Me & My Quite Contrary Life

NUDGED: "Focus on strength" BACKSTORY: I have always struggled with my strength, or the lack of it! I actually quit gymnastics as a kid because I couldn't do the monkey bars (true story!). As an adult, I see the importance of being strong in body and the many benefits as you age. I have been working on completing my first unassisted pull-up for two years but have made little progress so I get discouraged. It's time to re-evaluate my strength goals this week. QUOTE: "Being stronger in the gym gives you a push to go out and try activities you've always wanted to do, but weren't sure if you could." - Nia Shanks in "Lift Like a Girl: Be More, Not Less" HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: I did a little each day to work on increasing my strength, including push-ups from the floor, planks, bar hangs and squats. I went to the gym twice this week and completed one home workout, all focusing on strength training. Did I see progress? Honestly, not much. ...

NUDGED: "Memorize a Psalm" BACKSTORY: Memorizing Scripture verses has been a long-time goal of mine. I want my mind to ruminate on good things, and I appreciate how the right verse often comes to mind during times of stress and anxiety. I have gotten out of the practice of memorization lately though. I also wanted to challenge myself this week to memorize more than just a line or two, but an entire Psalm. Why? I love the wisdom and beauty of the Psalms, and how they speak to every mood. I know it is possible as other people have memorized Psalms or entire chapters of the New Testament. But, can I do it? QUOTE: "I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture... No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends." - Chuck Swindoll HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: I picked Psalm 16 to memorize this week, as it is one of my favorites. It has 11 verses. I made my plan early in the week...

NUDGED: "Set a small goal and blow it away" BACKSTORY: The idea for this nudge came directly from the 52Nudges Founder Kathleen Guthrie Woods. When I started my project, I used many ideas from her list to get my list started, including this nudge. The timing again was perfect. I drew this nudge when I have been feeling discouraged about not meeting some goals I set. I definitely need a win! QUOTE: "You should set goals beyond your reach so you always have something to live for," - Ted Turner HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: The temptation with this nudge is to set an easy goal so that I can surely surpass it, but I want to challenge myself, then celebrate a victory. I need to test myself! I made a list of ideas to start. There are many goals I want to work on, but I had to make sure it was attainable within a week with some dedicated effort. After exploring all my options, I selected working on the same goal Woods did with her nudge - holding a plank. Proper p...

Today is my 36 th birthday. I don’t feel a need to hide the real number and am not afraid of getting older. Through volunteering with hospice, I’ve learned what a gift and privilege it is to have birthdays. Not everyone gets more years.  I find myself looking back today. This is the fourth time I have had a “6” in my age. I have been reminiscing about my birthdays when I turned 6, 16 and 26. It’s fun to look back and see my growth. My life and situation really changed for each age, especially since it is a snapshot of when I was a child, a teenager, and newly married adult. Each age had aspects I enjoyed and things that I lacked. At age 6, I had fun and family. I had a happy childhood with lots of time to play and explore, along with a supportive family. I felt secure and loved. I had it all…except physical strength. Monkey bars. I quit gymnastics, something that I was really interested in, because I couldn’t even hang on the monkey bars. I didn’t have any upper body s...