]

congratulations!