Reflection & Rejuvenation: Getting My Life on Track

I like to set aside time for reflection and introspection as often as possible because it enables me to make adjustments to my life and feel like I’m living my best life possible. Can you believe we are already a fourth of the way through 2019?

About 15 years ago, I read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It included an exercise about fast forwarding ahead to your funeral and thinking about the kinds of things you wanted your friends and family to say about you. Or maybe it was just a 90th birthday party or something? Regardless, the exercise had a significant effect on me. It taught me to “start with the end in mind” and make sure that my smaller actions are aligned with my bigger goals.

Therefore, I like to frequently step back and ask: How am I doing toward my yearly goals so far this year?

My Intentions for the Year

Here’s what I set out to be true about my year:

I want to flourish through relationships this year. I want to feel a deep sense of connection with my husband, my children, my extended family, my colleagues, my neighbors, and friends. I want to go deep and heal the wounds I have been carrying with me all these years. I want my body to feel healthy and strong.

Upon reflection, it feels like my strengths this year are in the area of building relationships with my neighbors. We’ve regularly done Saturday Suppers and monthly dinners with particular neighbors. I also started a potluck dinner with the neighbors on our cul-de-sac three times a year.

Additionally, in terms of healing, I have been going to therapy regularly, which has been awesome. I highly recommend it!

It feels like my biggest areas for growth are with regard to making sure my body feels healthy and strong. I weigh about 15 pounds more than my average weight, which makes everything feel harder—particularly running.

I know talking about weight can be activating for people. I’m not trying to talk about anyone else when I’m talking about myself. I like to stay in the middle of my BMI range, and right now I’m on the high end. It means that my clothes don’t fit properly, and exercising is less comfortable.

Reflection: What are my next steps?

Therefore, I think it’s time for me to do Weight Watchers again. It helps me calibrate how much is a healthy amount of food for me to eat. It looks like they have a special going on right now (that ends today). It’s $20/month but if I lose 10 pounds in two months then they will completely refund my money. Sold!

For my birthday back in February, I asked Matt if he would help me with my daily tracking of Weight Watchers points. I really start to lose steam after only a couple of days. He promised he would, so I’m going to take him up on the offer!

I recently worked with a colleague to build a treadmill desk in our office, so I’ve been getting in about 30 minutes of walking per day. Additionally, I need to commit to eating healthier lunches and bringing healthy snacks versus stuffing my face on unhealthy stuff around the office or unnecessary calories while I’m making dinner.

Hopefully next month I’ll be able to report that I lost 1-2 pounds per week and that my clothes are starting to fit again!