Tag: Fitness Journey

September Goals | Autumn 2023

12 Comments

Hello, everyone! As we find ourselves well into the beautiful month of September, I am thrilled to finally take a moment and share my goals with all of you. It has been quite the productive month for me so far, although my focus has primarily been on the responsible aspects of life – those adulting tasks that we all must conquer. Yes, I have fully embraced the art of adulting!

Lately, I haven’t been feeling very energized when it comes to writing, even though I have been more active on my blog. In a perfect world, I would have all the time in the world to work on designs for Redbubble, but adult life doesn’t work like that, especially one with responsibilities. To date, I have 54 designs available in the shop, and I plan on adding a few more before the end of the month. Initially, I had hoped to have 100 designs by the end of September but I would be lucky to have 60 designs in the shop by the end of the month. Due to my busy schedule, I won’t have much time for hobbies, and it may be challenging to meet that goal.

♡ Quick Link: Sereneluna.redbubble.com

♪·♫ 𝒜 𝒮𝑒𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝑜 𝑅𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 ♫·♪

Image: https://www.thisisourbliss.com

Summer Drink Days Are Over

As the summer days at MCDs came to an end, many other things bid farewell with the start of a new school year. Gone are the days of sleeping in until 1:00PM, staying up late unless it’s a work night, and being scatter-brained 24/7. Okay, the last one is still mostly true but I have been improving. September is the month to embrace structure, discipline, and a renewed focus on responsibilities. September brings an opportunity for growth and success – so let’s make the most of it!

Summer treats at MCDs

SEPTEMBER GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Bid on shifts as they become available
  • Catch up on work emails + finish CCP requirements → due this month
  • Work on side hustle → goal is 60 designs

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap
  • Scan paper documents → turn into digital copies
  • Start habit tracking using Posh Planner
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Complete and submit Application A
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪

Health Goals:

  • Exercise every day (hula hooping, treadmill, chores, etc.)
  • Finish low-cal lemonade and Kool-Aid drink mixes
  • Leave the house once a day and get some sunshine☀️
Becca enjoying the sunshine and her cats.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

I have decided to adopt a more mindful approach to eating, going back to the days when I trusted my body’s natural intuition. It’s time to break free from the unhealthy habit of turning to food for comfort or out of boredom.

As you can see, my health goals for this month are quite modest, mainly because I am extremely busy with various life responsibilities. Last week, my daughter started school, and this week she will begin tutoring three days a week, in addition to her weekly piano lessons. Hopefully, my son will be starting daycare later this week.

Baby Aaron says hi! 🙂

(っ◔◡◔)っ FYI: If you’re not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates about my day-to-day life there.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Take Charge of Your Appetite

2 Comments

Disclaimer: The captivating excerpt, Take Charge of Your Appetite, was derived from a popular fitness magazine. While the precise details regarding the year or edition remain unknown, I still wanted to share this snippet with you, seeing that it could provide value to my readers. Also, I added additional context to the original points, which were written by yours truly. I’ll try and keep this short and sweet (pun intended). Let’s get started, shall we?

