Sunday Reflections (Sept 11th)- Accountability Thread

Hi ladies! So I took a break from writing my goals last week but I’m hear to reflect on how my week went. Win - I decided to attend a new service and study circle today. It’s about a 30 minute drive and in the past I wouldn’t have attended as I would feel intimidated going to this place single where majority are new couples and new parents. But I came across his sermon and I really liked it so I decided to go. - It was such a nice environment and I really enjoyed what we learned in the study circle and the space they created is such a welcoming and non judgemental enrichment. - I met this woman afterwards and we had a great conversation about the class and she was also telling me about some outlet stores that this city has (and these were brands I love but are pretty expensive).She asked if we ever wanted to check out these stores together 🥰 which I said yes. - So we exchanged numbers and she sent me a text of the location and made plans to attend after next weeks service. It was cool because she’s also a new mom (married and has a 1.5 year old son) and it was so lovely seeing how her marriage and child are a facet but not her entire life. -She is planning to do her PhD, her husband works hard to provide for them and she was just so relaxed and calm which is different than some of the other moms running around and it looked like child care was all on their shoulders. Her son was so sweet, well mannered and her husband was taking care of him very well. And one thing I loved most about it was as how natural it was and wasnt making this seem like a big deal but just that it was normal life. - All in all I am excited to go back and listen to next weeks service. Excited that I put myself out there in a new city and community and hopeful but no expectations to see what this will bring ☺️ Challenge - I have been having challenges deciding what area that I want to practice in. I’ve realized that I have been trying to go into a specialty that “looks good” than one that I enjoy. It’s been a bit emotional trying to work through it but I’ve decided to apply for position and specialties that speak to me, obvi pay well and one that I would enjoy. Im ready to write my goals tomorrow to start working on this journey

GOALS Work out 5 times - achieved! I neglected stretching last week - I have made a conscious effort to stretch for 10 minutes a day as well as learnt new stretches. I'm preparing for interview so do one task towards it each day - they didn't get back to me so I lost motivation. However, tomorrow is a new day. Also to make myself seem a more attractive candidate I'm going to ask for a time swap because I have another interview (lol I don't). I've slipped on the homecooking so get back on the healthy batching, get something in the freezer - made a 7 serving batch of 5 bean chili with extra veggies and rice - freezer meals are go! WIN OF THE WEEK I had a mindset breakthrough instead of a break down. re: if the recruiter doesn't get back to me. I am a capable candidate and I'm worth more. I will keep applying for jobs and improve my salary. I will continue my UX course too.

I started a new hobby, embroidery. Well, I don't know if I'll stick to it, but I thought I'd at least work through a beginner set to learn handstitching as a useful skill at the bare minimum.

This week I have been doing so much better on staying on a routine, especially going to bed and waking up at the first time! Going on a more organized schedule is really helpful to me, as I thrive on consistency. Some of the things I needed to work harder on, is trying to stay focused on tasks, actually starting on what needs to be done, and I will combat those challenges by setting timers and giving myself small rewards to encourage myself to be more productive (as well as making sure any distractions, like my phone, are out of the way).

1. Workout goals last week went great, I did everything except for I missed one ab day Weekly goal for this week: do more intense cardio and strength training. 5 days of cardio and 4 strength training days (obviously combine days) . 2. Finished my school paper, my goal for the next 5 years is to find a job that pays similar to what I have but work from home (hybrid or full time telecommute) or in an office with a set location. I my goal is to get married and start a family in the next 5 years and I believe working from home will facilitate the transition. My degree will open doors for teaching, research, and management opportunities, all of which will pay decently and can be done from home. My weekly career goal is to do at least one networking activity of some kind. Maybe I will send an email to an old boss or pay a visit to my old workplace. 3. My weekly goal is still to break up with my boyfriend. He still doesn’t understand that I want to save sex for marriage and the relationship doesn’t feel like it is naturally progressing. I also found out he still follows his ex on social media. 4. I want to read the Bible 2 days this week.

5. I want to take calorie counting more seriously. I hate how my body changed during COVID due to daily anxiety and stress. My new job transitioned back to full time office and is also exhausting because I drive around a lot for work and therefore find myself sitting more, drinking less water to avoid having to pee (limited or gross bathrooms on the road and I don't want to pee in a cup unless it's an emergency), eating more snacks because I don't know how long a visit will last and I don't want to get hangry, feeling exhausted after a long day of driving and not having the energy to go to the gym, etc. I can be at a deficit at 1900 calories because I work out intensely almost every day, but I probably eat 2400 a day.

Goal: Exercise 3x this week for one hour each session.

Result: Success! In fact, I exercised 5x, a nice variety of different things, and my body feels great :)

Win: I just started taking belly dance lessons and I am LOVING IT!