{via}
I love challenges.
They totally get me going and energized and ready for change.
Which is why I came up with this idea for 21 days to a better you.
I'm going to create a little 21 day challenge for myself,
where each day of the 21 days,
I will do or start something that will help and motivate me to be, do, and become better.
I am so ready.
So excited.
And I know in the end it will be a journey worth having taken.
Most of you know that for the most part, I have given up gluten and sugar for an undefined amount of time.
But, I've allowed little cheats here and there.
On this 21 day challenge, I'm giving it up the entire time.
NO CHEATS.
I just feel that for too long, I keep saying....
I'm going to....
Or, I should....
Or, one day....
Well that day is today.
Feb 21.
On this 21st begins my 21 days.
{and your day of course, can start on ANY day....it doesn't have to be the 21st!}
{and your day of course, can start on ANY day....it doesn't have to be the 21st!}
Loooooove it.
Each day I'll add a little blurp of what that days challenge will be,
just in case anyone wants to follow along or...
maybe even join in with me!
Cause you know, I would so totally be honored to have your company!
So, here we go!!!
21 Days to a Better You
So, here we go!!!
21 Days to a Better You
Day 1
today's challenge:
Think of something you are willing to give up for 21 days,
and commit to it once and for all.
Write it down.
Tell someone so they can help to hold you accountable.
and remember,
it's just for 21 days.
you can do anything for 21 days.
Day 2
today's challenge:
Let today be a day that you are focused on going out of your way to show love and kindness to the people around you.
Whether that means sending a card,
writing a thoughtful email or note,
doing a chore for someone,
or spending extra intentional time with a friend, child or family member....
Whatever it may be, just find as many ways as you can throughout the day and do them.
And do them with a heart full of love.
Day 3
todays challenge:
Today's focus is on the blessings in your life.
My mentor mom keeps a blessings journal,
and each day she keeps track and writes down all the blessings of her day.
I think it's such an incredible idea, one that can only bring about joy.
So grab a notebook and keep track of each and every blessing that comes your way.
When you're looking for them, you'll be sure to find them.
Day 4
todays challenge:
Often times we can get caught up in negative self talk.
Or in being negative period.
We tend to speak to ourselves more horribly than we would ever imagine speaking to someone we love.
So today, that stops.
With every negative thought that comes into your mind,
first immediately STOP it...
And then, replace that thought with what is TRUE and positive.
Even better, get some index cards and write out the negative thought on one side,
and the truth on the other.
Along with the truth, you could find a bible verse or quote that further encourages you in that area.
Notice what a difference you feel about yourself and about life at the end of the day.
Day 5
todays challenge:
Imagine all the things we could get done if we didn't have social media....
for example: Facebook & Twitter.
Let's try it out and see just what happens when we take a break for 24 hours.
Take notes on what you accomplish in the time not wasted.
Day 7
todays challenge:
Today's challenge is simple.
Find a way to help a stranger.
Be creative!
Day 8
todays challenge:
Doing something fun today.
Dance in the living room.
Have a picnic in the park.
Go shopping.
Just HAVE FUN!
Day 9
todays challenge:
Let's start getting things DONE!
You know that to do list that you've been staring at or thinking of for FOREVER?
Today you get to tackle one of those tasks that has just not been attended to for quite some time.
You will feel SUCH a sense of relief when it's finally crossed off the list.
Day 10
todays challenge:
We're almost half way there!!!
And with 11 more days to go, we definitely need to be working on patience.
Let today's focus be on just that.
Lots of deep breaths.
Breathe.
Patience.
Day 11
todays challenge:
Are you ready for this?
NO COMPUTER IN THE MORNING HOURS!
I know, I know.
{unless of course you are at work...}
But only for work purposes.
Get off the dang computer and DO SOMETHING.
Hey, it could be worse.
It could be 21 days!
Day 12
todays challenge:
We all make mistakes.
We all need another chance.
Today you get that opportunity in regards to these challenges.
It's Do Over Day.
Pick one of the previous challenges that maybe you weren't ever so successful at....
And try for it again.
Practice makes perfect.
Day 13
todays challenge:
Ahhhh, Friday.
Time to unwind and relax.
I am ordering you to do just that today.
Your challenge is to find a way to relax and DO IT!
Day 14
todays challenge:
Today might be a real challenge for you, because it's uncomfortable.
