• I am feeling so good. Yesterday was my first time where my goal was challenging. I had a pretty tough day, and just wanted to collapse. but I meditated before bed, anyway, even when I wanted to just pass out.

    It was a reward in and of itself. It was one of the first times I found relief in meditation. Instead of feeling like "ughhhh this is something I HAVE to do" I found myself feeling waves of relief and solace from my crappy day. I actually look forward to my meditation today, instead of feeling like I just have to do it to meet a goal.

    And my success secret? It sounds dumb, but I used to put so much sugar in my tea! I wanted to kick the habit because of all he extra calories and the ill effects of sugar. I researched with a really interesting goal: instead of scaring myself about ALL the bad stuff, I just picked one thing that I realllllly cared about. I forced myself to visualize my habit having a negative effect on my life in real, tangible ways. Then, every time I wanted more sugar, I would instantly feel a pang for my future self.

    With sugar, I saw the ways it affects your teeth! I had braces for years and hated it. So to know my sugar habit might mean more extensive dental work totally got me to kick it. I'd imagine being in the chair for hours again, the regular appointments, not being able to eat some of my favorite foods...it was easier than ever for me to give it up. Find something that motivates you in a personal, visceral way.

  • I do! I'm honestly a very lucky duck. I'm torn about the tax return—I've guesstimated how much I'm getting, and I'm thinking a good split between the debt and travel might be possible.

    I'm looking to visit Disney World (so exciting), Europe (London and surrounding areas, perhaps Paris as well), California, and perhaps a solo trip to the Caribbean! I've never travelled alone and I really want to treat myself and spend some time alone in a new place. Seems challenging and exciting.

  • Mine comes in February and I'm so excited! I actually will use it for travel! I'm on a heavy debt repayment schedule with my regular salary. I vowed any extra windfalls would be used purely for fun.

    Plus, it's my first full time job and first time ever getting a bonus so I'm really excited to treat myself. When it comes to income tax returns, however, that's another story...

  • Hallo! I'm a day late but I have a really simple goal of daily meditation. If I can meet 5 out of 7 days a week (25 days of the 30) I'll consider it a success. I'll be using insight timer to track my progress and to make it easier to count.

    This fits into my larger goal of living more simply, and more in line with a more mindful and calmer life overall. I meditate enough that I know it makes a difference for me. Every area of my life seems gently lifted when I meditate. I sleep better. My anxiety is greatly reduced. So I really want to up the ante and try it consistently instead of "as needed".

  • A friend came over to visit, and my dog LOVES my heated blanket. Seriously, he's obsessed. When she tried to adjust the temperature on it because she was too hot, he did this ^^. Put his paw on it so she couldn't change it.

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