Personal Development - The Life Uncommon by Nacie Carson - Personal Development for a New Generation

The Clean Program – Day 15

Nacie Carson — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:51:52 +0000

Well, Friends and Uncommoners, here I am at Day 15 of Dr. Alejandro Junger’s Clean Program.

Just a week left – no, not even – and I’ll be free to return to my diet of pizza, ice cream, wine, coffee, and breads in general.

The question is, will I want to?

If you’re just tuning into this experiment, you might want to read this first about why I am reviewing the program and what it’s all about.

Here’s the run down from the past week:

I keep losing weight, am now down over 10 pounds.
While the shakes are still very filling, I am starting to yearn for something with more substance – not necessarily bad for me food, just something solid
I’ve identified one of the supplements has a very grassy aftertaste – I can’t put my finger on it, it just tastes like I’ve eaten a hand full of grass clippings
My dreams have been very lucid and I find myself wanted to sleep longer than I did before
Still not feeling hungry

Overall, I continue to be very impressed with the program. But as I start thinking past the finish line toward life after Clean, I find myself getting a little nervous. Will I gain all the weight back as soon as I start eating “normal” again? Will I have a bad reaction to processed foods now that I’ve cleansed my system? Will my energy drop as soon as I stop taking the shakes.

I’ve heard that some people keep going with at least the morning shake even after the cleanse is over – is that really feasible? And more importantly, how do I maintain the benefits of what I’ve learned and trained my body to do over this half month while living what I would consider a practical diet?

That’s the main issue with the cleanse as I see it – your life has to be ordered around it, at least the eating part. I mean, eating two shakes a day kinda crimps your social life (so does the no alcohol, dessert, or coffee part), and the one meal a day you can have is very restricted in the sense that it would be a challenge to find food that met that need at a restaurant.

This has been an amazing journey so far – I’m just starting to worry about when the security blanket of the program has been taken out from under me!

The Judgment Free Zone

Nacie Carson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:54:12 +0000

I have something important to tell you. Come close to your computer screen, tell the kids to be quiet for a second, and pay close attention.

Are you ready? Here it is:

If you realized how little time other people spent judging you – even thinking about you – you’d be shocked.

We all walk around feeling so self conscious, like we are being watched every second. Think about it – if you trip a little on the street, what’s the first thing you do when you right your balance: you check to see who might have seen you do that. You feel instantaneous embarrassment and try to “play it cool.”

But have you ever really stopped to wonder who gives a flying squirrel you – a stranger to them – had a misstep?

The answer is no one.

We are the center of our own worlds. I don’t mean that in a narcissistic way – it’s just a fact. You are the one person you are going to be with every second of every day for your entire life. You can’t escape being the focus of most of your attention because you’re always there. Sure, you can be thinking about other people, focused on projects outside of yourself, love and care for people and make them the emotional center of your world.

But the truth is you will always be the star of the show that is your life – just like everyone else. There may be co-stars, supporting players, villains, and jokers, but you will always be the main player.

And there will always be the faceless chorus. The sea of humanity that ebbs and flows as a necessary but anonymous background to the story of your life.

There are thousands of people you see every week – in line at the coffee shop, on the train, walking the streets around you – that you don’t pay more than two microseconds of attention to. Have you ever realized to those people YOU are just a member of the faceless chorus?

They spend as much time thinking about you and judging you as you do of them. In other words, no time at all.

A few years ago I went on a cruise with some friends, and I remember sitting in the hot tub as the boat sailed away from the dock and telling my friend I was worried I would have a little too much fun and make a fool of myself in front of the other people.

This woman on the other side of the hot tub looked at me and said, “Why the hell do you care what anyone here thinks? Baby, I ain’t ever gonna see you again.“

To this day, anytime I start to feel paralyzed from the fear of what others will think of me, I remember her saying that. Remembering that phrase has helped me walk up to new people and make friends, start conversations with fascinating people and celebrities, and be out on the dance floor on every occasion possible, regardless of how many people were dancing or if I looked like a total goon.

Moral of the story, my dear Uncommoners – Life is Short. Don’t Let The Fear of What The Faceless Chorus Thinks Of You Keep You From Living It Up, Singing Along, Dancing Your Heart Out, Or Walking Down The Street With A Smile On Your Face.

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,

The Power of Organization

Nacie Carson — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:50:48 +0000

Would you consider yourself organized?

I don’t consider myself organized – well, at least not inherently. I have to work hard to find a place for everything and keep everything in its place. But what I find is that when I *do* focus on organization, other elements in my life – from my daily routine to my thought process and creativity – become much smoother.

I know that I am most productive when I feel I am organized – when the kitchen is clean, the laundry is folded, and the linen closet has some rhyme and reason to how things are arranged on the shelves. I also know that I am not alone in this sentiment…studies have shown there is a direct correlation between being well organized and the amount you are able to accomplish/concentrate on.

