Hi friends,
 
We're more than halfway through the year, and when I stop to think about it, my brain immediately does two things. First, I feel a sense of panic about all the things I haven't accomplished this year. Then, as quickly as that thought comes, it disappears to make room for a new and more compassionate one: things will get done when they get done. I toggle between these two and realize there is a healthy tension in having both feelings.
 
When I look back at the things I have accomplished, I realize it has never been a straightforward path for me. I wish I could be the person who sets a goal, works towards it, and accomplishes it. For better or worse, I just don't think I am designed that way. Instead, I am more of the meandering type.
 
My pattern is that I take two steps forward, one step back. For example, at the beginning of the year, my goal was to engage in daily movement, preferably in the form of a dedicated 20 to 30-minute session. I started off strong, then stopped. Then started again, and then stopped. Currently, I'm on a 2-day streak, so let's see how it goes this weekend.
 
Here's the thing. I could easily feel disappointed with myself for not having reached my goal of daily movement this year. In fact, there are large chunks of time missing here, literally weeks where I didn't get it in. But then I look at the big picture. If we're being honest, I used to never exercise, like at all. The fact that I even enjoy it now is huge progress for me. It's still hard for me sometimes to overcome the mental blocks I have with it, but I think the biggest change I've made here is that I now identify as someone who enjoys movement. Even if it's not something I prioritize every single day, it is a part of my identity and lifestyle.
 
Although it feels like I'm taking two steps forward and one step back, I remember that I am still moving forward. My pace may be slower, but I am staying on track. I'm trying to embrace the rhythm of this dance because I know that progress isn't always linear (rarely for me), and it's the consistency and perseverance that ultimately lead to success. And when I have those sneaky moments of feeling bad about it, I literally just picture myself doing this dance. The lightness of it makes me laugh and reminds me that it's going to be ok. We're all going to be okay.  
 
How about you? Are you the type of person who sets a goal and runs towards it? If so, I want to hear how you do it! And is anyone truly like this? Or are we all sort of meandering on our paths? Please share your stories with me! I love hearing your thoughts and feedback.
 
✨✨✨✨✨
 
Much love,
Lisa
 
ps. Thank you to everyone who shared their ADHD and EMDR stories with me last week. Apparently, both of these topics stirred up a lot thoughts and it was interesting to learn about your personal experiences with it. And it's yet another reminder that even though experiencing these things can feel lonely, we're not actually alone and everyone is going through something. I'm incredibly thankful to hear from you. ❤️
 
5 Things I'm Loving This Week!
 
Orienteering: Great Exercise and Better Thinking Skills
 
Are you familiar with Orienteering? It's a navigation sport that combines map and compass reading with exercise. Competitors ("orienteers") race against a clock to reach checkpoints in outdoor settings that can range from city parks to remote areas with mountains, lakes, rivers, or snowy fields.
 
It sounds like an activity I would have done if I'd been a Girl Scout, but that's something I never participated in as a kid. Now as an adult, I can say that my navigation and outdoor skills are both seriously lacking, so something about this Orienteering feels intriguing to me. 
 
Maybe it's the sense of adventure, or the wholesomeness of not relying on my phone. Add in the likelihood that it's good for brain health and dare I say… sign me up?
Is Orienteering for you?
03
Burnout Recovery Is Possible!
 
About a year ago, I was in DEEP BURNOUT mode and it pretty much stopped me in my tracks. Nothing felt fun anymore and I lost my sense of self. I was eventually able to overcome it, but my path to getting to the other side felt like treading water. 
 
This is why I'm excited to share that my friends at Full Plate Full Cup have just launched a burnout recovery course called From Burnt Out to Lit Up. I wish I'd had their wise, gentle-yet-firm guidance along the way to my own recovery. I receive so much value from what they share for free online that I can only imagine this paid course will be so worth it. 
 
This is definitely not a sponsored post and I have no incentive for sharing this, but I truly believe in what they're doing, so if Burnout is something you're going through, I highly recommend checking this out. And you can use the code lisa (lowercase) for $30 off. 
Burnout sos
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xo, Lisa Michelle
 
 

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