Note: This post is part of an ongoing blog series called #costamesa365 where the author is striving to shop only* in her city of Costa Mesa, for a year.
The response to #costamesa365 from friends, family and neighbors, so far, has run the gamut. Most people are positive and cheer me on – which is so appreciated, I need the support!
A handful of reactions has been, well, less than enthusiastic.
On one end, we have, “Meh! What’s the big deal? That’s not even challenging.”
On the other, there’s, “That’s crazy! You’re doing that on purpose? I could never do that.”
Some get right to the point, “This is stupid.”
A couple have asked for an audit, “Yes, but does the electricity running to your house technically originate in Costa Mesa? If not, challenge over.”
Some people are suspicious of my motives, “You do realize this is de facto promoting protectionist thinking against your neighboring cities.”
And you know what? Every, single reaction in this panopoly of emotions is beautiful!
This is exactly how most human beings respond when faced with discomfort: the bargaining, the questioning, the bravado, the doubting. I have personally toggled between all of these thoughts – just this morning!
I totally get it.
#costamesa365 is a year-long act of voluntary discomfort. I am ripping myself from the warm blanket of comfort. Throwing myself out into the cold of uncertainty.
It’s awkward.
My little act of voluntary discomfort seems to be making some readers, well, uncomfortable. So I wanted to offer a little more clarity as to my personal motives.
In doing #costamesa365, I am hoping for three simple things. (Although, to be fair, it’s still early days. Who knows what’s in store?)
I want to:
- Discover new people, places and adventures, in my own backyard, that I otherwise might never have encountered;
- Live more in alignment with what I Heart Costa Mesa is all about: loving neighbors, supporting local businesses, shining a positive light on the city;
- Dislodge myself from old habits, paradigms and routines to see what new personal growth might happen as a result.
If you want to join me in this craziness, even just for a week or a month, post your pledge in our Facebook group so we can cheer you on!
As for me, I’ll continue to read every comment, email, DM, text and reaction. Some will make me super uncomfortable. But that’s ok…
I volunteer. ♥
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*We will always start by shopping / looking in Costa Mesa, first. But if we really need something and an alternative is nowhere to be found in Costa Mesa, we’ll stray. Also, as parents, we’ve decided that certain kid-related things (mainly educational) will need to remain baked in.
