A Challenge’s Harvest

The concept was simple: every day, for thirty days, find something and then do something with it. Could be anything, could do anything. The point was to be open to what came into my day — and then see how serendipity and intention might entwine.

When I set out a month ago, I didn’t realize my Serendipity Challenge would culminate with the beginning of fall, but the coincidence seems apt. Here I am, at the start of our traditional harvest season, scooping up life’s bounty, stowing away its fruits for future consumption and nourishment.

My hands and heart are full of the lessons learned.

Curiouser and curiouser – As I paid more attention to my surroundings, looking for my “find”, I noticed more things to be curious about. And the more things I was curious about, the more other things there were to learn about. Pretty soon, all sorts of things were increasingly interesting.

God may have an inordinate fondness for beetles, but I’m not far behind. More than a few of my “finds” were inspired by nature. From blossoms’ scents to crabs’ tracks to bunnies in general, I spent a lot of time noticing and learning about the physical world around me.

They say it takes six weeks to establish a habit – which might explain why this practice never quite made it to “habitual”. I had to focus on doing this each day. Clearly mindfulness doesn’t just happen on its own.

I’ve got itchy fingers. The daily invitation to make something was delightful. I built, I wove, I wrote, I collected. I believe it as a very human urge to create – and that force is strong with this one.

It’s a big beautiful world out there – with more than enough wonders and curiosities to keep us all busy for an endless series of thirty-day challenges.

Although I didn’t notice it until I looked back over the month, it seems no surprise that I ended with a focus on listening.

I’ll keep chewing on these toothsome nuggets well into winter, looking for the serendipity in each day, fingers happy in the doing, mind expanding, heart warmed.

Life Lesson #22: Curiosity is its own reward.