December Week 1 Group Challenge - Hello December Scrabble Challenge
jessicakrall8
Posts: 5,516 Member
Hello December / Scrabble Challenge
Welcome to the month of December…the last month of the year…the beginning of a beautiful holiday season world-wide…a great time to spend some time to push to finish goals for 2024 and the time to begin thinking and planning for new goals for 2025. This month’s challenges will all help you to do just that.
We will start with a Scrabble Challenge…we all played it as a kid…I’m such a word nerd and word game fanatic, so perhaps that’s what led me in this direction, but I’ve also discovered the joys of setting goals and meeting them and that wonderful feeling of success and empowerment you get when you set a goal, work to meet it and then feel the success in doing so. Take a look at the words in December…there are 8 letters, so you will need to do two one day of the week, but during Dec 1st through 7th, think about how each of the words reflect in your life…might be just through something positive you can say about your day…something kind you can bestow upon someone else…might bring on a memory you wish to share, but however you express it (pictures are also welcome), post to the thread and share what it made you think about…DECLARE, EDUCATE, CHERISH, ENDORSE, MANAGE, BALANCE, EDIFY and REWARD.
What goals has this helped you to set? How does this contribute to your plans for the month? Next year? Your fitness journey as a whole? I can’t wait to read your thoughts each day this week.
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I have quite a few outings planned for this month.I had my first Christmas meal with a group of girlfriends last Friday night.We had a meal & there was a live band & later a dj so lots of eating,drinking & dancing.
So my Declare this week is not to let these outings interfere with my fitness goals.I plan on enjoying my socialising with friends & family but also eating healthily on the normal days.Also keeping up with my normal exercise of Dance fit & going to the gym.I like winter walks too as long as there's no snow.I'm with you on that one @jessicakrall8 ❄️☃️5 -
November was a rough month for me. I had a lot of extra stress and it put me off my routine. I stopped tracking and going to the gym. I declare that this week, I will track all the food I eat. I'm still getting over being sick and my cough has gotten worse, so I don't want to add my exercise and step count just yet.
I also try to learn something new whenever I can. I read weight loss/exercise/water tips/etc a few times a week. Anytime I can make this jourmey a little easier, I will!
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@lauren_989 I had a similar experience last month, lots of stress and unplanned chaos with work so my eating plans and exercising plans got a bit chaotic too or not followed at all
Declare: I will track my food and water intake, make sure I get more protein and healthy carbs, I will focus on a good mix of exercises (maybe try to write a plan and stick to it). I will try to not let work stress affect me as much.
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I decree and declare that this month will be one of my best months. Last month was a struggle for me as well with sickness and such. I declare that this week I will journal all of my food. Cook a meal for my husband and I, Get my steps in as I have reduced the number since I'm not as mobile as I have been, and make better choices about the foods that I eat. This is a good challenge Jessica! Thank you!!
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I've had a rough few weeks, and November was a slip from my previous determination and control. Yesterday, for the first time since I really recommitted, I let myself just eat what I wanted, but in a good for the soul kind of way.
I declare the rest of this week will be controlled, mindful, tracked, and successful!3 -
The past six weeks have been really hard...my eating (for two months prior to THAT) had been horrible and I was eating out too much...weight jumped back up and the swelling in my left knee started...so 2nd week of October, I completely stopped eating out...got back to the strict work, I should have been doing all along. Now six weeks later, I'm down 19 pounds and the swelling is minimal, although I still ache in that leg from sitting at work all day. It's getting better. I'm not a patient person.
I DECLARE that the hard work goes on. I will NOT give up. I will trust the science and continue to prove that it works, by eating right...staying on track and slowly increasing my exercise again until I can get back to 10k steps a day. I'm working to EDUCATE myself not to fear progress, but that I'm ready for steady progress and am looking forward to the changes to come.
Looking forward to a great December for ALL of us!! You guys always motivate me. Thank you for being you!
