April in 30 minutes
I nearly didn't write this as April has gone by so fast I thought to myself that I didn’t think I had actually done or achieved much! But, I’m doing it because I made a promise to myself that I would and I like to keep promises to myself. It builds confidence and and quite honestly it’s one of the things that has helped me raised my wellbeing standards.
Doing things that I don’t want to do (like this blog when I’m super busy, and would much rather procrrationate by having another hot drink) actually helps me build and flex my neuorlogical willpower muscle - and by writing this seemingly innocuous and harmless blog I’m actually helping my future self massively. She’ll be proud of me. I’ll be proud of me when I tick it off my list in 30 mins (I’m setting myself a timer so it feels less over facing!).
Anyway- I digress!
April has been FAST and I can’t believe it’s May this week. 1/3 of the year gone! The purpose of these monthly reviews is really to keep myself focused on the way I want to feel at the end of the year, and make sure I’m moving in the right direction.
Here’s a few noteworthy bits of April…
Saying no
In December (or was it January?) I set some goals for how I wanted to feel in December this year, and reviewing things monthly helps me make sure I’m moving in the right direction.I really had to think about this at 2 points this month when I was asked to do some work projects that wouldn’t have contributed to me moving in the right direction. In fact, they’d have stopped me moving in the direction I wanted to by creating an unnecceary energy diversion. So I said ‘no’ nicely even though the people pleaser in me (who desperately wants to be liked) was like an enthusiatic puppy.
Holidays
A really wholesome and nourishing week off work in the Easter Holidays- a trip away to Chester with K&K. Lots of picnics and fun. Used to find it so hard to take time off work and had to justify it to clients. Feels a really huge progress marker that I don’t feel like that more and know that rest is 100% necessary for me to function.
New hobbies
Been Mountain Biking twice and throughly enjoyed it. Feel like it’s the summer equivalent of snowboarding only SO MUCH BETTER because I can already do it! Feels exciting to be exploring new things at 45. I’m thinking so much about time being so precious and enjoying it. The blossom on the trees reminds me daily at the moment.
Health and fitness
My fat loss continues really slowly. I’m actually really ok with how my body is now so I’m happy slowly chipping away. Strength feels great! I got my first ever pull up in March and now have done 4 more. I’m excited about the day when I’ll lose count how many I’ve got! My knee is feeling good- I’m running every week. Another Somatics workshop was amazingly nourishing and helpful.
I bought some new clothes and after a small confidence crisis at the Trafford Centre when I realised I don’t really know how I want to dress any more, apart from in leggings… so I got some more of those and throught screw it!
Work
I’ve joined a Coaches mentoring group. It’s nice to feel connected as it can feel quite lonely. I also had some fab photos taken that I’m starting to use.
Choir
I had a bit of a freakout about Choir. I missed a few sessions and I got really overwhelmed at the thought of going back even though I knew it would be so good for me. Really helpful to actually experience this again as I know any clients (and others) feels very overwhelmed at the thought of returning to exercise after a break. ANyway- I had a little cry, pulled on my big girl pants and went… and guess what? I loved it! Phew!
Home
We’re getting some work done on the house but we’ve still no idea when. I’m desperate to get things moving but I’m having to wait and practice delayed gratification big time. It’s frustrating but out of my hands.
Kitty is just heaven. She’s 8 and as I’m writing this, she’s setting off on her first school residential trip. So much excitement. So wonderful.
I think that’s it for April. I’ve 4 minutes left of my 30 minute timer! Another ‘imperfect action’ blog- whereby I use the principle of done being better than perfect. I do worry about putting myself out there like this at times, but I also want you to know that this stuff works. Aiming to be 1% better everyday (but just showing up!!) will move you so far along you will barely recognise yourself.
I’m thinking a lot about how I don’t want to look back at my life and regret it- so this stuff counts. It all counts. Keeping moving forwards. Thanks for reading. I haven’t read it back so I hope it is ok!
Drop me an email if you’d like to work with me. I’ve one 1—1 space available. Beth@movemehappy.me