But did you know that being well organized can not only help you be productive, but it might also help you live longer?

That’s right – keeping that junk drawer a little tidier can help you add years onto your Uncommon Life. Dr. Howard Friedman of the U.C. Riverside campus published a study in 2008 that concluded organized people live an average of two to four years longer than their disorganized counterparts.

The study also showed that organized people tend to have better health habits, take less risks, have more stable jobs and marriages, and achieve more than those who are less organized.

Wow. Who would have thought keeping your shoes lined up on their shelves could be so powerful?

Of course, you don’t want to go to the other end of the organization spectrum and become OCD…but I think most of us could use a little more organization in our lives – and this research may just be the impetus you need to tackle that scary cluttered attic.

I know it got me up and sorting – this weekend I de-cluttered and super-organized my closets, junk drawers, kitchen cabinets – you name it, I organized it.

The result? A Sunday night of sitting back, relaxed on my couch ready for True Blood/Mad Men knowing that everything has a place and everything is in it’s place. And I have to say, that feels pretty darn good.

What are your thoughts on the value of organization – is the study legit, or just a bunch of Bologna?

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,

The Clean Program – Day 8

Nacie Carson — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:55:28 +0000

Last week, I launched a new kind of journey here at The Life Uncommon – I started reviewing a 21 day detox by our friend, Dr. Alejandro Junger. His program, known as “Clean,” is a revolutionary approach to cleansing the mind, body and soul.

The plan: 2 shakes per day from the kit sent to me by The Clean Team (thanks guys!) plus one “regular” meal…only this meal can’t contain any of the following items: dairy, beef, pork, tomatoes, sugar, gluten, most starches, and caffeine.

So this means I am going without some of my most favorite foods (ice cream, cheese, coffee, steak, and french fries) for three – count ‘em! – three weeks. Why I am doing this to myself?! If you are just tuning into this little review for the first time, check out why I started the program here.

Today I want to update you on my progress – I finished the first week and am now moving full speed ahead through my second. Here are some initial impressions:

I can’t believe I’m not hungry…I thought “detox” was synonymous with “starvation”…
The shakes taste pretty good, in spite of being “diet” shakes
I have lost 5 pounds (probably all water weight though) and a few inches off my abdomen
I just can’t believe I’m not hungry…wait, I said that already…

The first few days were pretty intense. I was passed out for 20 hours plus each day going through what the good people in the Clean support communities told me was the initial detox. Whatever it was, I felt like I had been hit by a bus with a monster flu back hand. Ugh.

Then, miraculously, on the fourth day, I woke up feeling clear headed, energetic, and ready to take on the world. Huh.

Now, days later, I am still running strong. The nuances and limitations of program have begun to feel like second nature, and it is easy to forget about some of the most delectable delights like pizza, chocolate, and wine.

Bottom line: feeling great, feeling strong, and not missing “real” food too much. Have felt a lift in creativity and thinking, so that’s good too.

Stay tuned as I continue through this interesting journey!

What the Recession Means to You

Nacie Carson — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:10:04 +0000

I don’t like to use the “R” word.

Not only does it scare me (and people around me), but it acknowledges the presence of a hurdle that can be obnoxiously stubborn to even the most buoyant of Uncommon dreams. And in my opinion, acknowledging the presence of such things tends to only give them power.

However, as we approach the two year anniversary of the economic tumble, I feel it is time to wield that most frustrating of words: Recession.

It is hard to talk about the recession without a) being horrendously obvious b) being insensitive to those seriously suffering or c) make people feel worse. But what I’d like to do is hear from you about how you’ve been affected by the recession.

Has it caused a change in your career or employment status?
Has it hindered you working toward your Uncommon Life?
Has it in any way been a blessing in disguise?
What has been the best lesson you’ve learned from it? What has been the hardest?

Experts are saying we could be heading for the dreaded “Double Dip.” If this is the case, as a community we need to shore up our lessons learned, share tips and secrets, and help ourselves and each other continue to make the best of these unfortunate circumstances.

There is a lining in every cloud, and while we certainly wouldn’t choose to be in such situations if it could be helped, we have no choice but to go on living as best we can in spite of it all.

We must find ways to keep our lives moving forward, to keep our dreams moving forward, even while external forces might conspire to hold us back.

Please leave a comment sharing your experience in this recession. Your honestly, openness, and wisdom are appreciated more than you know.

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,

The Clean Program – Day 1

Nacie Carson — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:03:23 +0000

Today was Day 1 of my experience with Dr. Alejandro Junger’s Clean Program. Thanks to the generosity of his staff, I am using the fancy kit they offer (which Gwyneth Paltrow used and loved!) instead of the do-it-yourself at home method. Before I start sharing my experiences, I would like to note that while I was sent a complimentary kit, I am not being compensated for this review.

