I’m 35″ ish” days into the Awaken & Rise program and I’m really fired up. At the beginning of September, I went to a weekend retreat that kicked off a 9-month personal development program. I am stoked to be part of this brand-new program! You can find details about the retreat here.
When I got home from that amazing weekend retreat, I journaled out some goals to accomplish for the month of September. Short-term goals that I could easily fit into my life: 1. Meditate 2-3 times per week; 2. Journal 2-3 times per week; 3. Dedicate 30 minutes a day to my personal development, which could be a combination of meditating, journaling, doing course work, checking in with other participants or reading. Hell yes, I am nailing these goals! In addition to setting simple daily and weekly goals, I also set intentions for the entire 9-month program. I signed up for this program because it’s really easy for me to read a personal development book, love it, recommend it, chat about it but not always implement it. The implementing part takes the most work, right? I mean, I didn’t jump on the KonMari bandwagon but I heard so much about it and how many people are still ditching what doesn’t “spark joy.” See, it’s easy to think something is a great idea, but we all know sticking to the habit is the hard part. It’s the reason so many people keep “restarting” their wellness journey. Stop “stopping” and you will make changes! Preach Megan Preach!
Journal! Read! (photo prior to pregnancy.) Meditate.
Ok, so I’ve read a LOT of personal development books, I’ve done a few positive vibe courses and some self-love workshops – all helping me LIVE IT UP and become the best version of myself. I leave these books, meet-ups or workshops ready to roll and then, two days later, am back to my usual routines. I’m not trying to be hard on myself here; I do have solid routines, a positive vibe with lots of upbeat energy but I WANT MORE!!! I’ve been journaling and making vision boards for years. I’ve been thinking positive, posting positive and bringing all the positive vibes I can into this world. It’s an addicting practice, but a girl always wants more, deeper, bigger personal development stuff! I signed up for this program because I knew it would be work. I knew it would spark me, it would push me and it would be a good way to implement bigger changes. We know changes happens when we step out of our comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve become obsessed with being pushed out of my comfort zone. The most awkward, difficult, unusual, “scary” or nerve-racking experience I can do, the better. The best memories, stories and growth happen here. That’s why I chose this Awaken & Arise program.
I want to share some cool stuff that I’ve been working on during the first month of this program:
1. Rant Journal –- a place to write down everything that “pushes your buttons.” Don’t think you are too good for a rant journal. You would be shocked to see how much stuff really pisses you off when you think about it. In the journal, you write down your trigger and then figure out why it’s a trigger: 99% of the time, it’s your own issue. Wow, we are all really fucked up! Now work on it. (It’s an easy 30 minutes per day right here!)
2. Meditation is the bomb. I’ve been a random meditator for a few years. Anyone remember the meditation class in the upstairs of SIU? We would do a guided meditation and then journal, it was awesome. Randomly I stopped. Why did I stop? Meditation is like a field trip for the mind. Doing it on a regular basis has been calming. I literally have felt more calm over the past 30 days. And it usually leads me into a nap. Naps are great, too. Mama needs rest.
3. Inspiration – I am not sure if it’s the adrenaline from the retreat or the weather, but holy fuck balls, I am on fire with ideas, motivation, ass-kicking goals and next-level shit. Awaken & RISE!!!!! Rising on all levels, just like my belly.
P.S. For those inquiring minds who are following along- I’ve officially gained 12 pounds on the Doctor’s scale. Which we all know is more evil than any other scale ever. Now my goal is to stay off the scale until my next appointment. Wish me luck.
