When I was a small child, my parents, toddler brother, one aunt, and cousin all climbed into the back of big blue van and spent roughly two weeks in Florida. I remember only a handful of things from this trip. We did all the usual Floridian attractions like Sea World, Bush Gardens, and Disney World. There was one stop that made a lasting impression on me. It was our visit to the P.T. Barnum Museum. During this visit I was introduced to P.T. Barnum’s general belief that “there is a sucker born every minute.” I have often thought about this idea and the fact that, even at 8 years old, I knew Barnum was on to something. I wish I could say I believe in this phrase because I exemplify the non-sucker; but I will readily admit I reflect both sides of this coin. I am constantly shocked at the general naivety of those around me and, with the same breath, I often join the idiocy. For example, as a child on the playgrounds I could not resist a dare. If the dare was magnified to a ‘double’ or ‘triple dog’ dare, then call me a sucker because I was there answering the call and trying to prove I could do anything!
What do dares and Barnum’s personal philosophies have to do with a corn-free challenge? I think why I am doing this is deeply rooted in these ideas. As Barnum suggested, like many of my fellow humans, I am highly suggestible. Thus for me, watching Food Inc. and King Corn was similar to how many might have visceral reactions to horror movies. The experience made
it easy for me to buy the party line and want to stay as far from corn as is possible.
The second reason is the challenge. “27 days” comes from that same space of not being able to turn down a dare; and. the harder the challenge, the more interested I become in the pending task. For me, the 27 days were my own personal “double dare” to see if I could challenge myself to a life without corn. In a few days, I look forward to the conclusion of this experiment; but, like any seasoned better, I have decided to up the ante. I have decided to go straight to the “triple dog dare” level and extend this project for an additional 73 days to live corn-free for a total of 100 days.
I want to extend this challenge for several reasons including that I want to be challenged. The additional days address the number one question I am asked. Is living corn-free hard? While I would not say the last three weeks have been easy, I am also not sure I would say they have been hard.
I have learned that eating takes more planning e.g. if I am busy with work, then I cannot just stop and pick up a quick bite. I need to pre-plan so I have access to a corn-free quick bite (like fresh fruit or a Larbar). The most difficult part of this process seems to be eating out with friends. I have found certain staples such as salads or wild fish. However, I have found myself in situations where I am playing 20 questions with wait staff and feeling guilty for holding up my friends’ dining experience.
More than just liking a challenge, an extension of this project would allow me more time to note quantifiable changes in my life. In reality, 27 days is not a very long time. While I have begun to witness health benefits and deal with challenges, I want to extend this experiment to account for more days where struggle will be evident. For example, I am planning a road trip for the holidays and have another road trip planned for February. I want to see how difficult is it to drive long distances without caffeine energy drinks and fast food. I have experienced one cold during my 27 days but I am curious to see how I would cope if I were to be sick again. Basically, I want to allow enough life to happen to see if this is just a one-time experiment or if I am beginning to develop a new way of life.
I am not sure what Barnum would say; but something tells me he might wait another 73 days before rendering a final judgment.
