Back in June, I embarked on a 90-day challenge. The idea is to pick five meaningful things you want to accomplish in 90 days. The goals I set reflected where I was three months ago: Not stoked on the progress I was making on creative projects, and drinking more often than I would like. Today is the final day of that challenge and though I didn’t knock everything off my list, I feel wiser and way more creative as a result. As with every goal-setting exercise, it’s vital to track your progress and circle back once the ‘deadline’ hits. To keep myself honest, here’s how I did:

1. Complete 3 paintings – Almost! I finished two and have one well on its way. This Friday, my work will show at LA’s own Pancakes & Booze art show, here in Portland, and I am SO excited to share (and sell) my paintings with this awesome community. I’ll be adding a gallery of some of my artwork from over the years to this blog in its own section, if you feel so inclined to take a look.
2. Go backpacking – Though my friend Caroline and I planned and prepped, this hasn’t happened yet. But we are looking to October for the trip, if weather permits.
3. Guest post for 2 bloggers I admire – Check and check! More than honored to have my writing featured on The Loveumentary and The Unlost, two blogs I love very much, created by people who I love very much.
4. Run a lot – Yeah, about that … Let’s just say, I ran 6 miles at a time on more ambitious outings, I ran across some Portland bridges, and wrote a couple more articles for Examiner. Though I’m finished with that summer job, I intend to keep a regular running schedule this Fall.
5. Quit drinking – Overall, this was a success for me. I went roughly 30 days with no more than a sip or two, then decided to morph this rule a bit. Instead of no drinking, I pledged not to get buzzed or drunk, i.e. drink a healthy and below-moderate amount. Five weddings and one 4th of July later, I’m proud to say I only broke my pledge at one wedding and otherwise stuck to my guns. I am so happy I chose to take on this specific goal, because I learned a lot about the hidden benefits of sobriety in the process. I think I’ve kicked the drinking habit I never would have previously admitted I had.

It’s time to create some new goals for the next 90-day challenge, and I hope you join me! Thanks to those of you who shared in the last challenge – congrats on kicking ass.

With courage, love, and intensity,

Kristen

Photo credit: Kristen McKee (me). ‘Take a dip’ painted in 2007 in Santa Clara, CA using Acrylic paint.