Half Time

Hey Friend!

How’s it going?

The sun has gone and the rain has come back with a vengeance. We’ve had all kind of rain: downpours, drizzle, thunderstorms and hail – sometimes all in one day! But hopefully the sun will be back soon enough.

We are now in the sixth month of the year. So, how are you doing with your goals? Hopefully better than I am. My whole reset has been extremely slow.

But rather than berating myself about it as I usually would, I’m using it as a jumpstart.

Sixth month of the year. Halfway point. I can make significant changes from here and still have plenty to tick off my list come December.

So, where to begin?

Exercise Goals

Well, I’ve managed three workouts this week – as opposed to none the past several weeks. I’ve not gone for a walk as the weather has been rubbish, but I’m inspired by Older Miss (who incidentally, read a few of my posts and decided she wants a ‘cool’ name like, Tiger…) who in the past year has made walking her thing. This from the girl I could never get to do any exercise – and before you say anything, I was encouraging the girls to workout when I was in my working-out-at-least-four-times-a-week phase. I miss those days. But I’m going to get that habit back. 💪🏾

Writing Goals

I’ve been writing more. I’ve started a new novel, the last one being a bit close to home with themes of divorce and separation. It was enough to be going through it in real life without having to deal with the fictional elements. I will get back to that one eventually, it’s almost finished after all. For now, I’m working on something a bit lighter, falling into the ‘up-lit’ genre. I’m enjoying it but it’s early days so still got lots to do.

A question for fellow writers: How do you feel about posting parts of your work online? Is it a cause for concern that people might plagiarise your work? Interested to know what other people think as I do wonder about how much to share.

Anyway, back to the reset.

I’ve set up an Instagram page for this blog which is a huge deal for me. More on this when I have more than just a page with my name on it…

Meeting New People Goals

I joined a new in-person connect group at church. I’ve been part of an online one for a short time but it’s hard to actually connect with people online. And truth be told, I avoided the in-person groups because I hate small talk and that getting to know you phase. With some people it’s just hard and then with others, it’s a breeze and you just click from the start. That’s how it feels with the new group, but I guess there’s something about being in the room with people and seeing facial expressions, reading body language. I will definitely be going back.

Saxophone Goals

I went as far as getting my saxophone out from the back of a cupboard and placing it in full view in the living room. I opened it up as Little Dude wanted to see it. That was two months ago, I haven’t done anything since… until today!

My saxophone looks brand-spanking new. It’s reminiscent of the stove top of someone who never cooks – shiny, without a scratch or any hint of use. That’s all going to change, of course.

I’m using a YouTube tutorial this time around. The first time, I went to actual classes but for someone uncomfortable in a crowd, it wasn’t ideal. I think there were around twelve or so of us and I particularly hated the point in the class where the teacher would ask us to stand in a circle. We then went round one by one replicating what she’d played with varying degrees of skill. My notes were always off because I was too focused on what other people were thinking.

With my onscreen teacher, my only audience are whoever is home (and my neighbours, I guess) all of whom have the good sense to say nothing while I’m at this stage of blowing random notes with no actual purpose other than getting comfortable with the instrument again.

Health Goals

I’m taking my supplements and vitamins more regularly, the list of which includes:

• Spirulina
• Chlorella
• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Omega 3
• Turmeric

(Obviously with a list this long, I rattle when I move… 😉)

I can’t really say I’ve seen much of a difference as yet but, whilst I’m taking them more regularly, I’ve not been consistent. So, once I’m doing that, I’ll let you know the difference it’s making (or not?).

As you can see, there have been lots of small steps in the right direction, but consistency is key.

And that’s the point – to keep making steps forward.

Goals can be big or small but the whole idea is to keep growing, keep learning, keep improving.

I want to feel and look better, which is surface level. But I want to go deeper and be better – emotionally, mentally, spiritually.

I’ll revisit this post in three months time and also in December. I’m looking forward to sharing updates!

Speak soon xx