Image by Freepik

8 Strategies for sensible, healthy eating

  1. Make a plan and stick to it. By incorporating a consistent rotation of staple foods into your diet, you can shift your perspective on meals. Instead of viewing them as rewards, you’ll begin to appreciate the nourishment and sustenance they provide. This approach helps create a healthy mindset towards food and promotes balanced eating habits for long-term well-being.
  2. Don’t munch on the run. Make it a point to have your meals in your kitchen or dining room whenever you can. By doing so, you’ll establish a healthy eating routine and avoid conditioning yourself to eat anywhere and anytime, such as lounging on the couch while watching TV.
  3. Avoid snacking in the car. When it comes to eating in the car, your brain may not perceive it as a proper meal. As a result, you might find yourself prone to snacking habitually while on the road.
  4. Have a healthy snack, like fruits and vegetables, 30 minutes before you eat a meal. Boost your nutrition and satisfy your hunger by enjoying a nutritious snack, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, half an hour prior to your main meal. This smart habit not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also ensures that you make better food choices during mealtime.
  5. Downsize your dishes. By simply using smaller serving dishes, you can create the illusion of a larger portion while actually consuming a more appropriate amount of food. This small change can have a significant impact on your overall calorie intake, making it easier for you to achieve your health and wellness goals. So, why not give it a try and witness the positive effects it can have on your eating habits?
  6. Bust your eating triggers. If you find it difficult to resist snacking while watching TV, it’s best to avoid sitting in front of the television with a tempting bowl of snacks. By removing the temptation, you can better manage your snacking habits and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
  7. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine not only aids in maintaining a healthy weight but also acts as a natural deterrent against compulsive eating. Similar to food, exercise promotes stress relief and enhances overall well-being, creating a positive cycle of self-care for both your body and mind.
  8. Be mindful when trying to break old habits. After incorporating healthy habits into your routine, the satisfaction of resisting overeating is just as rewarding as the pleasure you once found in indulging. It’s a remarkable feeling to have control over your choices and prioritize your well-being.
Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik

And there you have it! In addition to everything I’ve mentioned above, I would like to take a moment to address a topic of great importance. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete the course that Ang generously gifted to me. While I don’t personally struggle with binge eating disorder, I believe her course could be immensely helpful for those who struggle with it. Ang runs a blog called, Lose Weight with Ang. Her course, titled “Weight Loss for Binge Eaters,” is designed specifically to provide effective strategies and tools for individuals struggling with binge eating habits.

Despite my inability to complete the course personally, I strongly encourage you to explore it further if this topic interests you. Investing in your well-being and finding support in overcoming obstacles such as binge eating can truly be life-changing.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

44 Superfoods that Fight Fat

23 Comments

Disclaimer: This list was derived from a popular fitness magazine, although I don’t have the specific details regarding the year or edition. It’s worth noting that superfoods were incredibly popular and is still widely discussed. People were particularly fixated on diets that aimed to burn fat and achieve their desired fitness goals.

While millennials are well-versed in the concept of superfoods, it remains uncertain whether younger generations are as familiar with this term. So, let me explain what superfoods actually are. Superfoods refer to nutrient-dense foods that offer exceptional health benefits due to their rich content of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other valuable compounds. These foods have gained popularity for their potential to enhance overall well-being and support a healthy lifestyle. I have compiled a list of 44 superfoods that help burn belly fat. Let’s get started, shall we?

Image by Freepik

44 Superfoods that Fight Fat

Nuts and Seeds

  • almonds (raw, unsalted)
  • flaxseeds
  • sesame seeds
  • walnuts

Fruit

  • apples
  • blueberries
  • cherries
  • grapefruit
  • oranges
  • pomegranates

Beverages

  • blueberry juice (unsweetened)
  • cherry juice
  • green tea
  • pomegranate juice
  • vegetable juice

Vegetables

  • arugula
  • bell peppers
  • broccoli
  • cabbage

Herbs and Spices

  • basil
  • black pepper
  • cardamon
  • chives
  • cilantro
  • cinnamon
  • cloves
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • parsley
  • tumeric

Fish

  • flounder
  • salmon
  • sole
  • tilapia

Other Category

  • egg whites
  • yogurt (plain, non-fat)
Image by Freepik

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

I am curious to know what you think of this list of 44 Superfoods that fight fat! Do you think that there is merit to this? Let me know what you think in the comments section below ↓ I will make every effort to respond to your comments. Please understand that I am currently catching up on comments from previous blog posts, and I can only reply to 2-3 comments at a time before feeling mentally exhausted. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Belated August Goals | Summer 2023

18 Comments

Although I am very late writing August Goals blog post, rest assured that I have been diligently working towards achieving my goals this month. In fact, I have them written down on my phone. If you haven’t had the chance to catch up on my latest blog post explaining the reasons behind my absence, you can easily find it here.

It should not come as a surprise to you that I have not been able to maintain an active presence on #Medium. As a result, I have unfortunately neglected the platform for the time being and haven’t had the chance to provide fresh content by adding new posts. However, I still prioritize engaging with my readers by responding to their comments, despite being a bit slow in doing so.