I want you to do something that you wouldn't normally do alone.
Go for a walk without your ipod.
Go see a movie.
Get some lunch at a coffee shop and bring a book.
I think it's important to be comfortable being out and about with just ourselves.
So give it a shot, see what happens.
Day 15
todays challenge:
This one is more for me than anything,
so you're welcome to take it or leave it.
But, the challenge today is to stay off the internet all day long.
I'm committing to 12 hours.
But, of course you do what's right for you.
Remember it's your own personal challenge,
these are merely suggestions.
Day 16
todays challenge:
Last week!
Okay, todays challenge is a good one.
I want you to memorize a quote or scripture that brings you peace.
Don't know one?
Google some!
And when you find just the one, write it down on an index card and carry it around with you all day.
Hopefully by the end of the day,
not only will you have it in your head...
but most importantly,
it will permanently be in your heart.
Day 17
todays challenge:
Write a goodbye letter to someone or something that needs to go from your life.
It's not necessarily a letter to be shared or sent,
but written only to release your heart from the pain and hold it has on you.
Maybe even find a symbolic way to destroy the letter after it's been written.
Find a way to let it go.
Day 18
todays challenge:
Try something new.
It can be ANYTHING.
Just mix it up today,
go wild and crazy.
Day 19
todays challenge:
Ask someone who is really close to you,
that loves you a whole bunch,
what one of your weaknesses are.
{Ask them to to tell you in a LOVING & GENTLE way}
Take that information and pray over it...
and ask God to show you how to work on it.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT, ask someone who does not have your best interests at heart.
Because they will just be mean.
And that's not the point.
We're trying to GROW here.
Day 20
todays challenge:
Can you believe it's almost the last day?
Here's what I want you to do today....
Make a list of all the things you loved about this challenge.
Make another list of all the things you HATED.
And then ponder why...
You'll understand why tomorrow.
~~~~~~~
IS THAT IT???
I'd love to know if you're doing this too....if so, add your blog name and link to Mr. Linky.
This way, we know where to go for inspiration and accountability!
Day 2
today's challenge:
Let today be a day that you are focused on going out of your way to show love and kindness to the people around you.
Whether that means sending a card,
writing a thoughtful email or note,
doing a chore for someone,
or spending extra intentional time with a friend, child or family member....
Whatever it may be, just find as many ways as you can throughout the day and do them.
And do them with a heart full of love.
Day 3
todays challenge:
Today's focus is on the blessings in your life.
My mentor mom keeps a blessings journal,
and each day she keeps track and writes down all the blessings of her day.
I think it's such an incredible idea, one that can only bring about joy.
So grab a notebook and keep track of each and every blessing that comes your way.
When you're looking for them, you'll be sure to find them.
Day 4
todays challenge:
Often times we can get caught up in negative self talk.
Or in being negative period.
We tend to speak to ourselves more horribly than we would ever imagine speaking to someone we love.
So today, that stops.
With every negative thought that comes into your mind,
first immediately STOP it...
And then, replace that thought with what is TRUE and positive.
Even better, get some index cards and write out the negative thought on one side,
and the truth on the other.
Along with the truth, you could find a bible verse or quote that further encourages you in that area.
Notice what a difference you feel about yourself and about life at the end of the day.
Day 5
todays challenge:
Imagine all the things we could get done if we didn't have social media....
for example: Facebook & Twitter.
Let's try it out and see just what happens when we take a break for 24 hours.
Take notes on what you accomplish in the time not wasted.
Day 6
todays challenge:
Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to stop and rest in God's presence.
And instead at the end of the day, as we're drifting off to sleep, we give him what's left.
If even that.
But how much better would things be, if we began AND ended our day with intentional time with Him?
Today's your chance.
Wake up a few minutes early and spend that time being with Him.
And at the end of the day, before you're even a tad bit sleepy, sit aside time to be with Him once again.
Make it personal.
Make it intentional.
And see how it may just be the sweetest time you've had all day.
Day 7
todays challenge:
Today's challenge is simple.
Find a way to help a stranger.
Be creative!
Day 8
todays challenge:
Doing something fun today.
Dance in the living room.
Have a picnic in the park.
Go shopping.
Just HAVE FUN!
Day 9
todays challenge:
Let's start getting things DONE!
You know that to do list that you've been staring at or thinking of for FOREVER?
Today you get to tackle one of those tasks that has just not been attended to for quite some time.
