May Challenge(s)

I love the beginning of a new month.  Today is May 3rd.  I'm 8 months sober and feeling good.  However, I want to see progress in other areas of my life.  I think it's important to constantly challenge ourselves.  So, for the next four weeks until June, I'll be taking on the following personal challenges and goals.  The theme is health & wellness.  Feel free to join me! 
 

Run 40 Miles In 4 Weeks. 

This one is easy if you run on a consistent basis.  Not so easy if you're a procrastinator, like moi.  Hence:  Challenge.   I've been putting the elliptical & Look Better Naked DVD before the pavement.  It's time to get back to a regular running schedule.  I'm hoping this push will be exactly what I need.

Allow myself no more than 1 Starbucks beverage a week.

Despite the fact that I get 50% off at select Starbucks, this needs to stop.  Who do I think I am?  Rachel Zoe?  I'm writing to you today from the comfort of my home.  However, I often take this blog [among other things] to a coffee shop, ordering a grande soy latte like I'm financially stable.  Reality:  I'm starting from the bottom and I'm here.  Frugal is the new chic.

Eliminate anything with Aspartame. 

I used to never drink diet soda...on it's own, at least.  I knew it was awful for me.  For some reason, when I gave up alcohol, I gave in to Diet Ginger Ale, Diet Coke...The Diets.  It's really strange.  Two days ago, my sister and I got into a really stupid fight.  I was so upset that I poured myself a Diet Ginger Ale on the rocks.   I mean, what?  Basically, I have traded one bad habit for another.  Aspartame is responsible for so many health problems and I'm over it.  For the next month, I'll be detoxing from the artificial sweetener.  More water, less poison.

Go to sleep earlier, wake up earlier.

This is a change that I've been wanting to make in my life for awhile now.  I used to work at a coffee shop, often starting my day at 5 in the morning.  Or earlier.  Those days felt so much longer (in a good way) and productive than the days I slept till 11.  This month, I'm removing the option to sleep in.  I'll set my alarm to 6:00 AM [Okay, let's start at 7:00AM] and ditch the snooze button.  There are so many benefits to waking up early:  More time to be productive, quietude, and the sunrise, to name a few.

xx,

E