Lately, I haven’t been feeling very energized when it comes to writing. I much rather work on designs for #Redbubble. To date, I have 52 designs available in the shop, and I plan on adding a few more before the end of the month. Initially, I had hoped to have 100 designs in the shop by the end of September. However, due to my busy schedule, I won’t have much time for hobbies, and it may be challenging to meet that goal.

♡ Quick Link: Sereneluna.redbubble.com

𝒜𝓊𝑔𝓊𝓈𝓉: 𝐵𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒, 𝓈𝓊𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉!

☀️ Hello August Image from https://www.thisisourbliss.com ☀️

My Blog Posts Can Wait

Lately, I have been giving my full attention to my children, who require a lot of my time and energy. Additionally, I am striving to improve my skills as a housewife, and household chores consume a significant portion of my day. I have also taken up cooking more dishes, which is enjoyable but can be time-consuming. I have great ideas for blog posts, including recipes, but unfortunately, I lack the time and energy to write these blog posts . As a result, these ideas remain stuck in limbo….

There is so much I still want to do which is why I haven’t given up on blogging completely. No, I am not going to abandon my blog. Is it worth the renewal fees? Probably not, but if I need money, I can simply work more hours. Money is not the main concern here. You can always earn more money. What I truly need is more time and time is limited. Moving forward, here are my goals for the rest of August:

AUGUST GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Go back to work on August 27
  • Catch up on work emails + look at CCP requirements → due sometime in September
  • Work on side hustle → there are currently 52 designs available

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap
  • Transfer appointments to my Posh Planner
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Phone call with social worker Aug 25 → be prepared with questions
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪
  • Watch the Barbie movie in movie theaters

Health Goals:

  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app
  • Track water intake on Water Llama app
  • Use new water bottle once it arrives (2000mL bottle)
  • Hula hooping for 35-40 minutes daily for a minimum of 30 days
  • Leave the house once a day and get some sunshine☀️

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

As you can see, I have decided to give up on the Pikmin Bloom app. While I do love the app itself, I have grown tired of counting steps and using the treadmill without seeing noticeable results. I am the type of person who needs to see tangible progress in order to stay motivated. Rather than walking, I have opted for an infinity hula hoop instead. So far, I am really enjoying it! My objective is to strengthen my core and reduce the excess weight around my midsection. The spare tire needs to go.

I am currently engaging in targeted exercises to assist me in achieving this goal. I’ll check in with you guys after 30 days, but in the meantime, you can follow me over on the #Twitter/X platform for daily updates. Let me know in the comments below ↓ if you have ever tried an infinity hula hoop or use hula hoops to work out.

(っ◔◡◔)っ FYI: If you’re not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates about my day-to-day life there.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

May Goals | Spring 2023

29 Comments

Okay, I know what you’re thinking – I’m so late getting around to this monthly goals blog post for May 2023. You’re right, I am late but let me explain. Last weekend, I was working from Friday to Sunday, so I was M.I.A. It was also my seven-year (marriage) anniversary. At least we had cake, but everything was so rushed that I didn’t get a chance to enjoy it. I wish I could say that May has been a piece of cake so far, but that’s not the case at all!

For those of you who have been following me on Twitter, I will continue to add updates of my progress, such as completing a challenging workout or achieving another Duolingo lesson. Additionally, I may post small pieces of creative work, like poems, pictures of my cat, and photos of my favorite beverage lol Twitter is where I tend to open up and share my thoughts. You can follow me via the following link:

♡ Quick Link: https://mobile.twitter.com/serene_hilz

🌸 𝒜𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓁 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑀𝒶𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝓈 𝒻𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈! 🌸

👉Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik

I’m Tired and Grumpy. That’s a fact.

May has so far been exhausting, with mundane assignments and monotonous daily duties. My workload is especially demanding this month to the point where I am completely drained and lack the energy to do anything else. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced burnout yet, but tiredness and lack of interest in things are affecting me. I’ve been feeling quite anti-social lately, but I’m still managing to remain organized and productive. My secret? Writing out my monthly goals lol It has given me a sense of direction and purpose in life that I didn’t have before. Though I’m still trying to figure out how to maintain my productivity on a daily basis, the process of setting goals each month has at least given me a sense of accomplishment and control over my life. Yes, I believe this is something to celebrate! Please pass the cake!

