My Daily Actions

I realize it can be hard to visualize what changes you could make to live a healthier (mentally and physically) life. Before December 2023, I often rejected any suggested activity that would occur during the work week and then I was defensive over my weekends. Additionally, as a working Mom I felt guilty about doing something on the weekend that would pull me away from time with Jackie because I had so little time with her during the week.

Since December 2023, I have learned that all of the excuses in the first paragraph are bullshit (it really is the best word to use here). They are all excuses and they lead me down a path of stress, chaos, guilt, and poor health.

So here is a look at my daily actions:

• I wake up at 6:05am using the sunrise light and sound of wind chimes on my Hatch alarm. I started waking up earlier a few months ago to give myself more time in the morning to do the things I need to get done before Jackie wakes up.

• I often weigh myself using my Withings scale, which also provides other health data. I focus on wellbeing over numbers, as the scale reminds me.

• After my shower, I use my eucalyptus stress relief body spray.

• I read my morning intentions aloud (most of these are from the book Think Like a Monk):

  • I am grateful for today. I am excited for today. I am joyful for today.

  • My intention today is to be focused. My intention today is to be disciplined. My intention today is to be of service.

  • Calm, balance, ease, stillness, and peace

  • I am happy about who I am becoming. I am open to all opportunities and possibilities. I am worthy of real love. I am ready to serve with all I have.

  • Today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.

  • I'm thankful for my body's ability to heal and grow stronger.

  • Play with Jackie (Jackie wrote this intention in after I explained to her what the intentions were and how they are a guide for my day. Yes, I read it every morning as well.)

• I make my breakfast of yogurt, granola, and fruit. I make a cup of lavender tea, refill my water, and pour myself a glass of orange juice or Emergen-C. It is around this time that I likely check my personal phone for the first time.

• Once Jackie is awake, I play with her until we need to get ready for the bus or until I have to take my first work call. I try to explain to her why I need to take the work call.

• If I take Jackie to the bus, I wear my weighted vest on the walk to/from the bus. This is a recent addition after a recommendation from a friend (thank you Dimple!).

• If I pick Jackie up from the bus, I again wear my weighted vest on the walk to/from the bus. Sammy (our dog) comes on the afternoon walk with me.

• I make time to horse back ride or go to a Bar Method class every day.

• I Bullet Journal through each day to avoid adding to my mental load. I Bullet Journal every Friday for the next week. I also update my gratitude log.

• I meet with my therapist once a week.

• I write for this blog once a week (the first draft is with pen and paper to reduce screen time).

• Once a month I get a massage.

• I leave my work phone and laptop in my home office before dinner.

• We have dinner as a family, as often as we can, at the dinner table. Screens are not allowed at the table.

• I spend the evening with Jackie and James before putting Jackie to bed.

• Around 9pm, I put my personal cell phone on the charger in the bathroom for the night. I read a book. I then read my evening intentions aloud (also from the book Think Like a Monk):

  • I'm grateful for today. I will wake up tomorrow feeling healthy, energized, and rested. Thank you.

  • May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.

  • Give myself grace

As you may have noticed, social media is not on this list. Since 2019, I am not on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Snapchat. TikTok didn't even exist when I decided to quit social media. Quitting social media was a personal choice for my own mental health and wellbeing and I have no regrets since I left it behind.