This year has started a little rocky. As I mentioned before, I got sick on January 2.
Welcome 2018! Don’t mind me….I’ll be over here buried in Kleenex and cough drop wrapped!
And then my husband got sick. It was inevitable. I know. (Insert joke about what happens when men get sick here…)
So I’ve had a bit more literal down time than I planned. My brain was in a perpetual Dayquil fog so no real solid reflection happened, but I was able to lock in, and execute of a few small but tangible steps that I can do to make the remaining 356 days of this year something special.
They aren’t really goals. But for me, they are basic life hacks that can create a space for goals to happen.
This year in 2018 I will:
1 – Drink more water.
To quote Derek Zoolander –
“Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty.”
This seems basic, but so many studies have shown just how important it is to hydrate. (WebMD has a great list of why to drink more water, including controling calories, energizing muscles, keeping your skin looking good, etc.)
What’s the easiest way to do this? This may sound ridiculous, but I need to drink water out of containers that I like. Check out this one – it’s great for the gym, it has it’s own filter for when I’m out and about, and I can remove the filter if I want to infuse the water with something to make it more interesting. Simple enough.
Also – by using bottles like this one that I love – I’m making a commitment to protect the environment and will drink less purchased bottled water. Bonus – it’s easier to keep track of how much water I’m drinking each day. Win. Win.
2 – Find a Bible Verse for each month
I love the whole “one word” idea for keeping a yearly focus. But what about a Bible verse as well? I started thinking about possible verses, and while I love the yearly focus, I think that I prefer a monthly focus. Each month, each season brings on it’s own challenges and I need different reminders and reassurances.
So I’m picking out a verse, and posting it on my wall, writing it on sticky notes throughout the house, putting cards with the verse in my gym bag and wallet. I’m hoping to see the verse multiple times every day.
I love this simple graphics that are on the YouVersion Bible app. No graphic designs skills necessary!
Plus, by the end of the year, I should be able to recite 12 new verses – AND where they can be found in scripture. I’m so good about remembering the concept of scripture, but terrible about memorizing not only the correct words, but the book and verse as well.
3 – Listen to Music in the Morning
Morning is my sacred space. There’s no question. I need a few minutes alone to read. To think. To write the #My500Words challenge each day. Most mornings, I wake up and read…but turn on the news to catch the headlines right at 7am. If I’m still writing, I’m great about just pausing the TV so I can finish my thoughts before my brain is inundated with often negative images and concepts.
If I’m pausing the TV already, why not give it an extra 5 minute break at play at least 1 song that puts me in a great space. Or right after hearing the headlines combat that with a musical counterpoint. If the news is particularly scary or stressful, maybe it’s a hymn or worship song that not only motivates but reassures me about who holds my future. I’ve started my list that I’ll share in an upcoming blog.
But this morning, I’ll just say today’s music will make you want to “dance, dance, dance, dance…”
4 – Stretch and Breathe.
I often do this while watching the news, again to combat some of those messages coming through the screen. Sun salutations. A few basic yoga moves. Basic exercises (think 5th period PE in high school). Nothing crazy but enough to get my heart rate elevated just a bit.
These ideas may seem very simple and easy, but I really believe that they could make a large impact on my health, my mindset and my happiness.
What are a few easy things that you do to make your day better? Any small life changes that are a part of your resolutions? We’d love to hear them! Add a comment and let’s share manageable things that can help busy, important, beautiful people like us!
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