Welcome to the weekend folks.

It occurred to me while reading the NSVs yesterday that it is small changes over time that often make a big difference.

This month I have been experimenting with the small change of switching off my devices at 11 pm in order to improve my bedtime routine. There have been several unexpected results, the biggest of which is that I am often ready to switch off before the 11 pm deadline, and also occasionally almost miss it.

Some insights I have gained:
#1: Changing the word 'deadline' to 'guideline' and setting a reminder 30 minutes before the set time removes anxiety about hitting 'deadlines', and also allows me to prioritise any 'urgent' tasks before shutdown.
#2: Switching off at 11 pm allows me to concentrate on winding down and preparing for a calmer bedtime routine. I have replaced my evening meditation video with breathing exercises, and reading an actual book. Current book is 'A Mindful Evening' by David Dillard-Right, PHD.
#3: My body seems to have settled into its own groove with regards to bodily functions. To name a few, there are been fewer excursions to the bathroom in the middle of the night; more regular elimination of other waste LOL; time in the morning to exercise and do some yoga/tai chi while I am fresh.

All in all that one small change has had many good effects beyond those which I was expecting. It is spreading out like ripples in a pond and enriching my life in unexpected ways.

What small change could you make today that could make a difference in your life?

Have a great Saturday.

Trying to get my head back in the game. I know it is mid-month, but that's ok. Most of the day is pre-tracked. Have exercise clothing on for the day (will head out for a walk then more unpacking, packing and such). Let's see how the rest of October goes. Will do my check-in later.

October 16, 2021

Did I exercise for at least 20 minutes? Yes
Did I stay within my calorie budget for the day? Yes
Did I keep track of everything I ate and drank? Yes

Kitchen Closed? Yes
Did you go "nuts" with nuts today? No (14 days -free)
Over Sugar macro today? No (9 days)

Pass day 1/3 (this is for accountability to myself and my records).

✅ calories
✅ exercise - cross trainer 30 mins flew by!
✅ tracked

✅ - Exercise 20+ Minutes
✅ - Calories within budget
✅ - Tracked everything

3️⃣ Pass Days Remaining

Tracking: Yes
Exercise: Yes
Ate w/in budget: Yes

I weighed this morning for the first time since we began our Sept accountability - - I have lost 7.5 lbs! This act of participating in a group and being accountable has made all the difference. Thanks to you all!

❌✅✅
Walked 1, ran 5. Had a joint birthday dinner for my mom and husband at my aunts house. Turns out my aunt knows how to make the apple cake I loved as a child that I thought the recipe for was lost when my grandmother died (did my words make sense there?) so… nostalgia is not good for my willpower. Pass day #2, but I was still slightly under my maintain number so not a total loss.

Date: 10/16
Exercised ?: walked for 2 miles.
Calories ? YES
Tracked? YES

Pass Days 1/3

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Well, day 1 back was a success despite the day. During my first real walk in months, i found a dehydrated 1.5" snapping turtle in the road with no water source in sight. Remember I just moved here. I stopped another walker and asked about water (i mean he came from somewhere) and they told me what I could legally get to (can't go through the private properties). Anyhow, the little guy seemed alert by the time I got to the stream and I think he has a new chance on life. But my walking pace and mileage accuracy is all off, though I passed my UAC 20 minutes prior to finding the turtle.

Then more unpacking. Finally one whole day at the new home......nope.

I ended up emergency driving to my parents house 30 minutes away, to force my father to call 911. He apparently had been laying on the floor since 11 pm last night (I got to their house at 5:45pm today). He wanted to give it another day before calling 911. He was laying there soaked in urine. My mother did not call 911 because it was not a heart attack and not a "real emergency". He is in the er now. No update on what is going on. My oncologist sister is guessing his hip broke while walking. This is all a part of why we are downsizing. In part for a safer place for our future, and also to have more free time to spend with family as we are needed.

Soooo,
Exercised: yes
Calories; yes, way under even after swiping 2 halloween treats
Tracked: yes, proud of myself for pretracking, but then modifying as the day changed

have a good night all. tomorrow is going to be interesting