The first 6 months of 2020 have almost been a blur. I started the year with several “hiccups” in my life and decided to set some firm goals for myself. Then COVID-19 hit and quarantine began. I was faced with the challenge of sticking to my goals, trying to survive financially, and adjusting to living with my parents and not seeing my children. Time either flew by or stood still. I’m not sure which applies, but it’s definitely been a different world. My heart aches for all those who lost a loved one to this horrible virus and I pray for all healthcare workers, essential workers, and small business owners. I found this amazing quote online today and it really resonated with me. When the world says, “give up,” hope whispers “try it one more time.” I feel this is true more than ever right now.
Through this pandemic, I have been completely committed to my goals and have had to find several ways to achieve them while sheltering in place.
Goal #1: Self-Improvement
I have read and reread Delay, Don’t Deny by Gin Stephens. I am committed to Intermittent Fasting and NOT because I’m obsessed with trying to be skinny. I’m 57 years old, post-menopausal, and unhealthy. It was extremely important to me that I heal my body from the inside after ending up in the hospital with my blood pressure at 200/100 on Christmas Day, 2019. This book has been a true game-changer for me. I use the app LIFE to track my daily fasting hours on my iPhone and I’m thrilled with how much better I feel. I also bought a RENPHO wireless scale and I LOVE IT! Yes, I’ve lost weight and inches, but my goal is to visit my doctor within the next few months and be told that I can reduce my blood pressure medication. I fast around 19 to 20 hours a day and eat whatever I want during my “window.” It’s amazing how my body does not crave carbs, sweets, and salt like it used to. Gin Stephens has an amazing Facebook group and everyone’s stories are so inspirational. If you’re on the fence about this lifestyle, I highly recommend reading Gin’s book. Gin just released her new book, Fast. Feast. Repeat.: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don’t Deny® Intermittent Fasting–Including the 28-Day FAST Start on June 15, 2020.
Goal #2: Jump-Start My Business
To be completely honest with you, I haven’t progressed much with this goal. I’m on the fence about what direction to take. Would you please leave me a comment on this post if you have any inspirational thoughts? I would appreciate it!
I have been working on my personal wardrobe with the idea of writing another e-book. After having met with a color consultant and makeup consultant, I’ve spent hours online looking for items to add to my capsule wardrobe. I found this incredible book and I can’t put it down! The Essential Guide to Mindful Dressing: Choose your colours, Control your life! by Jules Standish has completely opened my mind to the thought of adding color to my closet. In this book, Jules says, “The physical benefits of wearing the right colours on the skin can be wonderfully positive and it really is immediate. The moment you put a shade that harmonizes with your skin tone up against your face you can change the appearance of your complexion and your features will simply come alive.” This book addresses everything from makeup colors, aging, and depression as well as giving you an overview of each color and its powers. Whether you believe in this philosophy or not, I recommend reading this book just so you can analyze your current wardrobe. Toss out colors that make you feel dull or invisible. Think about what colors bring you joy and how you might add them to your outfits.
Veering off my goal path, I want to read more books concerning the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Yes, I have black and brown friends, but I don’t truly understand what it’s like to live in fear. I want to educate myself, to listen, learn, and grow. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be treated differently because of the color of my skin. Having been a teacher for over 25 years, I have witnessed first hand both the love and cruelty that children give to one another based on race. Please leave me a comment with any books, Podcasts, or periodicals you might recommend to broaden my understanding.
Drop your book suggestions below in the comments!
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So books and movies on racial injustice – Be The Bridge; Color of Law; Locking Up Our Own; While are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria. Movies: Thirteenth; Just Mercy; I am Not Your Negro; Selma (really helps to illustrate why the sense of injustice and privilege didn’t end with the end of slavery – if you couldn’t register to vote then you couldn’t serve on juries, etc. which exacerbated the lack of justice for POC); The Hate U Give (book and movie). Let me know if you’d like more
Thank you so much, Dana! I will definitely look into all these. I appreciate the suggestions.
My only suggestion for your business is to make sure that you are doing what brings you JOY! Don’t worry about the money, you will be rich if your days are filled with JOY!
As for the Black Lives Matter movement PLEASE watch the documentary “13th” about the 13th Amendment. It is eye opening and a real insight into how white washed our history books are. Other great books are “The Spook Who Sat by the Door” by Sam Greenlee and “Beloved” by Toni Morrison.
Thanks, Tammy! I completely agree with you about doing things that bring you JOY! Thanks for the heads up on “13th” and the books. I will check them out.