Last month, my best friend and I had an epic 8 hour date. It was in my playroom, from my couch, with a train table as our coffee table and foot rest. We were watching Rachel Hollis and her team give us a RISE conference virtually.
My friend and I both attended her first virtual event in May. She was in North Carolina, and I was sitting at my computer here in Virginia. That was fine, but she so graciously suggested how much more fun it would be to watch together. So she drove up and spent the weekend with me!
We both left the conference inspired and motivated, but we wondered how much we’d actually put in to action. Of course, none of the information we heard was new or surprising, but it was bundled so compactly in a way that could simply force the change out of you if you let it.
Anyone who has followed me for a while knows that I’m a bit of a Cherry Coke Zero addict, and often I reach for those way before I consider water. And that doesn’t fly at a conference like this. Drink the damn water is her motto, and it’s a good one. Admittedly, switching over to 80+ ounces of water a day is not easy for me, so I eased my way into this one. I had lots of soda in my garage that I needed to finish first. But to make it last longer, I found myself starting with a water, then reaching for the soda. And I was slowly going from 3 a day down to one. I never expect myself to be someone who is content on just water, but I’m definitely getting better about drinking it. Mostly because my skin had become so dry in September that I knew I wasn’t hydrating by body properly, and if I didn’t get it on track now, the winter would be a disaster.
So a month later, water intake is looking good.
What about self-care? I try to wake up on my own with enough time for me-time in the morning, and even before the conference, I’d set a goal to journal and read the bible five mornings a week. Watching the conference, reinforced it for me. This has been one of the easiest ones to keep. I’m writing in my Start Today journal which includes 5 things I’m grateful for from the day before, and I repeat the same 10 dreams I want to see come true in the next ten years. The idea of manifesting them in to reality by keeping them top of mind is fascinating to me, and I can’t wait to see what I can dream up!
After I’ve finished with my journal, I spend a few minutes in the bible. Right now, I’m workin through this new testament in a year bible, so each day is short and sweet. I’m only about a month behind, and I haven’t let that stop me from chugging along to see it through. Most days I just read 2-3 days worth of content to help me catch up. I WILL be finished by December 31st, ready to take on something new.
The incredible Jay Shetty asked me to Think Like a Monk and start meditating. I admit, it hasn’t happened yet. Not even 60 seconds a day. I suck, and I’m sorry. I’ll try again tomorrow?
Kelly LeVeque of the Body Love books was my friend’s favorite and was excited for me to be introduced to her. I loved the idea of filling my plate first with the good stuff – leafy greens, protein, fiber, and good fats. In theory, so easy. In practice, so hard!
I am so busy during the day right now with working from home and helping my elementary kids succeed with virtual learning that my go-to is always a protein bar or a handful of nuts or a Hershey kiss. I’d say it’s not more than once a week that I actually make a real meal during the day.
Our dinners are excellent and healthy, but lunch is a complete grab and go situation. Because I know this is an area that I can’t stress over right now in my current season, I’m focused on succeeding with intermittent fasting and continuing to do that well. Delay, don’t deny is much easier for me to take on right now that worrying about meal prep for lunches too. Meal prepping dinner is amazing, but I don’t have the mindshare to take on another meal in 2020!
So overall, I’d say that while I haven’t done a 180 in my life since attending the health conference last month, I have made some changes that are on their way to becoming habit. I’m drinking so much more water. I’m intentional about my me-time in the morning. And I’m aware of what I eat, even if it’s a poor choice. It’s better, for sure. Now my challenge is to finish the rest of 2020 strong, not letting the cold weather and time away from work throw me off my game.
And if you need a place to start, Rachel’s “Five to Thrive” is a good place. Wake up earlier, drink the damn water, move your body every day, cut out on food that’s bad for you, and give gratitude. If you do even 2 of those a day, you’ll be on your way to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
The Other Side of Motherhood 