On track? Pretty close...

Well...33% of the year is gone and I have completed 30% of the tasks...here is a little summary:

Completely done: 43 Christmas cards, 43 unsubscribe
Progress most proud: weight loss 20 lbs! (now that was before the holidays...)
Poor progress: Cook new recipe, grateful list, sunrise/sunset, 43 second plank, positive message, thank you notes
Not even started: donation of items to charity, 7 French words

Close to on track.  In the next few months I am going to make a concerted effort to track my progress more.  I know that this helps keep me on track a bit more.  I also need to re-evaluate my plans for some of these not started and poor progress tasks.  I am home from the holidays for another week or so...it's important that I set myself up for success while I am working remotely for the next few months. I have limited WiFi and access to items - so it is essential that I prepare with downloads and supplies to set myself up for success. 

For years I have been in awe of people who seem to have it all together.  I am not sure why I haven't viewed myself as having this ability.  There is no reason why I can't "be better"!  If I want to be organized, more together...I can.  Self doubt has plagued me my whole life...i always think that if I can't do it perfectly...I shouldn't even start.  But this 43-year is about proving what I can do - to myself more than anyone else!

Branching out

Today I tried a new restaurant again...I know this seems like a silly thing to celebrate but I am a creature of habit.  I am no different than others who want to think of themselves as adventurers...but when I actually really reflect - I am most comfortable when I am in my element.  Which is why trying something as out there as a vegetarian restaurant is crazy adventure for the day.  And...it wasn't bad.  Its not just the food that makes me uncomfortable (although it was hard to select the type of patty when the selections were...wild rice, chick peas and seeds) its the unknown.  How do I order?  Where do I sit?  When I psychoanalyze myself...I realize it's just really a loss of control.

I travel a lot and I do try new things...all of it is an uncomfortable loss of control.  

Anyway, I ate the veggie burger.  I figured out the ordering and the seating.  I survived.  Baby steps to getting out of my comfort zone.  

"Perfect Days"

This is one that I am surprised to be struggling with...in the past I have used this system and been able to keep it up for over 30 days at a time...not even one day has been hard.

Maybe I should change the name.  In this years theme of not trying to be perfect but be better, maybe the term perfect is too hard.  But then I tell myself, "No - you have the capacity to have 'perfect' days - you just have to accept that it won't be everyday".  I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself to not break a streak, or miss a work day. 

So what is a perfect day?  Simply that I finish a predetermined list of small self-care activities that I need to prompt me.  None take more than 10 min, all have proven benefits to living a happier, healthier life.  My list changes as my job or life situation changes...I always try to tell myself that nothing is stagnant.  If I am repeatedly failing at achieving one item...I look at why that is?  Sometimes I am trying to do it at the wrong time of the day...maybe it's not needed everyday or even at this point in my life.  Lists can be tweaked...but I am to have 8-10 items a day.

My current list (always subject to change)

1. Meditation (I aim for 10 min but sometimes only have time for a shorter one)
2. Plank (obviously I am working up to the 43 sec mark!)
3. Read 5 - 10 min of an assigned book (usually a self-help book...basically...nothing trashy)
4. Drink at least 2 L of water a day
5. Take my prescription medication (so easy to forget a little thyroid pill)
6. Write to Jolie (a best friend who keeps my in check and offers support)
7. Wash my face at night (never miss brushing my teeth,,,but washing my face never stuck!)
8. Check and update to-do lists (I love to-do lists...keep my on track and not feeling overwhelmed)
9. Write to family/friend (I am miles away from home, it's easy to get caught up in work and let relationships slide...)