You might be asking yourself why this challenge?

As I began the new year, I chose my “word” for 2018 and it was CONFIDENCE. What that means is I am confident in myself and my decisions.

Closing out the second month of the year and coming upon a full moon is giving me the opportunity to reflect on these first 60 days. Even though my word for the previous year was INTENTIONAL, I’ve decided to drop the confidence (figuratively) and give intentional another shot.

This year, it means to be intentional towards staying true to my monthly challenges daily. To continue to wake up each morning knowing that the changes I’ve made have stayed with me. It will allow me to have laser focus for the one change of habit I choose to pour my energy into for that particular month.

While I have said over and over, my passion is writing and yes, I want to eventually publish a book. That will come with time. For the rest of the year, I want to focus on practicing my craft. If that means, my only writing for the day is an update on the current challenge then so be it. But if I have more time and thoughts that could contribute to my book than I consider that a bonus!

Alright, let’s get to the meat and potatoes for March.

This morning as I was practicing Yoga (my daily challenge for January), she asked us to think of one thing you truly love about yourself. For me, I went straight to something physical and drew a blank. I became a little sad and could only focus on the fact that I had nothing. I know I have a lot of great characteristics that I love about myself, truth be told, my body has always been a trigger point for me going all the way back to childhood.

This month’s daily challenge in it’s simplest form is NO EATING AFTER DINNER.

This is for me to let go of that need to relax with food as my pacifier (aka binky) after getting the kids to bed. That notion right there is the main reason I chose this as my challenge but what I know is there will be so much more that I will gain from this one simple act.

I will still be eating normally throughout the day so it’s not a free for all to get as many calories in before dinner. This is not a torture device or about weight loss. This is a way for me to treat my body respectfully, giving it a break and free it from needing to digest food at night.

And rid myself of weird, creepy food-induced dreams.

This is about treating my body in a loving way and giving my brain the chance to let go of negative thoughts about my physical self. To stop poking and prodding at my belly, my arms and to be able to feel comfortable in my skin while looking in the mirror. To treat myself kindly and speak with gentle words.

As a way to ease myself into better self talk, I’m doing something as “simple” as not eating after dinner intentionally pushing in the direction of healthier habits.

Bedtime Oreos and candy, I bid you adieu.