It’s been a month since I promised to “get intentional” about the rest of my year. I’ve heard from a few of you that you are making some progress, encouraged perhaps a bit by my blog. That’s fantastic.
I, on the other hand, am forced to acknowledge a mixed set of results. On the good news side of the ledger, I did get to spend some really quality time with my family in Mississippi which is a key pillar of my “be present today” intention. I have some work flexibility right now and I’m really trying to take advantage of that to spend more time with the folks I love. To embrace where I am today and enjoy it. So despite the intense (and I mean INTENSE) heat and humidity of Mississippi in August, I am so happy I got to celebrate my Mom’s birthday, host a fun brunch for old friends, help launch one niece to college and others into their new school years, and try to catch up on all the family time I miss when I’m away. Mission accomplished.
Also, as promised, I’ve found my half marathon for the end of the year and was all set to start training until an excruciating case of plantar fasciitis derailed my progress. Ouch! I’ve had it before but this has really brought me to my knees. I sought help from Eastern medicine practitioners, I’ve laid off my hiking and running, and I’ve been stretching like a madwoman but recovery is slow. So that’s throwing me off my game, for sure. I hate it when human frailty gets in the way of my plans. So there’s that…
On my other intentions, I can only report I feel I’m trending downward (and I’m not that hard a grader). I’m utterly failing to stop all eating three hours before bed. I know that works for my close friend Oprah, but I’m just not making that happen. I did relaunch a clean eating campaign which lasted a few days before being downgraded into a cleanER eating program of my own design. Progress, not perfection.
Work is going well, though progress on expanding my consulting into policy areas that interest me is slow. One of the hardest things I find about consulting is managing my efforts between work I need to do now for clients and work I need to do to find the next clients and projects. I’m getting better, but it a tough balance. Suggestions welcome! Regarding my side hustle, I think it can be summed up with the following phrase: Too much thinking, not enough doing. The constant theme of all the podcasts I listen to on this subject is that you have to take action. Everyday. Do something. Less thinking, more doing. So I’ve got a few ideas that have been percolating and maybe this blog will be the push I need to get going.
And on a final note, Houston is flooding, North Korea is launching missiles, and my heel is killing me. I’m going to end with a few pithy quotes on perseverance and hope and strength because some days my Pinterest inspiration quote page is the only thing saving me from the Pit of Despair (hope everyone recognizes the Princess Bride reference here!)
Be well.
Boonedoggler 