If you’d like to know more about the program and why I chose to review for you, my dear Uncommoners, click here.

Now, onto the first day…

Weighed in, took measurements of waist, hips, and legs. I won’t share those exact figures with you here (for my own sake!) but will let you know if I see any changes in them. My plan is to weigh-in/check measurements once every 3 days.

Had my first shake in the morning – I got the Chocolate Flavored kit. It is not bad tasting – not exactly delicious, but not bad. There is a distinct earthy, green taste to it. I assume that is the fiber powder that comes with the kit and is added into the two shakes.

To be honest, today was not what I expected at all.

I expected my issues were going to be hunger and that was pretty much it. But about 45 minutes to an hour after I finished lunch, I suddenly started to feel really weak and almost like I was coming down with something, I could barely think, all I wanted to do was go lie down. I did around 2:45 and was passed out having very vivid and strange dreams until my C came home a hour later.

I went back to bed and felt too weak and tired to get up until close to 8pm. My dreams were so vivid, so crazy though it was strange. I felt like I was coming down with the flu, but thanks to the intrepid and supportive group over at the Clean Program forums, I was able to tell that my “symptoms” were normal for the start of the cleanse and I shouldn’t be alarmed.

Will keep you posted and share more next week as I observe my feelings and physical state. Follow me on Twitter for up to the moment details of this cleanse journey!

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,

The Truth About Money

Nacie Carson — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:37:58 +0000

Have you ever stopped to think about all the conflicting ideologies floating around out there about money?

Money won’t buy you happiness

You can’t do anything without money

Money is the root of all evil

Money doesn’t grow on trees

Money makes the world go ’round

And my personal favorite: Got my mind on my money and my money on my mind.

I don’t know about you, but it’s enough to make my head spin!

I’ve always tried to live my life with the idea that money is simply a tool to get you things you want and help you live a lifestyle that’s important to you – nothing more or less. But lately, I’ve started to feel differently about money – it no longer seems like a thought neutral element: on the one hand, I’ve been feeling like money is an almost distasteful thing, something very “rive gauche.” Yet on the other hand, money, or lack of it, can affect me realizing my dreams and therefore is a very important – if not one of the top 3 – most important things in the world.

So here’s the question: What’s the real truth about money? Is it good, bad, or neither?

And, perhaps more importantly, how does it and should it fit into our lives as Uncommoners?

I’ve always said the goal of living an Uncommon Life is not to be a starving artist. I don’t think there is any benefit to living like a monk aside from religious elements. Yet as I grow older and start looking to home ownership, indulging more heavily in personal projects, and start to think about having a family, money has started to seem like a much more important player than I had previously given it credit for.

This sudden focus on cash might also have been precipitated by watching several close friends struggle with having several high important occasions (weddings, child rearing, business building) need to conform to a budget and not be able to turn visions into reality.

I’d love to hear your honest thoughts about money and how it relates to your pursuit of an Uncommon Life. Is it a means to an end? An end to some means?

Please leave a comment and share your thoughts. Maybe together we can start to figure out the real truth about money…

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,

When Inspiration Strikes

Nacie Carson — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:40:46 +0000

When inspiration strikes, do you pay attention?

Sometimes, the roar of the world, our friends and family, even our own internal voices can drown out the bright ideas that come to us and can change our lives.

Think of some of the most important accomplishments of mankind: antibiotics, space travel, heck, even the self-flushing toilet…they all likely came into existence thanks to someone experiencing a flash of inspiration – what if there was something we could take to help our bodies ward off infection? What if man could fly like the angels? What if you could do your bathroom business without the extra, arduous step of needing to turn and flush?

The old stories goes that Sir Isaac Newton was inspired to the concept of gravity by an apple falling from a tree and knocking him on the head. Benjamin Franklin supposedly got the idea for electricity by flying a kite in some inclement weather, and Mr. Sherlock Holmes solved most of his investigations by sitting around smoking a pipe waiting for inspiration to hit him.

Yet in our busy, noisy, ten-things-at-once world, most of us don’t have the luxury to hang out for hours under orchard trees, fly a kite, or just sit around and enjoy nineteenth century tobacco. This just means we need to work harder to allow inspiration, the most incredible and fickle of muses, to show herself.

Inspiration can give you the jolt you need to figure out that next business venture, handle the personal issue you’ve been facing, or even open your eyes up to a whole new way of living.

So as we move through this week, I ask you this:

When was the last time you felt inspiration strike?

When did it happen? Where were you? How did you feel? Thinking about the last time you really felt inspired can help you prep yourself to be the happy recipient of another shot of inspiration.

Leave a comment and share the last time you experienced inspiration with your fellow Uncommoners!

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,

What If?

