Designate What You Value Most

We're really moving through September - how does it go so fast?!  This month I've chosen "designate" for my One Word Challenge. I've been working to apply that to all aspects of my life. Designating time, resources, attention and love to the people and things that make me happy, to the activities that help me better myself, to the projects that help others, and to the exercises that are good for my body, mind, and business.

The Hubster and I just got back from a 9 day Alaskan adventure to celebrate our 20 year anniversary (speaking of where did the time go...) where we stayed with my SIL Lana. We explored all over and despite less than ideal weather conditions, we managed to see beautiful places, get to know family, meet a new pup, hike, eat, play games, sleep in, cheer for our favorite teams (Go Big Red Football & Volleyball!), bake and eat some more, fly the drone, see Denali, go for walks in the rain, hike through water and up a mountain in the fog/sleet, small town shopping, and a whole lot of "WOW, look at those mountains!" Check out a link to our video HERE. Designating time for self care, relaxation and time with family really has made a huge difference. #ahhhhIneededthat

Designating time with those we love is an integral part of being our best selves. It was an awesome way to recharge and reset with goals and dreams top of mind. I'm so grateful for the opportunity for the whole week, and I can't believe it's taken us so long to get up there and see the family we have up there and the beautiful area they call home.  I hope we'll be back VERY SOON!

I've also designated some time to read a book by one of our hosts, Maggie Holeman. She's a wonderfully independent woman who retired and opened up a B&B in Hope, Alaska. She's a close friend of my SIL and the four us us got to enjoy lunch, exploring, dinner and a fire, and a cozy evening at her wonderful cabin, aka Black Bear B&B. 

Her book Woman in the Locker Room  is her story from child hood memories (not all good) to the challenges she faced as a woman in the armed service, and Alaska Fire & Police forces. I really enjoyed hearing stories from both Lana and Maggie from their police and fire fighting days, it's truly incredible that these strong women gave so much of themselves to serve and protect others.  I think it's important that I designate some time to get to know more about strong women and all they can and have accomplished. Here's to reading more about Maggie's adventure - and hopefully another visit where we can chat around the fire.

I'm also reading into a personal improvement exercise - "Becoming Self-Aware". Designating time to recognize my strengths and weaknesses, learning from my past (reflecting), trying new things and opportunities (say YES!), and evaluating each experience as I go.   Getting deliberate with my activities (keeping a list and schedule, and reviewing it regularly!) will help build this habit and help me be consistent.

As the busy fall months turn into the busy holiday season, I'm going to be focused on the ways that I can be my best self - even if that means finding the areas of my shortcomings and devoting time to finding someone to help me, taking time to learn and get better, or changing my focus so that those areas are not part of my plan moving forward.

There's always work to be done, and I'm ready to get down to it!

How do you designate what you value most? What steps do you take daily/weekly/monthly to get better? What are you reading? I really want to know! Share with me in the comments or hit me up on social media.




Ciao for now!
~ jen <3

"LEAP"

Happy Day, everyone!

As I mentioned in my previous post, my One Word for the month of January is "leap." I prefer my meditation to be moving meditation - tying the physical with the mental - and started mulling over and really setting my mind to ponder on what LEAP means to me during a busy to-do list day.

During my 2.5 mile walk with the pups. While waiting for my kiddo at the dentist. While working on my One Word craft project.  The more tedious, the better I focus. Stringing embroidery floss around tiny nails is just mindless enough to all for good thinking!  And here's where I'm at:

Leap in to something new.
It's true, while this isn't all completely new, the list of uncertainties (mental, physical, and financial) is long.
Do I believe in who I am and what I'm capable of? Most days, yes. Realizing my worth is something I'm working on, through reading, watching and learning from people I consider mentors (even if they don't know it), and irregular (as in not every day, not as in strange - though, to be fair I'm pretty strange!) meditations. This really is the beginning of my journey - understanding I'm both capable AND deserving of success.
Leap for joy.
I really am finding Joy in the small tasks that lead to bigger plans. Getting giddy when I place a business card order, or finding a smile on my face when thinking about how different things will look in a year, two years. Allowing Joy to guide the order of my to do list based on my mood and focus. Am I ready to sit still at the computer? No. So let's tackle something active: work with my hands, go for a walk (with pups, of course). Joy is not allowing self doubt (which I will inevitably feel, I mean, I'm human) seep into my doer thoughts. That pesky doubt leads to paralysis by analysis - over thinking to the point that nothing gets done. Instead, Joy. Excited to be who I am and put my best foot forward. Joyful to have the opportunity to try. LEAP for Joy!

Leap over obstacles.
They are out there. Staring at me. The to-do list is just the beginning. There are a million daily obstacles when starting any new venture ranging from financial to emotional.  But you know what? LEAP. Yup, with plenty of help from others I'm going to leap. I'm going to parkour style bounce from wall to wall, up and around, until I'm on solid ground. Just keep leaping, right? (For the purpose of this entry, we'll change Dori's swimming to leaping.) Sure, I'll trip up. But I'm ready to attempt the leap.

Understanding that the line of success is almost NEVER straight, and that obstacles are a normal part of growing into something new, I think I'll be ready to leap the small puddles, or grab a stick and pole vault over the big ones.  Just know, I may ask to borrow your stick. :)

Leap because you can.
There are so many factors that lead me to this place. There are relationships, challenges, fortunate circumstances, and planning that has led me here. Feeling that this LEAP is getting me closer to who I am and the kind of life I want to live is what has given me the courage to leap in the first place.  Because I have the support of my family and the circumstances to take the risk, it would be irresponsible for me to ignore all the things that SCREAM at me - leap. Leap. LEAP! Just like those who run for a cause, or who dedicate work to someone in their life who isn't able to do it themselves, I feel like this is my chance to show my kids that they don't have to live in society's box. There are choices and options, risks and rewards. And it's OK to LEAP.

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on LEAP as the month progresses. What does LEAP mean to you? What's your One Word for the month (or year)? I'd love to hear about it - HMU in the comments below and watch out for more!

Ciao for now,

jen