So here we go:
Successes:
My biggest success this month is that I finally got my book blog up and running. This is something I've been toying with for a long time but was always afraid to make the commitment, afraid that I wouldn't have anything interesting to add to the book world, afraid that it would cut into my reading time too much, afraid that I wouldn't follow through. But who wants to live in fear? So I did it!!! I have been blogging consistently twice a week and plan on making it three times a week starting this month. I also set up a facebook page and have 41 followers, only about 25 of whom I know personally. I'm super excited about this endeavor and feel like I have made a successful start! (If you're interested in checking it out here's the link: ElizabethAnne Reads or you can find it through my facebook page here. No pressure guys, just if you're interested.)
Another big success is that I did start running again this month. I have not been as consistent as I would like to be but it is at least a start, and as a little self esteem bonus, I lost 5 lbs. So there's that.
The other thing I want to mention is that I stopped sleeping with my phone next to my bed. I know that doesn't seem like a big deal but I have an ongoing struggle with spending too much time online. So now, I plug in my phone in the bathroom before I go to bed and it stays there until after I read my Bible in the morning (or at least it's supposed to, it hasn't been a perfect month). Seriously though guys, who needs to check facebook at 2am? Nothing is happening then...seriously...nothing...
Struggles:
My ongoing biggest struggle is discipline. I know I talked about this last month and I like to think I've made a few improvements this month but they have been few and fairly insignificant. I continually struggle with how much time I spend online, how often I exercise and how I eat, how I spend my money, and how diligent I am in being productive with my time. I hate that I can't seem to get in control of certain aspects of my life. This is going to be a BIG focus for me in Ocotber!
I've also been a little frustrated this month with my vehicle situation. My truck has a blown head gasket. I'm still driving it but the truck will need to be replaced soon. (I've decided that putting that much money into fixing it isn't worth it.) I understand that vehicles die, my frustration is more that I had been careful in budgeting out my finances this year so I would be able to start a travel fund and now that is all screwed up. I need to work on my attitude and be thankful that I already had some money set aside that can be used on a new vehicle.
Soon-to-Bes:
My first goal this month is to limit my time online. I'm going to set my timer for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening and leave it at that. There is absolutely no reason to spend more than an hour each day online.
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And on a related note: Mental health. I'm not sure if it's just my age or if it's the evil influence of technology dumbing me down, but my memory is not what it used to be. I am going to spend more time working on strengthening my brain this month, mainly through memorization. I am going to memorize chapters in the Bible, poetry, and piano music this month! How much better for my brain would that be than watching youtube videos of funny animals?
I will also stop saying 'I want to' and start saying 'I will'!!!
I hope this encourages you in your own journey!
Thanks for reading!
