40 Till 40 : Week 1

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p5QCE7FfzhgnO7OMAQDo0DpEuQQCt5rB

     Boy am I tired.  Counting down to 40 can really take it out of a girl.  I promised to keep you up-to-date and I will.  If you remember, my goals were fairly simple yet difficult (for some reason— maybe I’m secretly lazy!) to me.  However, I can honestly say I’ve  enjoyed myself immensely! I love starting new things. It’s the sticking with it that causes the trouble!  Let’s start at the top.

       No Soda:  Extremely easy so far! I did accidentally have one though.  Just put yourself in my shoes.  There you are, ordering McDonalds in the drive-thru with your older children and the voice from the speaker says, “what drink did you want with your meal?” You’re natural reaction would be to say _________. (Insert your favorite soda) So I did! “Diet Dr. Pepper please!” I didn’t feel at all ashamed until we drove away and I took my first (and best) sip after a salty handful of fries.  I looked at my daughter and screamed, “OH NO! ITS SODA!”  Her headphones on and blissfully eating her burger, she gave me an “are you sure you’re ok” look with her eyebrows then went back to eating.  So I went back to drinking my soda, but only that ONE!!!

              Running 2 Miles:      HATE IT!!  I did run/walk 2 miles everyday, mon-fri, and firmly believe I can walk faster than I can run!  I actually got a lot farther running than I thought I would!  I’ve had some company on my runs too.  My youngest decided to come along one afternoon and make me feel very out of shape.  She ran the entire way and at one moment did circles around me and ran backwards. (Showoff). Other days I was fortunate to have the company of a good friend. She has been running much, much, much longer than me and didn’t seem at all out of breath talking and running at the same time.  I do remember at one point stopping and telling her I didn’t believe there would be enough oxygen left out here for her the way I was huffing it!  She has been a good sport with me though and very supportive.  Which I’m finding is something I really need to keep me from mumbling angrily at the hills everytime I go up one.  Most mornings were just myself and my headphones.  It’s a welcomed change in my routine though.  I have more energy later in the day and actually seem to be losing a few pounds, which is turning 40 bonus points!! https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cuc8Dxz6GmrrDtM3KyIgoHjQYFAPB7p4

     Prayer Time:   Unfortunately, I’m finding this to be the hardest to stick to!  I can easily listen to a devotional as I work on laundry or drive or run now!  But sitting down long enough in my day to pray through a list that is ever growing?  Not so much.  That should be a priority right?   I found time for this only twice this week.  I’m embarrassed.  Next week will be better! 

                Generate Income doing something I Love:    This one has really taken me on a journey this week.  I decided to start with my hobby of writing.  I’ve had meetings on the phone and over lunch with some people I would consider experts in this field.  I’ve watched YouTube videos, taken notes, brain dumped all over a few pages of my notebook, and asked friends for input.  This route is not going to be easy for me.  I don’t consider myself a writer...more of a talker! I’ve struggled with: Who would hire me to write anything?, who would read a book by ME?, and What is even my niche? (I’m beginning to really dislike that word). I’ve discovered some answers but not fully.  I believe I have a passion for sharing my stories in hopes it will lead someone towards their own spiritual growth.  It will be a work in progress so stay tuned!
    Finally, my last goal was to blog weekly and here you see I have completed the task!  PSA: my blogs will begin to be a bit shorter as I’m on this 40 till 40 journey.  Please share with me your thoughts below! Any suggestions or tips?  I’d love to hear about others journey to 40 as well!  
     I’ll leave you with my adopted motto for this challenge: FAITH IT TILL YOU MAKE IT! Based on Isaiah 40:30-31 which says (The Message version) “For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall.  But those who wait upon the Lord get fresh strength.  They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind!”  I want to run and not get tired!!!! Until next time....
      

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