Journal Prompt :: Day 7

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What am I wishing for today?

Rest, sweet rest

Rest. Most people love that word. They take advantage of it as much as possible. They might even fantasize about it during the week. To me, it's almost a curse word. I don't like to rest from life or working out. I've gotten into a routine. I like to be busy. It eliminates the time for me to be bored. But last night was a different story.

My rest days during the week are typically Sundays and Wednesdays. I work at my church Sunday mornings, so I'm up early and out the door before anyone else is awake. I play piano, direct my choirs, sing, worship and pray. By the time I get home around noon, I don't feel like I have rested, but I skip the gym and relax with my family. That counts as rest. On Wednesdays, I alternate between BodyFlow (a mix of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates) and Zumba. I forego running and take it easy. Yes, that also counts as my rest.

This week has been a little flip-flopped since my kids started school. So, yesterday was going to be more of a resting day than usual... just a quick gym workout in the morning, but I would force myself not to lift in the evening. I sat down last night, antsy and anxious. "I should be doing something. Maybe I could just lift for a little bit. Or walk around the block. I wonder who else is at the gym?"  And like a swift wind, the thoughts left my mind and I sunk into my bed. I deserve rest. This is how my body repairs and how my mind refreshes. I completed nothing last night. I watched some TV and allowed myself to simply be still.

When I woke up this morning, I felt amazing. I went to the gym and felt strong. I tackled project after project today, crossed everything off of my to-do list and made it a pretty freaking incredible Friday. If I had neglected that rest yesterday, I don't think I would have felt this good.

Take time to rest. Respect the process. Allow your body time to repair and recover. Then get back at it.

Journal Prompt :: Day 6

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What is scaring me today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 5

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What leaves me in awe today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 4

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What one thing do I wish I could change about my body?

31:25

White flag. No more. I'm just done. Thanks.

We all have those days. You know the ones. Sometimes you are aware of it the moment you open your eyes (or maybe before). Sometimes if takes an hour or two and then everything just.... BLAH! I am certain that I am not the only one who feels this way, and unfortunately, today was just one of those days.

Once things started going wrong (and by wrong I mean really flipping bad), I caved to the easiest reaction. Fear. For so long, I have allowed fear to be a deterrent, backing away from opportunity after opportunity because of fear. The fear of failure. The fear of success. The fear of abandonment. Disappointment. Freedom. You name it, I am afraid of it.

I'm learning that fear does not always need to rule my life. And I have found some incredible ways to use it as a motivator. However, today, I allowed it (yes, it was a choice) to overcome me. I got to the point where I couldn't take a deep breath. I was almost convinced that there was no hope left, and while this sounds exaggerated, some minds are more powerful than others. And then I saw it. The mirror.

Elle est forte. 31:25

My right shoulder is permanently marked with that phrase and those numbers. The translation? She is strong. The origin? The bible. Proverbs 31:25. "She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future." WITHOUT. No fear. Laughing. I am stronger than those fears, whether they bring up old memories or they are hidden in the unknown of what is to come. I do not need to cry. I can laugh.

The next time you are on the cusp of choosing fear, sit with your choice for a few more seconds. What are you really afraid of? YOU are strong. You can laugh and not be afraid. I believe in you. You should try it, too!

Journal Prompt :: Day 3

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What do I wish I could hear today?