Half of the year is in the rearview mirror and I’m definitely due for a reset.

I don’t think that’s a negative thing, just a necessary one.  An opportunity to reflect, evaluate, and adjust my sails as needed.  This year, especially, it’s a way to make space for peace and calm.

I’m proud of some of the changes I’ve made.

-I’ve been working out regularly with a good friend.  The scale hasn’t moved much but I feel better both emotionally and physically.

-I’ve been giving myself grace to not feel obligated to do all the things, particularly when our calendar is jam packed with other commitments.

-I’ve gotten better at asking myself, “Is this right for me?” before I jump into another commitment.  And I’ve learned to say that some things are OK to admire but not pursue.

But there are definitely areas in which I’m not finding peace.

Often times it seems like I go three steps forward and two steps back.  This has always felt like failure to me, but I’m reminding myself that it’s still forward progress.

It is slow, clumsy, often frustrating progress, but it is progress.

This month I am going to focus on a few small changes as well as continue on with other habits I’ve developed:

1. I would like to write something every day in July.  It doesn’t have to be profound or earth shattering.  Even just a few sentences about our lives and what they look like right now.  I want to document the journey. 
2. Dry July.  I’ve been leaning on wine a bit too much recently.  One glass turns into two turns into three.  I’m not beating myself up for it — June was both a stressful and celebratory month, but I can see that it’s become a bit too easy to pour a glass in the evenings.  I’ve taken breaks from alcohol before and I know it’s beneficial for me.  It’s just a good way to check in with myself, recalibrate, and breathe.
3. I want to continue to explore healthful ways of eating that work for my life.  I tried Whole 30 back in May and it is not for me.  I’m working on making better choices and freeing myself from the grip that food has had on me for most of my life.  I’m trying to remember to ask myself two questions before I eat:  Am I hungry? Is this real food?  Two simple questions that I hope will guide me to a better place.
4. I need to spend more time outside.  May and June are typically full of hikes, bike rides, and exploring for me. The weather is usually gorgeous and I’ve come out of my winter funk by then.  I wasn’t able to do much of that this year because of other commitments.  (Instead of getting frustrated or upset about it, I reminded myself that I can’t do all the things, and that this year I needed to spend my time on graduation and college things. The outdoors will be there next year.)  Now that things have settled down a bit, I can get outside for a little bit every day.

There are a dozen other things that I feel like I need to change, but I am focusing on a few small steps at a time.  That seems to be working for me.

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Currently loving:  Iced almond milk lattes and uncommitted weekends.

Currently reading: Molokai’i by Alan Brennert

Today I choose:  Joy.