Monday Morning Musings: Weekend Commitments

Monday

Monday Morning Musings: A Weekend That Flew By

How is it Monday already? The weekend came and went too fast, as weekends tend to do. Some plans came together, others not so much—a classic mix of intention and reality.

I planned two main goals on Sunday: go for a walk and go skiing. Sure, there was a list of to-dos waiting for me, but these two were my goal items for the day. They align with my intentions for the year—prioritizing the activities that energize me and help me feel more like myself. Continue reading “Monday Morning Musings: Weekend Commitments”

Embracing Energy: One of My Focus Words for 2025

runners

 


 

As a woman in my 50s, on the other side of menopause, I realize how precious and transformative energy is in every aspect of life. I’ve chosen “energy” as one of my focus words this year. It’s not just about physical vitality or financial abundance—it’s about cultivating a life that feels charged, purposeful, and full of potential.

Recently, I reviewed Rich as F*ck: More Money Than I Know What to Do With* by Amanda Frances. The book dives deep into our emotional and psychological relationships with money, teaching us how to align our financial habits with our goals and values. The insights I gained were eye-opening, but they also made me realize something bigger: energy isn’t just about money; it’s about how we approach life. Continue reading “Embracing Energy: One of My Focus Words for 2025”

Building a Healthier Life, One Small Habit at a Time

Water on a table

At 57, I’ve come to understand that the life I want—the health, vitality, and energy I hope to carry through the year and the next decade—is built not on crazy resolutions but on the small, consistent habits I practice every day. The beauty of this realization? Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about starting small and being intentional. For me, it begins with something as simple as water.

Why Water?

Water is the foundation of life. Our bodies are around 60% water, and staying hydrated is essential for energy, skin health, digestion, and mental clarity. Yet, for years, I’d often go through my day forgetting to drink water or grab a soda.

A Shift in Perspective

Recently, I’ve made it my mission to drink more filtered water for my and the planet’s health. Plastic bottles might seem like an easy solution, but they’re anything but. These bottles often leach microplastics into the water we drink, and even with the best recycling intentions, many end up in landfills or polluting our oceans and lakes.

I decided that drinking water needed to become second nature to me, my default. It was time to create the habit!

Creating the Habit

Here’s how I’ve started incorporating more filtered water into my daily routine:

1. Investing in a Quality Filter: I researched and purchased a water filter with a container to keep it cold in the fridge. Knowing I’m drinking clean, safe water gives me peace of mind. (We even threw it in the car when we traveled this fall.)

2. Choosing a Reusable Bottle: My daughter gave me a reusable bottle I love. It’s cute, easy to clean, and keeps my water cold for hours. Carrying it with me makes hydration easy and accessible. (Side note: It’s heavy enough for self-defense!)

3. Using Reminders: My Apple watch already reminds me to stand up on the 50s, making it the perfect reminder to grab a drink of water.

Small Changes

This small change has already had a ripple effect on my life. When I remember to drink enough water, I feel more energetic, and my skin feels more moisturized—a definite bonus at my age! More importantly, I’m reminded that change needn’t be monumental to be meaningful. Each sip is a step toward the healthier, more mindful life I’m creating for myself.

First Steps

Drinking more water is just the beginning. It’s the first small habit, as I continue to create other small habits. Each habit is a stepping stone to living a healthier life. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and consistency.

What small habit can you start today to create the life you want tomorrow? Let’s build it together, one step at a time.

 

From Goals to Action: How Entrepreneurs Can Crush Priorities Each Week

Alarm Clock

As an entrepreneur, achieving your goals requires a systematic approach to managing your time effectively. Look at your number one goal for the year, and then let’s create a way of hitting that goal. Your goal may be a certain revenue number, customers, or monthly users. Decide what metric you are tracking, and then let’s provide a basic framework to ensure you are scheduling the time needed to make the goal happen.

Here’s a practical strategy for scheduling your week and daily routines to make significant progress toward your top priorities:

Goal Breakdown:

Break down your long-term goals into smaller, actionable tasks. These tasks should be manageable units that contribute to your overall objective.

Weekly Planning:

Every week, dedicate some time to planning. On Monday, for example, list your top three to four priorities for the week. These priorities should align with your long-term goals and represent the most important tasks for that period.

Calendar Review:

Take a look at your calendar for the week. Identify any pre-existing commitments like meetings, family dinners, or social events. This step is crucial because it helps you allocate your available time wisely.

Task Allocation:

Once you have your priorities and commitments in mind, allocate specific tasks to each day of the week. Be realistic and avoid overloading any single day. This approach ensures you don’t get derailed by unexpected interruptions or unpredictability.

Task Variety:

Consider the nature of your goals and tasks. Some days may require deep work on a project, while others may involve content creation or social media scheduling. Tailor your daily schedule to match the specific needs of your current priorities.

Time Blocking:

Create time blocks for each activity. Time blocks are dedicated chunks of time to work on your tasks. Time blocking enhances focus and productivity by reducing distractions.

Adaptability:

Stay flexible within your time blocks. While sticking to your planned schedule as much as possible is essential, be prepared to adjust if urgent matters arise. The key is to ensure that your top priorities still receive attention.

Daily Reflection:

Reflect on your progress at the end of each day or the beginning of the next. Assess what you accomplished and what needs to carry over to the next day or week. This reflection helps you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

Consistency:

Consistency is vital to success. Stick to your schedule and refine your time management skills as you go along. Over time, you’ll become more adept at prioritizing and accomplishing your goals efficiently.