Nacie Carson — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:35:50 +0000

What if you had made a different choice than the one you made? What if things had never happened like that?

What if you had taken that job? Where might you be now?

What if you hadn’t married your wife, who might you be with?

What if you had done this differently, said that instead of what you said…what if those things out of your control had never happened to you?

Movies, books, music, and inconceivable amounts of hours of human thought have been spent on that one most painful thought – “What If Things Had Gone Differently?”

I get sucked into the trap of “What If?” all the time – I look back on life and in hindsight, with all my new knowledge and understanding, think about how I might do this or that differently and how that would change where I am today. If I had just thought about it like this, took advantage of that, avoided so-and-so, I wouldn’t be here – I might be somewhere more fabulous, more perfect, more ideal.

And that is why “What If” is the most painful of siren songs – it allows you to think that if things had been different, any and all problems, struggles, and issues you currently face would be magically wiped away and you’d be left with nothing but roses and champagne.

I recently had a discussion with someone I respect greatly where all they could think about was how if they had done things differently, the predicament they faced would be gone. It occurred to me that what they were ignoring, and what most people including myself do when they go down this horrible train of thought, is that had they made different choices, they wouldn’t be problem free – their set of problems would just be different.

No life is problem free – and if it is, you might as well be dead. A problem, a struggle, a skill to learn, a challenge to be overcome, is what fuels the human experience. While it might be tempting to imagine you had made different choices when you are in the middle of struggle, try to remember that different choices also come with their own issues, and they are the devil you don’t know.

What If is like a mirage in the middle of the desert. It is a bittersweet thought process that shines with all the potential and possibility you’ll never experience – providing an alternate path, an escape and maybe even an excuse (“If I had just won that scholarship, I would have achieved more”) while backhanding you with the absolute truth: we cannot go back, there is no redo for life, and even if we could go back there is no guarantee we would end up in any better or different place.

So all we can do is take a deep breath, square our shoulders forward, and try to right the wrongs and meet the challenges that are in front of us. And any anytime the “What If” siren starts to call, just tell it where to stick it…

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,

Going Off the Grid

Nacie Carson — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:12:21 +0000

Have you gone off the grid lately?

I have. And it has been quite an experience.

The past few weeks, I’ve been “off the grid” – what does that mean? It means I haven’t blogged, haven’t tweeted, haven’t Facebooked, YouTubed…in fact, I haven’t even been online that much.

You could say I’ve been on a technology fast.

For the past three years, my life day in and day out has been online. There wasn’t a single day that I didn’t touch my accounts and contacts online – and I can honestly say that: holidays, birthdays, “vacations,” – I logged in at least once a day every day for the past thousand days.

But something strange happened a few weeks ago – I woke up, went through my morning routine, and was about to open up my computer when I found myself stopped.

I just sat at my desk, staring at the laptop, trying to will myself to push the “On” button.

I struggled internally for a few minutes, when I suddenly realized something strange: I needed a break from the internet.

The next day, I woke up and felt the same. And the day after, and the day after. So I decided to listen to my heart and allow myself to stay offline until I was ready to plug back in.

Lessons Learned Off The Grid

Being literally and figuratively out of the loop for almost three weeks is a scary prospect. As an internet based business woman and someone who just likes to be a part of what’s going on, there were days when I felt a queasy feeling in my stomach, thinking that when I plugged back in no one would remember my name.

But the truth is, none of the major tragedies that I had worried about occurred. Blog traffic remained surprisingly high and steady, twitter followers continued to slowly and steadily increase, and my reputation did not crumble.

How many of you feel the same types of fears? We get so entrenched in our online lives and start to confuse important, necessary work with busy, “makes me feel important” work.

I found that I have cut out a lot of my offline self because my online self has taken center stage. So here’ the question:

Have You Forgotten How To Live Offline?

Have you forgotten the personal development value of disconnecting from the technology and reconnecting with other things, like friends, family, nature, and self? Have you forgotten the simple joy of going for a walk, shopping without the Blackberry blinking non-stop, or just reading a book?

While for us in the internet generation the idea is scary, the moral of the story is clear: Sometimes, unplugging, going off the grid, and stepping away from the keyboard for a good chuck of time is good and healthy. Listen to your heart and your mind, and try to listen to the signals.

If you don’t think you’d be able to step away for a few weeks at a time, try these tricks to get the space you need in smaller doses:

Have one computer-free day each week (don’t turn it on, don’t check email)
Pick a specific start and end time for your day and stick too it
Shut your computer off at night
Keep your computer in an office room or spare bedroom, don’t keep it in a high-traffic family space or your bedroom
Work on developing work relationships offline – get together with your online contacts, call them on the phone, or write an old-fashioned letter

Remember that living Uncommonly is about chasing our dreams, both on and offline.

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,