Infinity puts her brain back in

[Infinity.Creates]

This might be by taking off the top and plopping it back in, or eating it like I've been infected in the Last of Us. (I'm hoping that it will actually by assimilating information, but you never know when the apocalypse - zombie or robot - will arrive)

 

Several goals will be the same, or maybe slightly altered. I keep thinking too far in the future, and getting overwhelmed by the present and then never getting around to any of it. I struggled last challenge, and I know a lot of it was a product of motivation rather than habit. So, habit building here I come!

 

Quest 1 : Study

 

Wow, what a surprise! Or not. Again, studying is something I need to actively work on. Last challenge is got a bit wonky, and I felt too pressured and ended up doing less work than I needed. I've got my mocks coming up after the Christmas holidays, and I've got to get my revision brain on.

 

21 days + (+4 WIS)

15 days + (+2 WIS)

7 days +   (+1 WIS)

 

 

Quest 2 : Bible Study

 

I was challenged by a family friend to read the entire Bible by Easter. Eek! I've got a plan set out, and now I've got to stick with it until Easter. I'm hoping that it will bring me calm and focus when I study and pray in the morning, and it will help me in my journey with God.

 

21 days + (+4 WIS)

15 days + (+2 WIS)

7 days +   (+1 WIS)

 

 

Quest 3 : Age of Pandora

 

So, I've read the entire story, because I am that person. But I really liked the way it handles exercise, with the opportunity of doing extra if the story requires it. I tried Hero's Journey, but I didn't like it because I found doing 5+ sets incredibly boring. So, AoP is my exercise routine that I will do when I get home. If I don't do AoP, I will do a mobility based workout (probs a Yoga routine).

 

21 days + (+4 STR)

15 days + (+2 STR)

7 days +   (+1 STR)

 

I'm also adding a new feature to my Exercise quest - a Fitness Quest. This time will be being able to do 15 assisted one-leg squats per leg - with a progression of 15 split squats. That will be another +2 STR.

 

 

Quest 4 : Paleo

 

I managed to lose 6kg over the past challenge due to me going on the Atkins diet. I hope to keep the weight loss going, by keeping to the Paleo diet. No empty carbs, no excess sugars, and I'm going to stay away from dairy as well (because I stayed away from it during Atkins and I lost more weight than I did having kept to other Paleo diets before).

 

80% food : (+4 CON)

60% food : (+2 CON)

45% food : (+1 CON)

 

 

I know there is no story this time, which is very sad, but I feel like it wasn't contributing to anything. So no story this time. I might continue the saga of Infinity at some point in the future, or change it around a bit, and do a more fantasy long term based story. I don't know, and I'm not going to be concerned about it until it comes up again. But here's to habit building and rangering like a badass!

[Maggie-Miau]

HELLO Infinity!

 

I love your Bible reading goal! May I ask what sort of plan you're using to accomplish this? It's a great thing to do!

 

3 hours ago, IAmInfinite said:

here's to habit building and rangering like a badass!

 

You said it, mellon nin! Heartily seconded. Cheering for you! *Blasts Emotional Badassery Music and waves pom poms*

[Infinity.Creates]

Just now, MiaulinTheCat said:

I love your Bible reading goal! May I ask what sort of plan you're using to accomplish this? It's a great thing to do!

You said it, mellon nin! Heartily seconded. Cheering for you! *Blasts Emotional Badassery Music and waves pom poms*

I used this website called Bible Plan, which tells you how much to read each day. You do have to sign up, but you can put a junk email in as it doesn't request for confirmation.

 

And I just came up with   but with pompoms instead of fire.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I'll be following along.

[OddlyOtter]

I'll be following. Good luck!

[Infinity.Creates]

On 11/27/2016 at 9:12 PM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I'll be following along.

Heyy!

 

17 hours ago, OddlyOtter said:

I'll be following. Good luck!

Welcome, and all the best for you as well! 

 

 

The challenge has gotten off to a great start, and I definitely think fitting these habits around currently existing habits is the best. I also really like to visualise going through the routine before I go to bed (for my morning one), or on the bus home, so I get everything done and in position before letting myself lounge. 

 

I've also realised I can help myself and my mental health by changing the ways in which I am forming my views of the world. While I've been conscious of this on one level, I'm trying to take steps to make it more applicable in reality. I had a thing when I got home, where I couldn't focus on my work anymore, but nothing else interested me. I get like this sometimes, and it tends to last a day. I will usually end up rearranging my entire room. This time, I viewed it as something I could actually deal with, left my room to talk to my mother, ate a square of dark chocolate, washed my face with cold water, and changed my task from studying to planning a bug out bag. This was good fun, and lasted for around 25 min, where I then resumed working. The anstyness came back after an hour of work, so I started researching another topic, for 30min-1 hour, and then went back to studying. Yay! I don't know if this comes from me being in a better mental state or something I can do as a long term thing. We shall see.

