The Bookmark No. 96

Why I Love a Monthly Challenge

I challenged myself to prioritize movement in the month of June. I was cleared at my 8 week post-op appointment to return to all regular activity, but I didn’t want to push myself too hard. Instead, I decided I would challenge myself to get 10k steps every day in the month of June.

It has been incredible for me. I’ve always had a negative relationship with movement and exercise, but I started working with a dietician this Winter who has helped me so much. I am so incredibly grateful for her and that it is something our insurance covers.

In working with my dietician, she’s helped me reframe how I incorporate movement into my life. It’s not something for outside aesthetics, but rather interior health. And it also doesn’t have to be complicated. Something as simple and enjoyable as walking 10,000 steps a day has had a huge impact on my mental and physical health.

I love a monthly challenge because it’s easy for my brain to sign on to something for 30 days. I see the calendar change every day and I always feel a sense of accomplishment that even if it feels like I can’t do it, I actually can.

I used to push myself to implement new routines in an “all or nothing” type of way. But as I’ve worked things out with my team, I’ve taken to heart something I’ve always known: it’s not about creating a whole new life, it’s about adding one small thing at a time.

Right now, it’s 10k steps. Next month, I think I want to focus on my bedtime/wake up time.

I’m not sure if anyone else feels this way, but I spent so much energy perfecting a WFH routine to make the long days of staying home during the pandemic easier. Now, home is a restful, relaxing place again. It’s made staying focused really hard so I think come September, I really want to focus on that routine.

August is going to be a vacation month so I know I’ll be out of my routine for quite some time and I just want to enjoy Summer. But, I think adding one element to my “dream life” every month will be something I look forward to, rather than give myself a hard time about.

Are you adding anything into your routine this month?

ICYMI on readandwright.com

1. The Beach Read Guide

2. LGBTQ+ Romances for Pride

3. 9 Backlist Summer Reads

4. Review: The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

What You’re Loving:

1. Icon Juice Glasses

2. Walking Pad

3. Nap Dress

4. Tiramisu Syrup

5. The Seven Year Slip Tee

What I’m Loving:

1. Olive & June Summer Collection—I had to get all the whole collection cause I love them so much and the names are just SO good. currently sporting “all manis on deck” on my hands and “Maine Character Energy” on my toes!

2. Lake Pajamas Short Set—Tis the season for the best PJs. They make me truly so happy and comfy.

3. Bucket Hat—I’ve been wearing this non-stop for walks and at the pool!

4. Caning Tote—I’ve been reaching for this as my pool bag all month and I love it! I have the brown, which is sold out, but the they have black and yellow in stock.

5. Lunch Tote—My lunch tote had seen better days so I bought a new one for camp this Summer and I am obsessed! It holds so much too.

I hope you have a great weekend and until next time,

Phoebe