With this being the last day of the month, I wanted to give you an update on the Intentions I initiated at the beginning of January. Initially, I thought I may be focusing on too much, with intentions in three different areas (mind, body and spirit). However, I find that even if I don’t do every thing every day, I usually do everything often enough to see improvement. And some things, I find myself doing more often than I intended.
The intentions I am going over and above on are nature photography, yoga, and daily activity. I find myself eagerly looking forward to my photography walks each weekend, when the initial intent was once a month. I set aside the guilt over not bringing my dogs (which would be a disaster) or spending more time with my kids (who are happy to do their own things these days) and pick up my camera and go. I’m such a novice, but I can already feel that this is an activity that will bring me joy far into the future.
On this note, if you are newly sober or trying to be, I highly recommend that you find “your bliss” and do whatever it takes to pursue it. We need to fill the space that drinking left with activities that bring us joy and taste what it feels like to truly be alive.
I set out do to yoga three times a week and take 8,000 steps a day, but I started a 30-day Yoga with Adriene series on YouTube and practice most nights instead of sitting on the couch on my phone. I find it is helping me with joints and limbs that tend to get stiff and sore by the end of the day, along with building strength and flexibility. The added steps and workouts are helping with my still-not-great eating habits, staving off damage that the sweets inevitably cause. Now if I could only put down the Crumbl.
For the rest of my intentions, here is one-sentence summary to keep me honest.
Healthy eating: Still eating too many sweets during the week, though I have cut back some since the Christmas frenzy.
Reading: Too many books, too little time; but I am on my fourth book of the year so far, with my goal being 50.
Prayer/Meditation: Listening to my Abide and Calm apps every morning for guided prayer and meditation.
Connecting: Staying on track helping my students in need, and a lovely lunch with my friend this weekend.
Learning: I’ve started the first of my intended three courses on MasterClass this year, Amy Tan’s Creative Writing (although I REALLY need to start the course on dog training).
Writing: I still can’t get into the habit of writing daily, though am writing more than I did last year.
That’s all for now. I’m feeling ready to persevere, and I thank you for journeying with me.
Acorn Woodpecker
I’m happy you’re taking the course you want to take, instead of what you feel the ‘need’ to take. You’re doing fabulously! 💖
Thank you, lovely! I get much of my writing motivation from your example and consistency! Xx
I am honored. Much love~Barb.
thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading!
I have had Yoga with Adriene recommended to me before. I tried it but just could not focus. However that was when I still had my horse and my mornings and evenings were consumed with him. I have more time now for my brain to just relax and focus more. Maybe I should give it a go again. I love your pictures and walks to look forward to! I took a nice walk last evening after work and it was just what I needed. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I hope you give it another try. I’m finding it’s doing wonders for my joint soreness and flexibility. Also helping build strength. Oh, and it’s a great way to “cool down” if you are upset or angry. Hugs to you!
Today I’m not working as we got a ton of snow overnight. I know at least a foot. I’ll give her another try today after my coffee! 😃
It sounds like you are off to a fantastic year and I cannot believe what great photographs you are getting! Looks like you have great access to birds and I love birds. They seem scarce around here. In the mountains near me it’s mainly crows (not like I’ve been hiking up there lately tho lol!). Good for you Collette!!! 😘🥰❤️