Celebrate Milestones:

Remember to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your progress can boost motivation and keep you committed to your entrepreneurial journey.

In summary, achieving your entrepreneurial goals involves meticulous planning, effective time allocation, and adaptability to life’s curveballs. By breaking down your goals, scheduling tasks, and maintaining consistency, you can make significant strides toward realizing your aspirations.

Last Quarter of 2023 – Where Did the Summer Go?

Fall in Oscoda Michigan

The last quarter of 2023 has arrived, and I wonder where did the summer go; it has truly passed by in the blink of an eye, and it seems to go by even faster as I age.

I’ll admit I always assume I’ll have more time to pursue my interests. This past summer, I had grand plans of riding my bike several times a week, paddleboarding daily, taking leisurely walks, and capturing more photos.

However, to be perfectly honest, my bike remained untouched, the paddleboard collected dust since June, and even my camera stayed in hibernation. I always told myself, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Well, here we are in October, and tomorrow has yet to arrive.

These weren’t extravagant goals; they were simple, enjoyable activities I wanted to invest more time in. Yet, somehow, I allowed time to slip away without indulging in these pleasures.

Now, I find myself mourning the fact that summer has come to an end, and I didn’t seize these opportunities. I must acknowledge that my perception of a long summer hindered me from pursuing what I truly desired.

Reflecting on the past to plan for the future, I realize I need to approach life less as distinct quarters and more as a weekly or daily journey. Goals are not something to be worked on tomorrow. They need to be part of the daily calendar to prioritize fun, creativity, business growth, or other goals.

So, in this final quarter of 2023, here’s to creating a daily list of tasks that will lead me toward my goals, with fun as an integral part of that journey!

Now, I pose the same question to you: What remains on your 2023 goal list that you still need to achieve? And how do you plan to make it a reality? (This question is as much for you as it is for me.)

Comparison is a Thief of Joy

Early morning sky with palm tree

Comparison is a thief to joy.

There are so many ways to compare ourselves. We compare our lives to the lives we believe others are leading on social media. Essentially, comparing our low lights to the high lights in the lives of our friends or celebrities.

We somehow always find ourselves lacking.

We may feel we lack opportunities, wealth, family, and fun. And then wonder why we are not living a bigger life. Not noticing before the comparison, we were pretty happy with our lives.

But maybe worse than comparing ourselves to someone else’s highlights, we also compare ourselves to ourselves.

The selves we used to be:
Where did our energy go?
Where did my abs go?
Why can’t I lift the weights I did 5 years ago?
Why can’t I run an 8-minute mile anymore?

Or maybe you are comparing who you thought you would be with who you are? I thought I would be married. Have kids. Be retired. Be further in my career.

All of this comparison steals the joy of being who you are today. And today, you are uniquely you. There is no one quite like you. Even you are a little different than you were yesterday.

So, today, enjoy being you. Lift the weight you can and be grateful for the strength you have. Run the pace you are capable of today and know you are a better run just for running

Be you.

PS – This may have just been a reminder to myself. You know, to just be me. If you resonate with this as well, remember to be you. No one else can be you but you.

Important Stuff

What is truly the important stuff in our lives?

Family
Friends
Health
Independence
Laughter
Love
Adventure
Learning

What would you add to this list?

And if you took an audit of your time and money, would how you spent both reflect your list?

Something to think about over the weekend.

Will how you spend your time, energy, and money this weekend reflect your important stuff?

If not, maybe it is time to consider what you really value.

Take Some Time for Yourself

Flower

Note to self –

It has been an emotional week. Take some time for yourself this weekend.

The tears may come this weekend; let them come. The laughs may come too. Don’t judge yourself for laughing while mourning.

Your kids are all home for another day; they are also mourning. It’s hard to see your kids when they are hurting.

Give hugs and let others hug you.

Be grateful for the life you have been given. For the family you have and the friends you have made.

Time and health are not guaranteed. Don’t waste the blessing of either.

Spend some time outside. Nature has a way of healing the soul and reigniting your purpose.

Take care of yourself this weekend.

Laugh. Love. Hug. Cry. And move with intention as you continue on your journey of life.

Progress

Progress requires the courage to take a step towards your goal. 

We tend to overthink our goals. Thinking we need a grand gesture. The go big or stay home mindset. 

But the journey starts with the first baby step. The very first step will enact the force of momentum. 

Momentum is a part of physics. According to Newton ;

“An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion at constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force.”

Start the motion today. 

Take the first step today. Make the second step tomorrow. Slowly, keep moving forward. 

Each day moves forward in your journey. A journey you have the choice to direct or be directed by outside forces.

Choose and move forward.

The daily choice to take the next step is the only thing you need to make progress. 

It is all up to you.

Everyday Decisions

runners

It is the everyday decisions that create our lives.

The decision to run in the morning or to hit the snooze button.

The choice to connect with your parents, children, or friends through a call instead of posting on social media.

The decision to eat an apple instead of a donut.

The decision to attend your child’s sporting event instead of continuing to work on a project.

Each choice you make each day makes you a better or worse version of yourself.

The results of your everyday decisions may take years to be seen. But the effects of your choices will show up through improved physical, mental and spiritual health. Or declining health, relationships, and life.

Which one choice today are you willing to make for a better future version of yourself?