186 days of running at least 35 minutes. A year of no alcohol. Two months (or more) of no caffeine. Daily cold plunges in a freezing lake or shower for 5 years. And now, two weeks of no sugar or caffeine. I often get asked, but why Julie? The answer: Because I can.
I've always been somewhat of a risk taker. Not the type to climb Mount Everest or scale a mountain with only my clothes on my back, but the type to make personal challenges to remind myself how strong the mind is when we give ourselves personal goals. Of course the body pushes back- especially during the first week. In my case, first day of no sugar was nothing but fatigue and chills - coupled with a brutal headache. But I perserver. Sugar isn't going to take over my mind or my life. And coffee? Coffee is nothing but a dark, hot, liquid.
Why am I sharing this? Because I'm a big believer that if we give ourselves regular micro-challenges, they can become healthy habits we will eventually want to adopt and continue on with throughout our life.
A few weeks ago while on my walk I was listening to a podcast. I forget which one because I listen to several different ones. The guest was sharing that we should give ourself at least 1 big challenge per year. If we live until 80 that is 60 big challenges we've tried since we were adults (assuming we start at 20). I started this on my own around 35. Some years I do more than others. I guess some years I did big "things" without considering them a challenge - like buying my dream property and starting my art career.
My favourites podcasts are (in no particular order), Know Thyself, The Mindset Mentor and the Resilient Mind - amongst others. They all focus on personal development. And while I don't agree with all the guests and their philosophies, I enjoy the perspectives and often have many useful takeaways.
On top of my already substantial plate, I am considering launching a new podcast - no more than one episode per week. I love sharing my art and my journey and meeting other artists. Would you like to listen to an art-related podcast? It's on my long "things I plan to do one day" list - along with my colouring book and other projects. I have to remind myself that it has ONLY a few weeks since launching the website. Once I get my systems running smoothly, and perhaps take on an assistant, I will consider such. For now, I will focus on getting the artwork I have online and adding new products to the website.
As I conclude this week's journal-blog, I encourage you to think of one, just one, thing that you want to add into your life that's positive OR take out one thing that is negative. It could be adding morning walks to your day. Or, refraining from snacking on potato chips. Anything. Just one. Try to see how many days you can do it. Once you get to double-digit days you'll feel a fascinating sense of accomplishment. In many cases, you'll want to keep going when you see how good you feel.
A good habit to add along with whatever you choose is journalling before bed. Write down how this new thing you've started (or stopped) has made you feel. Having this accessible allows you to reflect back and feel the emotions of achievement and success. It is a visual reminder that you can do whatever you put your mind to.
And if no one told you, I believe in you. I appreciate you and you matter in this world.
Keep shining!
-Julie
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