 

But the past two days have been really quite successful. Turning my opinion of Bible Study as a habit and chore to do, towards something that I'm excited about. That really helped, and the exercise was fun to do as well. I just need to get changed and then actually head downstairs. Then I'm ready to go. Sticking to my diet as soon as get home is tricky, but if I just have a bunch of fruit (satsumas are a life saver), that helps tide me over till dinner, and isn't too heavy to exercise on (after half an hour because I go upstairs to change and empty my bag).

 

Also, for the studying thing, if I put my own long term goals into google calender on my phone, and then break those down into short term goals on it as well, that really helps me with mini deadlines to actually work towards, and get work done. I have a 5000 word report (on Free Will) due in on the 14th, and I haven't started writing yet. The research process has been never ending. But yh, making those mini deadlines are helping me figure out how and when to write. Having it on my phone is also really beneficial, as I always have it on me, so often see the widget, and I get great little reminders. 

[Shello]

Great goals.  You've got all the bases covered.  A paper on Free Will sounds interesting! 

[Infinity.Creates]

51 minutes ago, LadyShello said:

Great goals.  You've got all the bases covered.  A paper on Free Will sounds interesting! 

Its part of the Extended Project Qualification, and you have to write 5000 words on a topic (relevant to your chosen university course). Mine was "Does Free Will Exist?" I think I got in a bit over my head, but it's been really interesting and I think I have a lot more than 5000 words to say on it

[Kosareh]

I'll be following along. 

 

 

[Gobnait]

Sounds like you have got a good challenge going.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

5 hours ago, IAmInfinite said:

Mine was "Does Free Will Exist?" I think I got in a bit over my head, but it's been really interesting and I think I have a lot more than 5000 words to say on it

I have decided to believe free will exists.

[Xena]

I really like the way you actively tried to figure out how to get past the "antsiness". Your strategy might or might not work every time, but it's fantastic that you decided to experiment breaking out of your mindset. Huge win in my book.

[Infinity.Creates]

15 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I have decided to believe free will exists.

I'm pretty sure I do as well, but for this I've been trying to keep a very open mind. Doing Philosophy tends to make you question a lot of things a lot, but it only helps strengthen and build faith (hey look its an antifragile message!). The conclusion to the essay is very inconclusive, but actually points us towards an answer of ' we don't know and can never know.' It's Deuternmy 29:29 "The Lord our God has secrets known to no-one." But yeah its been fun to research and getting round to write (even if I have no idea on how to stop writing once I get started)

 

12 hours ago, Xena said:

I really like the way you actively tried to figure out how to get past the "antsiness". Your strategy might or might not work every time, but it's fantastic that you decided to experiment breaking out of your mindset. Huge win in my book.

Thanks! I've been struggling with it for a while, but having the challenge helped focus me and bring me out of that. Who knows if it will return, but having a clear plan definitely helps.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

31 minutes ago, IAmInfinite said:

I'm pretty sure I do as well, but for this I've been trying to keep a very open mind. Doing Philosophy tends to make you question a lot of things a lot, but it only helps strengthen and build faith (hey look its an antifragile message!). The conclusion to the essay is very inconclusive, but actually points us towards an answer of ' we don't know and can never know.' It's Deuternmy 29:29 "The Lord our God has secrets known to no-one." But yeah its been fun to research and getting round to write (even if I have no idea on how to stop writing once I get started)

Anti-fragile is a great paradigm for looking at faith. One of the problems of modernity was they idea of Cartesian certitude made doubt the enemy of faith. An oversimplification of the liberal-conservative split in Christian theology illustrates this well. The idea is Conservatives said if you doubt it can't be true, so they ran to scripture as the foundation of faith and plugged their ears and ignored any doubt and we got fundamentalism. Liberals said if you doubt it can't be true, so any time scirpture could be doubted they threw it out the window and chose not to believe. On the other hand, if you look at doubt like a workout and faith like a muscle, you struggle with doubt for a while and break down the muscle fibers of faith, but then as you sleep those fibers repair and you wake up stronger than before the workout.