MAY GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Don’t call in sick this month → Stay healthy!
  • Catch up on work emails + check MLL modules
  • Reorganize backpack + print notes

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap
  • Publish 1-2 articles on Medium + share articles on blog
  • Announce the winner of the giveaway in a blog post
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪 + finish diamond tournament 💎

Health Goals:

  • Continue to track steps + upload progress on Twitter
  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app → advance to Level 45 🌸
  • Track water intake on Water Llama app → 1 Gallon of water per day
  • Simplify my diet and reduce my intake of processed food

And there you have it! I am curious to know what your goals are for the month of May. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below ↓ Also, I would really appreciate it if you followed me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), that is, if you aren’t already a follower. Additionally, I am hosting a giveaway for my Canadian readers to celebrate my 7th blogiversary!

➤ Click here to enter the giveaway

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Forever Stuck Leveling Up: A #PikminBloom Review

37 Comments

Before I begin, I am reposting my original Medium article on the blog. However, this blog post is the most comprehensive and up-to-date version of the article, as I have edited it to reflect some updates. I am not being endorsed or paid to write this review. However, if you are already a Medium subscriber, I might earn a small commission for my Medium article. It might only be a few pennies, but it’s better than earning nothing at all. Here is the link to the original Medium article:

♡ Medium Article: Forever Stuck on Level 42

Since fall of 2021, I have been playing this cute little step-tracking game called Pikmin Bloom. It is very similar to its older cousin, Pokémon GO since both mobile games were developed by Niantic.

I’m not going to explain how this game works, so if you’re interested in learning more, I’ll leave a resourceful link for you here:

👉 https://pikminbloom.com/en/

At one point, there were 60 levels but the game has since been updated to reflect the need for additional levels. In the beginning, the levels are simple and easy to complete, but as you progress in the game, it becomes more difficult with each level. The game is very simplistic and adorable in my opinion, and it has a lot of decent side quests to occupy your time with.

Personally, I am absolutely obsessed with this adorable little game that is available as an app on my phone. My followers on #Twitter are probably annoyed by my tweets and rants about it! This game has become such a big part of me that I have even included it in my Twitter bio 😅 I am indeed a #PikminBloom enthusiast and I am not ashamed.

What Makes This Game so Great?

The Pikmin Bloom mobile app is a spinoff from the Pikmin Bloom video game(s) which I have never played. Sure, leveling up can become a grind, but I think that’s what makes the game exciting to play. Those things that we have to work hardest for are often the most rewarding.

At first sight, this game may appear to be just like any other fitness game but there are hidden depths to it. There are side quests and other challenges which you can complete, helping you stay motivated and engaged with the game for longer. Despite my best efforts, I found myself stuck at level 42 for 8 freaking months!

When I wrote this article, I was struggling to advance to Level 43 because of the number of flowers needed. However, I managed to move on to Level 44, which I am currently stuck on. Unfortunately, I am still having difficulty advancing any further as there is a necessary flower requirement that has proven to be an obstacle in my journey. Ironically, the flower requirement for Level 44 is the same as the one I had for Level 42 😑 This is an ongoing struggle of mine and it is almost laughable at this point.

As you can see, I have let my steps accumulate but I am disengaged with the game itself. I tried doing additional side quests, collecting cool postcards from around the world, and leveling up with team players who I found on #Twitter, but that’s where the fun stops.

I stopped caring about the steps. I stopped putting in the hard work and I have become complacent. At one point, I resorted to my treadmill back when I still cared about steps. Then I quickly learned that there was an additional challenge to this game: You need to plant flowers!! 🌼

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬?

I’m having a hard time leveling up because it takes too much time and effort to plant more flowers, and the inconveniences outweigh the benefits. I know this is a lame excuse, but please hear me out. Living in Canada is already quite challenging as it is, and here’s why:

🌸 My grass is not that green

I live in Canada, and the grass here is not nearly as green as it is where you are. Rather than being sunny and warm, it’s snowy (and cold!). So why would I want to go out when I could stay inside? It might sound a bit ridiculous, but when it’s below freezing and there’s snow on the ground, the chore of planting virtual flowers in a game is humorous because it doesn’t represent real life.

