Life is a funny thing. We spend so much time thinking of what to do next, where we should go, and so on. Days are full of planning, checking things off our to-do lists and making it by. We focus so much on tasks, busying ourselves, and planning for tomorrow that how many of us forget to just live? There's quite an emphasis on living in the moment, and not having to capture every detail of our lives, but having every second of our day planned is the way to live? I am all in support of working, being successful, contributing to society... we can't live without these things. But, even in the everyday tasks of life, we need to find joy and live. Working is part of living, but we do not want to become so engulfed in work that we forget the simplicities of everyday life. And so, with a new month ahead of us, let's enjoy the everyday moments and live life to the fullest.
My quote for the month of October is one I came across by St. Francis de Sales, (who is the patron saint of writers btw):
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.
There is so much that can be unpacked from this quote and everyone may interpret what they will. I often feel quotes speak to you, what you need to hear. For me, I see two key points: (1) do not obsess over the mistakes you make; and, (2) change takes time, goals take time, achievement takes time. In my desire to be a healthier me in mind, soul, and body, I often fall into a rut of not seeing change when I want to, and then dwelling on all the things I have done wrong. What good does that do? None. I do not move forward by looking back. Each day brings a clean slate, a chance to try again, and a chance to do better. They say nothing happens over night... and it's true.
The end of September was chaotic busy with our move - it was a full two days of driving that we split among three days. It was hard to grocery shop, cook, or workout so I fell off the bandwagon. It wasn't the best, but we needed nourishment and strength to move. I felt so down and discouraged with my decisions and I've been having a hard time holding my head high and going forward. I fall in to a pit of darkness, looking down on myself, and obsessing over the mistakes I made. But today is a new day. It's a new month. It is the time the Lord has made, and I should rejoice and be glad in it. I have the ability to start afresh. The greatest gift is another day to do well. And I have another month to write out my goals and to achieve whatever I want. You CAN do anything. - Lorelai
So, for October, I once again want to focus on three goals. I don't want to go too in-depth of them, but focus on being realistic and achievable - with a challenge. As my focus is growing in mind, body, and soul, my goals must reflect these three categories.
Mind. 1-2 hrs a day.
daily affirmations - this can be tricky, and maybe selfish, but I struggle with thinking ill and down on myself. a priest once told me: God created you in His image, why would you desecrate something God created like Himself? not only by actions are we harming ourselves, but for me, it is my mind. I think far to ill of myself and look down on who I am... what good has that done? so this month, my focus will be on positive affirmations. I am beautiful and wonderfully made, because I am created and loved by God. (psst. and, so are you :))
1 hour reading - as a child I spent hours reading, but with technology I find I've lost the desire to fill my days and nights with a good book. this month I want to spend an hour each day reading.
uplifting audio - this can be a challenge, as the music/shows we hear around us can be upbeat but what is its message? being intentional in your life, has to be reflected in every aspect of your daily living - from books, podcasts, videos, music, and so on. this month I want to challenge myself to listen to music/podcasts that are uplifting and encouraging.
Body.
pro-metabolic healing - focus on implementing proteins, healthy fats, simple carbohydrates, and pro-metabolic foods.
30 minute workouts - 5x a week
Monday & Wednesday - strength training
Tuesday & Thursday - cardio (cycling, HITT, etc)
Friday - pilates. I stretch between sets and after every workout, but pilates are so much deeper and more than just stretches.
daily walk - this doesn't have to be strenuous, just taking 20 minutes a day to walk a mile outside, enjoying the sounds of nature (no music or podcasts!), getting some vitamin D, and just breathing.
Soul. Taking time each day to meditate and enjoy communion with God, by:
bible study - I use Fr. Mike Schmitz's The Bible in a Year Podcast.
daily rosary - Chris and I do this before bed.
receiving the sacraments - it is a blessing to have the sacraments. it's a privilege. I do not take advantage of them as I should; so this month I am making it a priority to receive them more often. when your relationship with God is strong, the pieces of your life fall into place.
weekly confession
holy mass - 2-3 times a week
Let us go into October with eagerness, joy and anticipation of the beauty it beholds. Welcome autumn with outstretched arms and breathe in the cool, crisp air... unless you live in Texas and it's still 90 degrees. Oh, and thank you all for following along... it means so much to share this space with each one of you. Much love, my friends. :))
The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly, to do it because it is his will. - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Comments