[Infinity.Creates]

8 minutes ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Anti-fragile is a great paradigm for looking at faith. One of the problems of modernity was they idea of Cartesian certitude made doubt the enemy of faith. An oversimplification of the liberal-conservative split in Christian theology illustrates this well. The idea is Conservatives said if you doubt it can't be true, so they ran to scripture as the foundation of faith and plugged their ears and ignored any doubt and we got fundamentalism. Liberals said if you doubt it can't be true, so any time scirpture could be doubted they threw it out the window and chose not to believe. On the other hand, if you look at doubt like a workout and faith like a muscle, you struggle with doubt for a while and break down the muscle fibers of faith, but then as you sleep those fibers repair and you wake up stronger than before the workout.

What would you call a greater enemy of faith? And are you of the opinion that the Bible should be taken literally, and should we be constantly challenging common Christian thought? (sorry for the sudden onslaught of questions

There is also, if you know it, then it cannot be true, and I have known people of religion to run away from science because it threatens their faith and need for it. 

Humility and acceptance are also things that I find I've learnt from constant questioning, because no matter how utterly frustrating it is to end up with none answers and round about questions, I need to accept that I don't know the answer, and need to accept that and move on. 

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

48 minutes ago, IAmInfinite said:

What would you call a greater enemy of faith? And are you of the opinion that the Bible should be taken literally, and should we be constantly challenging common Christian thought? (sorry for the sudden onslaught of questions

There is also, if you know it, then it cannot be true, and I have known people of religion to run away from science because it threatens their faith and need for it. 

Humility and acceptance are also things that I find I've learnt from constant questioning, because no matter how utterly frustrating it is to end up with none answers and round about questions, I need to accept that I don't know the answer, and need to accept that and move on. 

I'm a moderate, so I I think Literal and true are independent variables. Figurative language should be interpreted as figurative language, etc. Also, Genesis is a theology book making theological points rather than a science text. I think the greatest enemy of faith is cowardice. It takes courage to believe in something that by definition cannot be proven. Fear itself is neutral, and feeling fear is not cowardice nor is the absence of fear courage. Rather, giving in to fear and letting it hold us back is cowardice, and pressing on in the presence of fear is courage.

[SkyGirl]

On 11/28/2016 at 4:38 PM, IAmInfinite said:

Turning my opinion of Bible Study as a habit and chore to do, towards something that I'm excited about.

 

This reminded me of a neat essay I read a while back:

 

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/treat-yourself-to-the-voice-of-god

 

Apologies if you are not a fan of John Piper; I know many are not, but I find I get a lot of good kernels of truth from the teachers he has write for his blog, so I follow.  :-)  Anyway, this post really challenged my thinking about Bible study as well. After all, spending time with the One we love should be enjoyable, just like it is for the humans (and arguably animals?) we love!

 

6 hours ago, IAmInfinite said:

Hey look its an antifragile message!

 

I love this!! It reminds me of one of my favorite Spurgeon quotes:

 

A great many learned men are defending the gospel; no doubt it is a very proper and right thing to do, yet I always notice that, when there are most books of that kind, it is because the gospel itself is not being preached.

 

Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, a full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them, if they would not object, and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, and open the door, and let the lion out! I believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself; and the best “apology” for the gospel is to let the gospel out.

 

Following for Rangerly awesomeness and THEOLOGY!!!

[Infinity.Creates]

24 minutes ago, SkyGirl said:

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/treat-yourself-to-the-voice-of-god

Following for Rangerly awesomeness and THEOLOGY!!!

That article was really good, and definitely hit some of the point I was trying to make (though I think I will leave my Bible next to my bed so I don't have to leave it in the mornings)

I haven't come across any of his other stuff, so I shall have to find a time to look through that website.

And that quote is pretty awesome! And definitely an interesting point to make about defending faith.

Thanks for following! Theology and metaphysics are huuuuge interests of mine, and I'm hoping to study Physics and Philosophy as a Joint Honors at uni. 

[Elastigirl]

Thanks for that article. I loved the idea of treating yourself to God's word. Having your Bible right by your bed is a great idea.

 

Adding to what Tank said about fear. I think one f the main reason's we fear is that we forget who God is and our relationship to us. He is King , and we are adopted sons and daughters. He is a good King who loves us very much, so why do we need to fear. Saying this because I constantly have to remind myself.

[Infinity.Creates]

 

 

Seemed very relevant.

 

 

But I also got contact from UCAS track for the first time since I applied. Turns out I've been rejected by a university. Highly demoralizing, and I am seriously worried because that had lower grade boundaries that three others that I applied to. So if they rejected me....

I know its negative and poisonous thoughts that are chasing around inside my head, but. 

Apathy and self-disappointment just peaked. Thankfully it doesn't feel like I'm about to relapse into anything, but it's really negative news.

 

 

On the other hand! I've started writing poetry again (to enter in this competition with £3000 prize), and a couple people have read it. And really really liked it. So that's been a massive boost to my self-esteem. It's about Icarus and the sun and moon and falling in love with someone for the first time and falling in love with the sky.