Jessica2 -
I cherish my family and loved ones. I am working on loving myself as much as I do others. Also trying to work on my negative self talk.
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I like to look at & read & discuss with friends what they like to eat.I try to EDUCATE myself on good nutrition & exercise.There are so many advisers out there on tik tok,Facebook & utube that it is so confusing at times.I go for green wholefoods mostly & try to avoid anything processed.Also I don't tend to.miss out on particular food groups.
I CHERISH my family & friends.I also cherish time alone for myself.A lovely walk in nature or a swim always makes me feel peaceful & I'm able to let my mind be still of the busy life I lead.I also cherish travel & holidays with my husband & family.1 -
I CHERISH my peaceful home...just me and Lil Miss Betty...I love knowing that coming home will always be relaxing and stress-free. I can play some c-jazz, read a book and not answer to anyone. Tonight, I came home and heated up some leftovers and ate while watching a holiday movie...getting ready to do some dishes and then lie down and read a book I started over the weekend. Love that "me time"!!
Hope you all had a wonderful day!
Jessica2 -
Educate: I try to educate myself on balance nutrition, although there is sometimes a difference between what I know I should eat and what I actually eat
Cherish: I cherish my life and my family but I have to admit that I had lost myself a little bit the past few years, busy being a mum, a wife, a daughter/granddaughter, a colleague. So now I am trying to find 'me', trying to be kinder to the body I have, and working on my health.2 -
Endorse makes me think of signing something haha. I'm struggling coming up with anything else, but looking forward to other's responses!1
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lauren_989 wrote: »Endorse makes me think of signing something haha. I'm struggling coming up with anything else, but looking forward to other's responses!
Just thinks "agrees with" and you'll get there...synonyms support, uphold, defend...
Jessica0 -
I whole-heartedly ENDORSE the practice of eating at home...cooking, even if something simple...and avoiding eating out...less calories, less spending...my budget loves me again...and I'm starting to feel better...that's the biggie...can't wait to see how things are in another 30 days!
Jessica3 -
Educate - I am currently working through one of the hardest periods of my personal life, and it is taking a great deal of educating myself in self care, self respect, and resilience, but I am getting there. I will continue this education because it will see me through these times.
Cherish - I am learning to cherish myself, even in the face of adversity and negativity. I have trouble putting myself first, and habitually sacrifice for others. But by cherishing myself, I am valuing myself and giving myself the same grace I give others.
Endorse - On the same theme, I endorse self care!! We have SO MANY things pulling us in different directions. Take time to centre yourself and remember that you are just as deserving of your care and consideration as anyone else is.2 -
I ENDORSE all the practises of this wonderful group & each member of the teams.
Praise indeed to the Captains & Motivators & all those members who take the time to share an encouraging word or like.
We are all here for a reason & I endorse all the ideas to improve fitness,health & emotions .2 -
I am learning to manage my time and prioritize my health!2
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The last few weeks I have been doing the 100 day challenge,weighing myself every day.
I have found it useful & successful in managing my weight.It is still a bit up & down but I feel motivated to eat well & move more.Also to manage my time better.2 -
I am balancing my time to make sure I have time for rest, exercise, healthy eating, and fun!
Although, still recovering from pneumonia, so it's been more rest and no exercise. 😷2 -
Endorse: me! I am trying to find me again and realise (and put in practice ) that 'me' is just as deserving as everybody else of time, attention and efforts.
Manage: I am trying to manage my expectations. I am trying to have a balanced diet, but slip up happens, I am trying to exercise more, but sometimes the weather or work or family things happen, and that is fine. It might take me longer to get there than I would like but that is fine too
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Yesterday was a really tough day for pain in my knee and left leg. I came home, took medicine and went straight to bed. Today was better.
Yesterday, it was all I could do to MANAGE the pain and try to concentrate. Do you know how hard it is to shut out pain and focus on work? It was a really tough day and I was glad when it was over.
