As we bid farewell to February, it’s time to reflect on how the month went. This month had its fair share of highs and lows. Initially, our house turned into a sick bay with a pesky stomach flu. But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. I waved goodbye to caffeine and haven’t looked back since February 9th, a remarkable achievement!
Despite this, my food journaling took a hit and exercise was non-existent in February. Night-time panic attacks reared their ugly heads, with occurrences on the 17th and 24th. I’m in the process of nailing down the cause and have a stress test lined up this week to rule out heart issues. I’ll also undergo a home sleep study in a few weeks to check for any sleep disorders. If that doesn’t reveal anything, a comprehensive in-clinic sleep study will follow.
While deciphering these health mysteries, I’ve been struggling cultivating healthy morning and night routines. In March I am working on reducing screen time and reigniting my passion for reading, especially being in God’s word. Emotional eating has been a challenge this month, largely exacerbated by stress from personal and professional spheres. I’ve also been grappling with depression, which doesn’t make managing emotional eating any easier. But, I’ve taken the bull by the horns by consulting my doctor and trying medication for the first time, a crucial step towards recovery.
Despite these obstacles, I managed to shed 4.4 pounds in February, bringing my total weight loss for the year to 4.6 pounds. Since I recommitted to my wellness journey on June 3, 2024, I’ve lost 17.2 pounds. It’s a small but significant victory that I’m proud of! I didn’t take any progress photos or measurements in February, but I’ll do them tomorrow (3/2) to keep track of my journey.
March: A New Beginning
As March approaches, I’m eager to get my nutrition back on track and make exercise a regular part of my routine. I’ve signed up for a fitness challenge with my friend Shannon from Shred with Shannon, and I’ll be participating in a Lenten challenge with a group of friends. The Lenten challenge includes:
- Daily devotions
- Donating one item per day at the end of Lent
- Daily 15 minutes of walking or exercising
Even though it’s not a Lutheran custom to give up something for Lent, I’ve found it beneficial in the past. I’ve swapped my regular coffee for a decaf cold brew from my favorite coffee company, which, conveniently, released it as I quit caffeine, but for Lent I am going to completely give up coffee! My goal for this season is to finish Made to Crave and start the associated Bible study. I’ve spent time answering the reflection questions from the chapters I’ve read so far and shared them with my husband to give him a deeper understanding of my struggles and how he can best support me on this journey.
A Repeated Verse
A line from the song Still Waters by Leanna Crawford has been recently popping up when I scroll TikTok: “Anxiety hates Psalm 23.” This morning, I read it and a part of the passage stuck with me: “He leads me beside quiet waters; He refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3) These words have appeared in my life before, and it feels like a sign to lean into them now. If you haven’t heard the song before, you can listen to it here:
Still Waters by Leanna Crawford.
March Goals:
- Fully participate in the Lenten challenge
- Be consistent with my fitness challenge
- Continue my caffeine-free journey
- Complete the 75 Soft Christian Edition challenge starting 3/3
Even though February was challenging, I’m hopeful that March will bring rejuvenation, reinforced habits, and continued progress. If you’re encountering hurdles in your wellness journey, remember, you’re not alone—each step forward, no matter how small, signifies progress.
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