do better, be better.
On my playlist:
I Choose - India.Arie
“I’ve reached a fork in the road of my life and ain’t nothing gonna happen unless I decide…”
Taking ownership of my health is something that has become increasingly important to me as the years go on. As I approach another birthday (November) , I realize that I am not yet old but I’m also not getting any younger. I’ve been having some really honest conversations with myself about changes I’m needing to make if I am going to live the long and healthy life I desire to live. Before I can adopt new habits, I need to acknowledge and discard habits that have been unfruitful.
take a listen to the audio journal.
Here are a few things I’ll be looking to adjust going forward:
Eat to live. Don’t just live to eat.
An improved diet is the most challenging habit change I want to make. I’m an emotional eater. Whether I’m happy, sad, overwhelmed, or relaxed, this girl likes to eat! I have realized that I often self-soothe with food. This is unhealthy and not conducive to the life of freedom and longevity I am wanting to enjoy. So, changes are on the horizon!
The Plan: gradually cut out the most unfruitful foods (fast foods), place serious limits on foods I tend to overindulge in (ice cream), and include new, healthy foods (starting with water, lol). I am also planning to explore different styles of eating (vegetarian, Mediterranean, etc.) to see what healthy habits I can incorporate into this lifestyle change. In addition to the diet changes, I will also be looking to adjust the non-eating habits that cause me to turn to food instead of healthier ways of processing my emotions.
Girl, go to sleep!
Getting adequate sleep does wonders for me, when I’m disciplined enough to get it. Unfortunately, insomnia has long been a friend of mine. Turning off my brain at night tends to be quite the process. However, I have noticed that when I read a book instead of turning on a tv show, video or scrolling social media, I am able to wind down more easily. Reading works to calm my brain enough to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake feeling rested.
The Plan: It takes intention but reading before bed instead of any media is a practice I’d like to adopt as part of my bedtime routine. That way, I can regularly get the sleep my body needs to function at the highest, healthiest level.
“I choose. To be the best that I can be. I choose. To be courageous in everything I do. My past don’t dictate who I am, I choose.”
I Choose, India.Aire
Move, move, move!
In some ways, I’ve been overcomplicating the notion of movement. Somewhere along the way, I decided that the only movement that counts is exercise. But exercise is such a chore for me! Also, for some reason, I’ve decided I must exercise in a gym in order for the activity to count. Why am I putting all these rules & restrictions on movement? Anything that gets my limbs moving and my heart rate pumping counts as movement. So, I will be increasing movement activities that I actually enjoy.
The Plan: Dancing is something I thoroughly enjoy doing. It feels free and therapeutic and fun! Lord knows I have enough playlists to support a nice, long solo dance session. Having a daily dancing date with myself is a great place to start. Also, I am subscribed to a streaming platform that has a few interesting-looking workouts I’ve been scrolling past. Since I’m already paying for the access, I think it’s time to check those babies out!
What do you need to do better in order to be better? Do you have any suggestions of foods I should try, books you love and recommend, or interesting ways I can incorporate more movement into my day? Reach out and let me know!
Thanks for being here. If you haven’t already, please go take a listen to my audio-journal on your favorite podcast streaming platforms. I’d love for you to rate, review, and share it with someone you know would enjoy it.
I pray something you have read here inspires, empowers, or encourages you to be brave, be honest, and be well.
Until next time,
- nikk
Note: although AI is a super dope tool, all of these words are written directly from my own mind, unenhanced by technology. :)