I would like to see the game’s design reflect the real-time weather conditions in more immersive and realistic ways like it’s done with Flight Simulator. My husband is excited about the future of the Flight Simulator update, so he’s been telling me a lot about it.

🌸 Treadmills are only good for steps

I used to use my treadmill when I first started this game. But then I found out that there was an additional challenge of planting flowers. You can’t plant flowers on a treadmill because the game does not count walking in one spot as square footage for planting. Treadmills are only good for adding to your daily step count.

(っ◔V◔)っ Game Update: After I posted this article, I like to think that the developers listened to me, as now I can plant flowers while on the treadmill. As you can see, I still suck at planting virtual flowers.

🌸 I have limited phone data

I live in Canada where phone plans are expensive for what they are. I have limited data on my phone, and have used up my data trying to plant flowers outdoors. I seem to have a 50% success rate planting flowers at locations with free WiFi but the game eats up my phone battery like it’s a snack.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

I am very curious to know if you have played the Pikmin Bloom mobile game. What level are you currently stuck on? Please leave your comment below ↓ and join the conversation!

P.S. You can also connect with me on Twitter (@hellokitty8404), and I encourage you to subscribe to my blog so that you can receive the latest updates from me. Additionally, I am hosting a giveaway for my Canadian readers to celebrate my 7th blogiversary!

➤ Click here to enter the giveaway

Moving Forward with April | Spring 2023

38 Comments

This post is something special, neither a goals blog post nor a monthly recap. It’s kind of a combination of the two. I wanted to update you guys on where I’ve been and why I haven’t posted these last two weeks. I have only been checking #Twitter on a regular basis and even then, I wasn’t very active on there either. If you’d like to follow me on #Twitter, please feel free to click on the following link:

♡ Quick Link: https://mobile.twitter.com/serene_hilz

While I was away, I also received a notification from WordPress that I have been blogging for 7 years, even though I didn’t do much with my blog until Spring 2019. It took something major to stir up transformation within me and it worked lol Ever since then, I’ve been writing consistently and haven’t looked back.

But first, some housekeeping.

As you may have missed my monthly goal recap for March 2023, I thought it would be beneficial to inform you about it in this post. To give you some context, I was travelling to Singapore for a couple of weeks, hence the reason why my sleep schedule is all over the place and jet lag is a real issue. If you were paying attention up until now, then you would already know that I was in Singapore 🏝️☀️

Unfortunately, I cannot upload the majority of the photos I took since they are still on the camera and I don’t have a SD card reader. It appears that most desktop computers and laptops don’t come with an SD slot these days, making it more difficult to transfer photos from my camera. The primary reason why I was unable to blog wasn’t because of my lack of time, but rather due to a) the inability to charge my laptop and b) find a SD card reader for the laptop in order to access the photos I wanted.

All the photos I posted on #Twitter were taken using nothing but my iPhone. I mostly shared pictures of delicious food, because let’s be honest, is something that we can all relate to! Admit it, if you had the chance to do the same, you would have done it too! Note that I am not re-sharing the threads on this blog, which also included food pics of durian. You can check out the durian pics here.

Missing the Creature Comforts of Easter 🐇

Now that I am back home (and back to reality), I need to focus my energy on what’s left of April. Unfortunately, due to my trip to Singapore and the fact that my husband’s family hardly celebrates Easter, I was unable to partake in the traditional festivities for this holiday season. However, we still made sure to attend a local church together as a family which served as a nice way for us to commemorate Easter in our own special way. I sadly had no chocolate to enjoy during my vacation and, for the first time in years, we did not decorate Easter eggs like I have been accustomed to doing every single year.

𝒜𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓁 𝓈𝒽💮𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈, 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑀𝒶𝓎 𝒻𝓁💮𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈.

