100 Days For Positive Change

Oh hey Friday! This was the first official full week of school for my kids (yes, Emmett is still crying at drop off, but slowly getting better; yes, Essley still runs into the classroom without a goodbye), and as someone who works from home, it's been an adjustment for me as much as for them. Between their different school times and all of the activities, there are so many drop offs and pick ups. I get what parents say now when they describe themselves as taxi services. Anyway, my point is that I'm really grateful Friday is here and we have a couple of days off from the chaos. (Well, except for swimming lessons and soccer, and the half marathon my husband is running. But you get the point.)

One commitment I do have this weekend (and everyday) is something involving myself rather than my kids (although it does affect them too). Some friends and I recently decided to create a challenge together called 100 Days For Positive Change. My friend Annie initially started one for herself called 100 Days of Yoga, and from that this challenge (originally called 100 Days of Fitness) was born. We have all committed to 100 days of at least 30 minutes of being active a day, in an effort to create positive change in our lives. This can mean anything from yoga to running to taking a walk to hardcore cardio to light stretching to dance parties. We just have to continuously move for 30 minutes, everyday, for 100 days.

Today is day 11 for me, and I cannot put into words how incredible I feel. Truly. I run most days, but I have also slid in yoga and strength training. I am not a fitness person; it does not come naturally to me. I've never been one of those people who feels motivated to get up at 5 AM to go to the gym. But this challenge has made a monumental difference not only in how I feel physically everyday, but how I feel mentally. I struggle with anxiety, and last month, I realized it was spiraling out of control. I'm not sure if it was a result of some of this summer's traumatic experiences (the death of my best friend to ALS, serious family illnesses, etc.), hormones due to stopping breastfeeding (I was either pregnant and/or breastfeeding for 5 straight years), or just a random fluke, but it was bad. I started running at the suggestion of my runner husband, and quickly noticed a difference. Now that I'm doing the challenge and moving everyday no matter what, it's a massive difference. In addition to the time spent with movement, I am adding a few minutes to sit outside (or in a space by myself), clear my head, and just be. Sometimes this has to happen really late when my kids are in bed or very inconveniently in the middle of the work day while they're at school. But I'm making it a priority to do it and be the best version of myself possible.

I have mainly been sharing my journey on my private IG account I use for family and friends who I know in real life, but I started sharing my progress it in my Stories on my Bubby and Bean Instagram account too. If you'd like to join us in this challenge or learn more, the hashtag we're using is #100DaysForPositiveChange. (And no, we're not selling anything or forcing anyone to do anything, and aside from committing - for yourself - to moving everyday, there are no rules!)

I will make sure to check in later in the journey and let you know how it's going. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying taking care of my body and mind. It's been a while.

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