While Erin Casey of Squaw Valley Institute won’t be rounding up historical figures to save her future the way Bill and Ted do in Steven Herek’s film, she has put herself in the thick of an excellent adventure. Beginning in September this ambitious individual embarked on a year-long journey to take on an assortment of challenges and give up some not-so-necessary habits, like watching TV.
For her first challenge Casey gave up her car, which for a full-time working mom with a 3-year-old in tow is no small feat. In October she vows to do something NEW every day with her daughter. During subsequent months, Casey will face such endeavors as cooking organic-only dinners, taking on a skill that she ‘sucks at,’ attending public meetings, and yes, not turning on the TV.
Casey calls this project ‘365 Broken Windows.’ Why? Because windows are often represented as metaphor for merely looking at the world and Casey is tired of looking; she wants to participate fully and prove to herself – and to her family and friends –that one person really can make a difference in the world. In her own words Casey says, ‘We can make a difference just by changing everyday activities to be more meaningful and by projecting positive outcomes.’
Casey’s commitment to change for one of the months remains undecided, so Moonshiners could pick up that month by offering her suggestions. What do YOU think Erin Casey should take on or give up? Leave a comment on the story on our website and we’ll print them in a suggestion box and then see which one she chooses. In the meantime, you can follow her progress through her blog – or even join in – but first be sure to read the ‘Introduction’ and ‘Born to Run’ posts to see what led Casey to this excellent adventure. Find it at 365brokenwindows.com.
Discuss this article with the author, email equesnel@moonshineink.com.
