All I could think after reading that was

After the complete collapse of everything in my life last year, I started just going for things, regardless of whether I knew 100% about what I was doing or not. Working your ass off and doing your best will get you far. A perfect example of this is my current job. First of all, the job description said the person should have 5 years of agency experience. I had zero. On top of that, while I understood Facebook ads a little and SEO slightly more, I would in no way say I was anywhere near an expert. But, thankfully, my now bosses could tell that I was willing to do all I could to learn and that I would work my tail off.

So just because you might not have a perfect pedigree, or a perfect knowledge of something, don’t be afraid to just TRY. What’s the worst that will happen? If it doesn’t work out – you’re no worse off.

That’s my Amanda tip for today. Now, here’s my update on the Challenges:

• My challenge for you is to do 5 minutes of planks a day in some combination of straight arm, forearm, all fours and side planks. – KQ  
• Attend yoga classes for a month. Being consistent with your practice. Feel the difference. Post postures in your FB feed – PL [Started on 7-24-16]
• Be physically active – AM [Started on 7-24-16]

These are all things I have been struggling to be consistent with over the past few months. However, I’ve realized just how much better I feel when I actually do yoga and take care of myself. There’s really nothing more important than having your health, so I plan to buckle down this month and really set aside time to get these challenges crossed off.

 

• Volunteer 30 hours at your local shelter before you turn 30 – AK

It hasn’t technically been a shelter, but I have been volunteering around 15 hours a week for the amazing Balance and Wellness Studio that opened up in my office building. Because this group is just as dedicated to helping women take care of themselves and be independent as a shelter might  be, I consider this challenge completed! Doing these volunteer hours has shown me how much I love to help when I fully support the mission of an organization.

 

• Do one nice thing for yourself every week 🙂self care, yo! – AK

This week, I plan to do exactly that! There is a journaling class and a women’s night out event at the Wellness Studio I volunteer for, and I plan on attending both this week. (Not to mention, attending more of their offerings each week so I can do something for myself consistently.)

 

• Learning to meditate (even if you decide not to keep it as a practice) might be an interesting one. – KI-S [Working on it as of 6-1-16]

I’ve found myself working hard to be more mindful and trying to not always reach for my phone every time I’m bored. So many times we just pick up the phone instead of being present and I am working each day to try and train myself out of that.

 

• Get up earlier and use that time to focus on something you love – DBQ [Working on it as of 6-1-16]

I will be getting back to doing this so that I can focus on my yoga and taking care of myself.

 

• Strengthen relationships formed throughout your life. – KBH

I have been doing this off and on, but it’s something that I am going to redouble my efforts on as the holidays are approaching.

 

• Send a card to someone (as many different someones) every day. – MA [Working on it as of 6-25-16]

I was doing this consistently, but then I realized all of the addresses I had were old (from the holidays last year) and a lot of people have moved. Needless to say, I need NEW addresses! So if you would like to receive a letter or card from me just because, please fill out here so I can send you some joy!

 

I actually did this yesterday, for the first time in a long time. My hubby went for a hike with some friends, so I did a big, fat NOTHING. And it was glorious. Taking time for myself needs to be a MUCH bigger priority.

 

• Get story published by a major magazine under your own name – Me

I submitted my article to Real Simple, so we shall find out in January whether this will be happening or not. I’m also looking for other opportunities to contribute to magazines as well. And a HUGE thanks to those that edited my story for me, including Sandra R. and the fabulous author, Sarah Robinson.

 

• Make a dream board – MB

This is one I am going to work on this week. With the help of my Passion Planner, my Powersheets, and my latest read – 5: Where Will You Be Five Years from Today?, I am going to figure out exactly where I want to go. Which will, in turn, help me to create my dream board.

 

• Read all of the books I own – Me 

As per usual, this one you can always catch up on over under the Bitchin Books section. You can see my ratings and which books I loved or hated, and why.