As a kid, I was always confused by the phrase ‘April showers bring May flowers’. Instead, I wanted to think that it meant ‘bring ME flowers’ as what kid doesn’t like getting a surprise bouquet! But while I am on the topic of flowers spontaneously showing up in my garden, are dandelions flowers or weeds? Although I personally view them as beautiful and vibrant flowers, most garden enthusiasts would say they are categorized as pesky weeds.

You might be wondering what the point of this blog post was, and honestly I’m not sure. It’s more of a collection of ideas and thoughts rather than an organized and well-structured post. I am writing this as I go along in an attempt to give you something, but this is not my best work and I am aware of that. Here are my goals for the remainder of April 2023:

APRIL GOALS 2023

Career Goals:

  • Prepare to go back to work next weekend
  • Catch up on work emails
  • Reorganize backpack + print notes

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly recap
  • Publish 1-2 articles on Medium + share articles on blog
  • Write an article about Medium 1-month trial experience
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪 + weekly friend quests → reactivated

Health Goals:

  • Continue to track steps + upload progress on Twitter
  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app → continue to plant flowers 🌸
  • Go back to HCLF diet + 80% plant based 🌿
There were lots of people in Singapore using the app, which was nice to see! 🥰

And there you have it! If you don’t know what a specific acronym stands for, please don’t ask me and look it up on Google. It only takes a couple of seconds to do so, plus the search engine is your best bet for a quick answer.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

March Goals | Winter 2023

17 Comments

You guys, it’s March 2023! I’m feeling excited to see what this month brings, but I’m also a bit overwhelmed. There’s so much I need to do and the days are flying by! It feels like I barely have enough time to check in with everyone and make sure you are doing well. To be completely honest, I’m still unsure if I will continue with these blog posts in the foreseeable future or not, but for now I will try to stay consistent. These monthly goal blog posts go hand-in-hand with my daily updates of what my life is like, which I will continue to post on Twitter. If you’d like to follow me and get a glimpse into what my day is like, please feel free to click the following link:

♡ Quick Link: https://mobile.twitter.com/serene_hilz

ℑ𝔱’𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔩𝔲𝔠𝔨 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 ℑ𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔥🍀

Turning Over a Renewed Leaf

This is not exactly a new season or month for me, instead, it is more of a continuation of the last two months in terms of my monthly goals. I have made some small adjustments to my diet and have been exercising regularly, so I am not making any drastic changes or starting a new diet, etc. In fact, I intend to remain consistent with my current habits and continue to make subtle improvements that will help me ultimately achieve my goals. This month is a particularly busy one for me, as I am juggling my work commitments and parenting responsibilities, while also trying to get ready for an upcoming vacation next month. The pressure of having to finish all of these tasks in a timely manner while still having the time and energy to prepare for the trip is causing me a considerable amount of stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with any details about my travels yet, but I can assure you that I won’t be very active on social media while I’m away. All I can say is that my destination is a warm and sunny place! 🏝️

January Goals 2023

Career Goals:

  • Stay up-to-date on my work schedule
  • Attend in-class sessions on March 14ᵗʰ & 15ᵗʰ
  • Request March 26ᵗʰ off as it no longer fits my schedule
  • Complete the Connect Care modules on MLL

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly goals/recap blog posts
  • Publish 1-2 articles on Medium + share articles on blog
  • Sign up for a 1-month Medium Membership trial ✨
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪 → I want to go at my own pace

Health Goals:

  • Treadmill on days I am not working + upload progress on Twitter
  • Limit drinks to water, tea, and coffee → cut back on spending $
  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app → continue to plant flowers 🌸
  • Healthy/clean eating 80% of the time
Selfie taken March 17, 2020 🍀

And there you have it! My goals this month are very similar to those of last month, with an emphasis placed on getting fitter and healthier so I can feel more comfortable in my own body and potentially even wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again. My goal is to build a positive self-image, not only in regards to physical appearance, but also for my mental health. It is not only about accepting your body but also feeling good about it and not waking up every morning with self-hatred. Mental and physical health are equally important and should be given priority in order to achieve inner peace.