I am working to better BALANCE all of the elements of my health journey and am doing really well with it all. I am hopeful that the issues with my knee are getting better and will soon be in my rear-view mirror!!
Really loving reading all of your motivational quotes, plans and goals. You guys rock!
Jessica1 -
I am managing my own emotions, boundaries and self respect. I am guilty of often capitulating and sacrificing myself to maintain the status quo and to make others more comfortable, and while others comfort is important, my own needs to be paramount. This ties into the BALANCE I am striking between not upending my entire life, while also setting new parameters by which I am willing to live.2
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It is sometimes difficult to BALANCE work,exercise,family time,shopping,cleaning,friends the list goes on ! I do try but often feel pulled in many directions.Its good to get some ME time to gain peace & release stress.
I try to EDIFY all my team mates & give support & listen to others problems.Also to share their efforts & congratulate their success.Go team Shapeshifters 😄2 -
By our interactions in these group challenges and sharing with our teams, we EDIFY our own journey, from what we glean from each other. I'm really soaking up all the comments this week and hope to hold on to that hope and encouragement on tough days.
This week was a mixed bag for me...two days were really difficult to get through with my knee...the rest of it, was manageable and on those days, I can see improvement. It's the hard days that really cut you in half though...so far, I've used this as further proof that I need to be strict...stick with what I'm doing and that keeps me strong. The nasty part about swelling though is that until it goes down completely, you can't see your own progress. That really smarts.
Enjoy your weekend, all!
Jessica1 -
Balance is sometimes difficult to find especially at this time of year with all the extra things to do, but at the same time I really enjoy that it brings our family together with some games, jigsaws, Christmas film nights. So I will try to let go of the stress and fear that I am late doing everything and enjoy the memories
Edify ???
Reward: I struggle with stress eating and I am trying to shift my perception that food (chocolate ) is a reward for doing more exercise, finishing a difficult day, having had a good day and so on. Chocolate is still my favourite food but I have found a few healthier recipes that give just enough chocolate flavour to be satisfying without having a ridiculous number of calories I can't afford. I am still researching new recipes so it is a work in progress
@jessicakrall8 thank you for this challenge, it gave me a lot to think about2 -
My REWARD this week has been on the scales.Ive been struggling to lose weight consistently & continue to Yoyo up & down.I joined the 100 day challenge on 21st October.I thought it may frustrate me weighing in every day.However I have seen great fluctuations from Day to do that it made me less concerned & annoyed at the scales.Another plus was that as it got nearer to the end of the week ( my weigh Day is Saturday) I made better choices as I didn't want to spoil my efforts.
When I think of all I do for everyone in my house ( I have a hubby & 2 adult sons) 3 men !! I sometimes think I don't get any rewards for what I do.Maybe I do too much I suppose alot of Mum's do.Yet its nice to be appreciated,
Christmas is a good time to show how much we are all loved & appreciated by family & friends.I hope everyone here feels this ❤️
Thanks @jessicakrall8 & I hope your knee swelling is better soon.
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The December Week 2 Group Challenge is ready to begin on Sun, Dec 8th. Please bring your creativity and join us for Holiday Happenings as we get closer to the holiday season! Here's your link:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10928664/december-week-2-group-challenge-holiday-happenings/p1?new=1
See you in the chat thread!
Jessica0 -
I'm trying to get away from using food as a REWARD, so instead, I try to do something else nice for myself...giving myself free time to do things I enjoy or pampering myself in some way. For the past two months, I've been working very hard to stay on track, work diligently on my nutrition because I know that every pound that comes off, takes 7 lbs of pressure off this knee and my other joints. It's hard to see my results because of swelling, but I will say it's much better than when I started in October. So I'm giving myself the gift of patience and grace because I know I'm doing what's best for me.
Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support as I'm dealing with these issues and for checking on me when things are tough. Just reading your words of your own successes and motivations, REALLY makes a huge difference...I'm so glad we have this forum and such caring friends with which to share! Aren't you?!!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Love y'all!
Jessica2