You will feel SUCH a sense of relief when it's finally crossed off the list.
Day 10
todays challenge:
We're almost half way there!!!
And with 11 more days to go, we definitely need to be working on patience.
Let today's focus be on just that.
Lots of deep breaths.
Breathe.
Patience.
Day 11
todays challenge:
Are you ready for this?
NO COMPUTER IN THE MORNING HOURS!
I know, I know.
{unless of course you are at work...}
But only for work purposes.
Get off the dang computer and DO SOMETHING.
Hey, it could be worse.
It could be 21 days!
Day 12
todays challenge:
We all make mistakes.
We all need another chance.
Today you get that opportunity in regards to these challenges.
It's Do Over Day.
Pick one of the previous challenges that maybe you weren't ever so successful at....
And try for it again.
Practice makes perfect.
Day 13
todays challenge:
Ahhhh, Friday.
Time to unwind and relax.
I am ordering you to do just that today.
Your challenge is to find a way to relax and DO IT!
Day 14
todays challenge:
Today might be a real challenge for you, because it's uncomfortable.
I want you to do something that you wouldn't normally do alone.
Go for a walk without your ipod.
Go see a movie.
Get some lunch at a coffee shop and bring a book.
I think it's important to be comfortable being out and about with just ourselves.
So give it a shot, see what happens.
Day 15
todays challenge:
This one is more for me than anything,
so you're welcome to take it or leave it.
But, the challenge today is to stay off the internet all day long.
I'm committing to 12 hours.
But, of course you do what's right for you.
Remember it's your own personal challenge,
these are merely suggestions.
Day 16
todays challenge:
Last week!
Okay, todays challenge is a good one.
I want you to memorize a quote or scripture that brings you peace.
Don't know one?
Google some!
And when you find just the one, write it down on an index card and carry it around with you all day.
Hopefully by the end of the day,
not only will you have it in your head...
but most importantly,
it will permanently be in your heart.
Day 17
todays challenge:
Write a goodbye letter to someone or something that needs to go from your life.
It's not necessarily a letter to be shared or sent,
but written only to release your heart from the pain and hold it has on you.
Maybe even find a symbolic way to destroy the letter after it's been written.
Find a way to let it go.
Day 18
todays challenge:
Try something new.
It can be ANYTHING.
Just mix it up today,
go wild and crazy.
Day 19
todays challenge:
Ask someone who is really close to you,
that loves you a whole bunch,
what one of your weaknesses are.
{Ask them to to tell you in a LOVING & GENTLE way}
Take that information and pray over it...
and ask God to show you how to work on it.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT, ask someone who does not have your best interests at heart.
Because they will just be mean.
And that's not the point.
We're trying to GROW here.
Day 20
todays challenge:
Can you believe it's almost the last day?
Here's what I want you to do today....
Make a list of all the things you loved about this challenge.
Make another list of all the things you HATED.
And then ponder why...
You'll understand why tomorrow.
~~~~~~~
IS THAT IT???
Whew, 21 days just FLEW by.
Okay, not really....
honestly, I think it was the longest 21 days of the year.
Gotta love those self challenges, right?
But, today is the last day!!!!
And I am relieved and excited and completely rejuvenated.
To be honest, I didn't excel.
I wasn't perfect.
But I ended up being okay with that.
And I think that was my biggest lesson in all of this.
But there was more.....
I learned:
That I have to let go of trying to accomplish all things in such a way.
That I am human.
That change is a process,
and I deserve grace just as much as anyone else.
That I love the blessings journal.
That I need to work on the self talk...
so I got this workbook and my two best friends and I are going to go through it together.
I started a new way of writing my To Do lists that motivates me more to get things done.
I now begin the day with my bible reading and morning pages, time for me....
time for reflection.
I let go of a friendship that was unhealthy.
I said goodbye, and I moved forward.
I had moments of giving up,
and moments of persevering.
I struggled with faith,
and managed to stay true to it at the same time.
I sighed,
I hoped,
I laughed,
I cried,
I learned,
I grew.
~~~~~~~
Day 21!!!
Your final challenge....
write out what you learned, good and bad.
Most importantly,
take note of what will be taken with you as you walk away from these three weeks.
I'd love to know if you're doing this too....if so, add your blog name and link to Mr. Linky.
This way, we know where to go for inspiration and accountability!