I am curious to know what your goals are for the month of March. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below ↓ Also, I would really appreciate it if you followed me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), that is, if you aren’t already a follower. Though it is often a struggle to gain traction on that platform, I still find it really enjoyable to establish connections with fellow bloggers.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

February Goals | Winter 2023

8 Comments

It is indeed surprising how quickly February arrived, leaving me with barely enough time to check in with you all. Even so, I recognize the value in pushing forward with my goals and plans, and so, without hesitation, I have created a similar list for the month of January. My mundane day-to-day life has not changed much, but I remain committed to making sure I stick to my routine and achieve what I need to accomplish.

For those of you who have been following me on Twitter, I will continue to add updates of my progress, such as completing a challenging workout or achieving another Duolingo lesson. Additionally, I may post small pieces of creative work, like poems, pictures of my cat, and photos of my favorite beverage lol Twitter is where I tend to open up and share my thoughts. You can follow me via the following link:

♡ Quick Link: https://mobile.twitter.com/serene_hilz

𝒫.𝒮. 𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝐵𝑒𝓁𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒢𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹𝒽𝑜𝑔 𝒟𝒶𝓎!

Different Month, Similar goals.

If you’re curious about the differences between this month and the last, you will find that it is pretty much the same routine (for the most part). Since I will continue to donate to Amref Health Africa, I left it off from my list of objectives for February. It was kind of like paying a phone bill where these things are automatically renewed. A month ago I put it up to send a message to an annoying spammer who kept pestering me on #Twitter. Following up with reporting him and blocking three accounts he had, things are better now. As I have no shifts on the Gen-Med unit this month, I chose not to include it in my goals either.

January Goals 2023

Career Goals:

  • Continue to pick up day and evening shifts
  • Catch up on emails and work on MLL courses
  • Bid on shifts for February as they become available
  • Work on the MLL courses. # of completed modules TBD

Personal Goals:

  • Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly goals/recap blog posts
  • Publish 1-2 articles on Medium + share articles on blog
  • Keep tabs on doctor’s appointments/pending appointments
  • Daily Duolingo practice 🇩🇪

Health Goals:

  • Treadmill on days I am not working + upload progress on Twitter
  • Limit drinks to water, tea, and coffee
  • Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app
  • Healthy/clean eating 80% of the time
Photo is my own. Please excuse the cat hair 🐈‍⬛

And there you have it! As you can see, my goals are similar to January. Ideally, I am hoping to get fitter so I can wear my pre-pregnancy jeans again. I lost a bit of weight last month but I don’t own a scale. I go by how my clothes fit and my clothes are starting to fit a lot better. During the month of February, I’m keeping my focus on fitness, along with career and personal goals (of course). My goal is to shed some belly fat so that I can wear my jeans by mid-March.

I am curious to know what your goals are for the month of January. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below ↓ Also, I would really appreciate it if you followed me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), that is, if you aren’t already a follower. It is so hard to grow on that platform but I really do enjoy using it to connect with like-minded bloggers.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

31-Day Motivational Journal Review

31 Comments

I was hoping to publish a new blog post on Monday, but I found out that my grandmother passed away yesterday evening. I needed some space and time to myself to grieve. Nana, may you rest in peace, as memories of you live on. No matter what I do, I will always remember you. You always loved butterflies and even had a collection of beautiful butterfly figurines in your cabinet. Whenever I see a butterfly, I’ll know that you are saying Hi from up above. RIP Nana 🦋

“Butterflies are not only a symbol of transformation. They are heaven’s messengers, letting you know that your loved ones are by your side, always.” –Unknown

Speaking of transformations, I thought I would update you on my fitness journey. An interesting fact about my Nana is that she did yoga when she was my age. I did not know this until a couple months ago after I told her that I wanted to get fit. In memory of my grandmother, I will continue being healthy and live life to the fullest. She would have been 96 this year on November 5, 2019. Nana always seemed at peace and content with life. ♥️

31-Day Motivational Journal Review

As I begin to pick up the pieces from last night, I admit that I did not work out yesterday evening, but I plan to work out the rest of the week. Prior to working out, every day I ask myself the following questions: Why do I want to be fit and healthy? What is the point of working out 5-6 days per week? Is fitness simply for weight loss or am I doing this to keep depression at bay?