[Elastigirl]

I'm sorry to hear that about the University.That is hard. Sending you a hug and prayers. Way to go on writing the poetry.  And remember The God of Angel Armies is always by your side! I love that song, btw thanks for sharing, it is a good thing to remember when life throws you a curve ball.

[zeroh13]

23 hours ago, IAmInfinite said:

 

 

Seemed very relevant.

 

 

But I also got contact from UCAS track for the first time since I applied. Turns out I've been rejected by a university. Highly demoralizing, and I am seriously worried because that had lower grade boundaries that three others that I applied to. So if they rejected me....

I know its negative and poisonous thoughts that are chasing around inside my head, but. 

Apathy and self-disappointment just peaked. Thankfully it doesn't feel like I'm about to relapse into anything, but it's really negative news.

 

 

On the other hand! I've started writing poetry again (to enter in this competition with £3000 prize), and a couple people have read it. And really really liked it. So that's been a massive boost to my self-esteem. It's about Icarus and the sun and moon and falling in love with someone for the first time and falling in love with the sky.

You never know, one of the other universities could still accept you. I don't know how similar it is for you, but over here so many things go into the decision making process, it's not just grades. Essays, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, how competitive the university is, how many students they are accepting, etc. And sometimes it just comes down to luck in terms of who else applied this year (you could take your exact same application and grades and everything else, and be in a higher or lower percentile based on how good or bad everyone else is).

 

It might help you feel better to have a backup plan in case the others don't pan out. What's that saying, "plan for the worst, but hope for the best"? I know for me at least, having a backup plan means I'm a lot less stressed out. It's still a lot of stress, but it's a noticeable difference.

 

Good luck with the poetry. I used to write a lot of poetry in middle school and high school. I was never that good at it, but it was a lot of fun.

[Infinity.Creates]

On 12/1/2016 at 5:15 PM, Elastigirl said:

I'm sorry to hear that about the University.That is hard. Sending you a hug and prayers. Way to go on writing the poetry.  And remember The God of Angel Armies is always by your side! I love that song, btw thanks for sharing, it is a good thing to remember when life throws you a curve ball.

 

Thanks for your support! It sent me spiraling last night and this morning, but I spent an hour in study, and read some of Joseph, had a good pray and cry, and I'm back on track to start doing the best I can. And maybe I should do a challenge song? Pick one for every challenge and focus on that for a theme ....

 

 

 

5 hours ago, zeroh13 said:

You never know, one of the other universities could still accept you. I don't know how similar it is for you, but over here so many things go into the decision making process, it's not just grades. Essays, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, how competitive the university is, how many students they are accepting, etc. And sometimes it just comes down to luck in terms of who else applied this year (you could take your exact same application and grades and everything else, and be in a higher or lower percentile based on how good or bad everyone else is).

 

It might help you feel better to have a backup plan in case the others don't pan out. What's that saying, "plan for the worst, but hope for the best"? I know for me at least, having a backup plan means I'm a lot less stressed out. It's still a lot of stress, but it's a noticeable difference.

 

Good luck with the poetry. I used to write a lot of poetry in middle school and high school. I was never that good at it, but it was a lot of fun.

 

I think the rejection just hit hard because I know my results were terrible, and it was because I didn't put enough work or time on study, and I got what I worked for, which was incredibly little. And realising you failed, that's always a bitter pill to swallow. However, I do have Plans A-Z in case I don't get to uni with this round. I still have Extra, and then I can reapply next year, and then I can go into apprentiship, or I can go into something like an arts foundation course. Some unis do go in for the grades, some go for UCAS points (different things give you different points), others have an interview. We shall see (I hate waiting)

 

Poetry writing is quite fun. My favourite is to do dumb short ones about mundane things. We(me and my friends) came up with a bit of a challenge of shouting random words at each other and then trying to write a poem. Many are utterly rubbish, but still hilarious. 

[Gobnait]

Your friends might enjoy the literary version of exquisite corpse.

[Infinity.Creates]

12 hours ago, Gobnait said:

Your friends might enjoy the literary version of exquisite corpse.

There's a very similar game called Consequences, which is writing a word on a paper and passing it around without seeing the previous. 

Another favourite is doing it spoken. Me and a different group had a very involved story about were rabbits when we did that one.

I played a different version at Christmas, where we had a large group, and you wrote down a sentence on a piece of paper. The next person would have to draw it. The next would have to write a sentence, and so on. Tip for that : penguins are very hard to draw. As are bicycles.

But thanks for the cooler name! I had to go look it up and the history behind it is really fascinating.