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Hit Refresh, Again

Since finishing Challenge 1 last year, I have been struggling to restart another challenge. It seems that no matter what I do, nothing is as motivating as Challenge 1. The past few weeks have been the worst. I have even been struggling to walk our (nearly) 6-month-old puppy every day. I cannot say no to the dish of mini chocolate bars at reception or the bags of mini cookies in the kitchen. I find myself ordering comfort food every time we go out and splurging on dessert each time we are at a social function. Lately, I have been researching Daily Burn and Noom because even paying for my monthly gym membership isn't encouraging me to go. I know that signing up for Daily Burn and/or Noom won't be the magic answer, but maybe spending a little extra money will light a fire under my ever-growing hips?

But one thing is for sure, things have not been the same since I stopped blogging daily. I started a new degree in January and to help, my husband is selling my desktop computer and buying me a laptop. Maybe the flexibility of having a laptop will encourage me to blog more since I won't be stuck in my home office behind a computer like I am 40 hours a week at work (different office, same scenario). But maybe today will be my kick-off to blogging again. Can you hold me accountable? Thank you random Internet user, I appreciate your accountability.

Here is what I ate today:

Breakfast: Protein Waffles with Local Honey
Morning Snack: Skinny Pop Popcorn
Lunch: 2 Morning Star Chix Patties
Afternoon Snack: Wheat Thins and Hummus
Dinner: Pasta with red sauce and ground chicken

My daily goals:

Vitamins: Yes
Creativity:
Reading:
Self-Care: Personal Laundry and shower
Sweets: 1/3 of a chocolate gator

In addition to restarting with Challenge 2, I bought myself a Bloom Planner to replace my Bullet Journal. Instead of blogging, I thought Bullet Journaling would be a great way to track everything in my life. Instead, it became a constant stressor of having to create spreads, and monthlies, and remember to track everything, and yeah, you get it. The Bloom Planner is nothing more than a planner with vision trackers. At the start of each month, I write down my visions for the month including personal growth, relationships, work/school, fun/adventures, and others. At the start of each week, I am prompted to write 6 goals for the week that will help me achieve my visions. For the days, there is a tracker for water intake, engagements, and a spot to write random things. I am still adjusting to using it, but I think removing the step of having to create the layouts and prompts will help remove stress.

Speaking of stress, I stopped taking Pristiq and replaced it with Trintellix. While Pristiq seemed to work, if I forgot one pill, I would start withdrawing within 12 hours. I also felt that I wasn't where I could be emotionally so maybe something new would help a bit. I am only on day 4 so we will see.

Alright, now the part you all came for, Challenge 2 details.

Rules
    1. One small sweet per day (mini chocolate bar, half a pack of fig cookies)
    2. No baked goods (cupcakes, cake, brownies) 
    3. One alcoholic drink per week
    4. No artificial sweeteners 
    5. No soda
    6. No delivery pizza
    7. No Fast Food
    8. No fried foods 
    9. No cheese-based foods (Alfredo sauce, chips and queso, mac & cheese)
    10. No carbohydrate-based foods (bagels, croissants)

April Incentives

Week 2.5:  ???
Week 3: Beach Day with Puppy and husband?
Week 4: ???

Today's Overview:

I did really well on my first day back! Let's keep this ball rolling!

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