In August 2019, I met a kind soul named Benjamin Lee who runs a blog called I CAN DO. If you haven’t stumbled upon his blog yet, please go check out his blog! His blog is full of inspirational, relatable content about getting physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Not only does he take the time to reply to his followers, but he also gave his readers a FREE copy of his 31-Day Motivational Journal. Thank you, Benjamin, for your kindness and generosity!

cropped-unnamed

Photo credit: Benjamin Lee, author of Faith, Family, Fitness, and Food 31-Motivational Journal 

During the month of August, I printed off the journal, completed the pages, and worked out even when I was travelling. Because I was 100% honest with myself, I was able to see where I made poor food choices or ate one too many slices of cake. I admit I am a grazer by nature. Instead of eating 3 meals a day, I prefer to graze on whatever is easily available in my kitchen. Now that I am wearing Invisalign, which is an alternative to braces for adults, I do not have the luxury to graze as I please. As of last Friday, I now eat 2 large meals a day (no snacks) and stopped drinking caffeinated beverages. I was told that coffee and tea will stain my aligners so I quit coffee cold turkey. Over the past week, I experienced some wicked headaches due to caffeine withdrawal so sleeping gave me some relief.

Sadly, I didn’t end up losing any weight during the month of August or September. However, I am gaining muscle and my physique is slowly improving. My body transformation has been slow so far, but I also think it is time to switch up my fitness routine again. Starting out, I did high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in the comfort of my home. All I bought was a $12.99 yoga mat and searched for free videos on YouTube. Ultimately, YOU choose how much $$$ you want to spend on health and fitness. Working out at a gym is optional. Lululemon is optional. So is that expensive Swell bottle you purchased from Costco. But exercise is FREE.

Let’s be real with ourselves for a minute. If you claim that you don’t have enough time to exercise because of x, y, and z excuses, you are wrong. You have plenty of time to work out. You simply choose not to work out because it takes effort and long-term commitment. You’re too comfortable being a lounge lizard and change is scary. It’s OK if you feel this way; we are human after all. Benjamin addresses the common struggles we face when we are first starting out and he challenges our limiting beliefs. I like that he gives a little pep talk each morning as if he’s standing right in front of me saying,

Yeah, I’m talking to you!!! Get up!!! –Benjamin Lee

No subscriptions. No fancy supplements. No BS.

Benjamin’s motivational mantras are very effective in my opinion, especially when you are first starting out. By Day 8 I wanted to quit but he kept telling me to push through the pain. Best of all, he gave me a rationale each day as to why quitting was not an option. I noticed I had more energy after a workout and wanted to share my progress with the world so I posted daily Instagram stories regarding my progress. IG stories helped keep me accountable and I helped motivate others along the way. IG gave me a sense of connection.

I like listening to Britney Spears when I work out! #Stronger

As much as I want to continue posting IG stories after completing the 31-Day Motivational Journal, I decided to take another hiatus from IG because my mental health is still delicate. At this time, I need to focus on my top priorities if I hope to crush my bigger goals. These days, I still work out 5-6 days a week but I don’t share my progress online. Instead, I keep track of my progress on a giant fridge calendar and reward myself with stickers. Because why not? It’s not nearly as fun as sharing IG stories but at the same time, I don’t need the distractions or the emotionally triggering content. 🙅‍♀️

Lemme tell you that my fridge calendar is not nearly as motivating as Benjamin’s daily words of wisdom. In the end, you’ll have to find a method that works for you. Remember, getting and staying fit is now part of your identity. Eventually, you’ll need to spread your wings and fly on your own. Even if that means rewarding yourself with stickers.

Remember, physical and mental health are interconnected, and one cannot function very well without the other. What good is it if you have an attractive body but your mind is a mental mess? You need to feed your body AND your mind with diet and exercise. His journal will help you do just that. 🧘‍♀️🌱

I am curious to know if you work out on a daily basis. If you do, what is your favorite type of physical activity? Please leave a comment by joining the conversation below ↓

Thanks for stopping by!

great-vibes.regular (1)