ME Challenge-Reflection

This week, I did something a little unusual for myself.

I didn't get a coffee at Starbucks, make myself a treat or go to the spa (although I would have loved all those things!)
This week, I took some time to reflect on my life and my goals.  I don't know why I felt so compelled to do this or why it was so prominent in my thoughts.  Perhaps it's because the school year is coming to an end and I'll have more time on my hands for the next two months.  Maybe it's because we're approaching the half way mark of the year and I feel the need to re-evaluate where I am on my journey.  Or it could be because I constantly crave balance in my life and I strive to attain it.  Either way, I spent a lot of time thinking about how I'd like the rest of the year to flow.

Number one in my life is being a good mom and companion to Hubby.  Neither one of those can be accomplished if I don't do a couple of things for myself.  So, after a few moments deep in thought (in the shower and on the way home from work), here's what I have come up with:

1. My health has to be a priority.  There's no way I can keep up with an exploring, fearless and adventurous toddler if I'm in poor health.  She deserves better than that.  Therefore, my diet and exercise regime seriously need to be revamped.  Initially, I had set a goal to run a 10K before I turn 40 this November.  I have let that go.  Instead of focusing solely on running, I'm incorporating strength training and yoga into my workout.  The reason?  A month or so ago, I had run 2K straight without stopping and felt great.  Then, Miss B got sick.  Then Hubby got sick.  I was tired, drained and exhausted.  My workout got pushed to the side.  I went four weeks without a single workout.  I was blown away at how fast the weight I had lost came back on.  Aha moment... I need to do weights. Besides, that flab where my triceps used to be needs to fade away...  As for my diet, more fruits, veggies and homemade stuff.  I love to cook and bake so I'll be doing more of it.  (Hubby is likely smiling as he reads this)
2. My blog needs organization.  I love my blog.  Really, I do! When I first started, it was something I did when I felt like it. I wrote a post here, wrote a post there and before I knew it, it got out of hand.  At times, it feels like another full time job.  There are nights when I put Miss B to bed, walk out of her room and head right in to my office where I work on my computer for hours. When it becomes overwhelming, it's too much.  I have figured out a system so that it's not consuming my life on a nightly basis.  My goal is to produce three posts a week.  They will all be done on one day and I'll publish them throughout the week as needed.  This will allow me to properly edit my writing and free up my time.  Also, some bloggers run a "Wordless Wednesday" on their site.  I'm using this as inspiration to run a "Workless Wednesday" meaning I'm not doing any blog work (or housework for that matter) on Wednesdays.  If you see a post dated "Wednesday" on my blog, email me and give me crap.  Feel free to be nasty!
3. I'm rekindling my passion for interior design.  I would love to redecorate my main living space but with a toddler around (and limited finances), it's not the smartest idea.  Instead, I'm going to spend some time scouring magazines, websites and decorating blogs for ideas and inspiration.  Anything that catches my eye will be noted, documented and collected so that when the time comes to redecorate, I'll have a ton of ideas handy.  It will be interesting to see if my taste is still the same in five years!

So, no coffee or treats or pedicure for me but I feel a huge sense of relief that I have manageable goals to take me through the remainder of the year or at least, till September.

Enjoy your ME time and do something just for yourself.