Challenge #5: Somebody Like Me

Challenge 5 is to take the 16 Personalities quiz to better understand yourself.

I am so excited about this challenge! It is a fairly lengthy quiz, but it is worth the outcome. Answer honestly!

So much can be learned by this challenge. The section regarding how your type acts around a spouse, friends, children, at work, etc. is invaluable.  

Now, you are unique and not everything they say will resonate as part of your personality, but man does it get close! It tells you things you didn't know how to put in words about yourself. 

Learn something new and realize there are other people that have the same traits as you. It's a very comforting fact to know you are not alone. It makes you feel less weird.  

https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Affirmation: I accept others and others accept me.

#4: Tips To Find The Best Journal For You

Are you the type of person who is biting at the bit and ready to write everyday? Probably not, most of us aren't. So find what suits you!

I went over how I like to write in the black journal, but that is only one of the many I keep. I also have a love journal between my husband and I where we write love notes to each other. It is so exciting to come home from a rough day and find our love journal sitting on my pillow waiting to uplift me.

We also have a journal specifically to record funny quotes we say to each other. Every year we go through and laugh our heads off at the silly things we said to each other.

My mother is not the type to sit down and write in a journal, her mind goes through ideas too fast. However, she does keep a notebook with her whenever an idea pops into her mind. It is not a journal per se, but it allows her to transfer ideas onto paper and it works for her!

-Unkown

Write 3 things you are grateful for, write your life story, write one sentence a month!! It doesn't matter, whatever you decide to do will benefit you! Just realize you're worth it and do it.

Affirmation: My life is important.

#4: Black Journaling Changed My Life

I Don't remember where I first learned about the "black" journal. It is known by many names: cathartic, black, angry, hate journal. I prefer black because it is where you spill everything you can onto paper and then throw it away (into the black abyss.) 

I never realized how much I kept inside until I was challenged to keep a black journal. I was instructed to get a journal or even a notebook that I didn't find all that appealing. I literally chose a black notebook. 

I was told to write when I had an issue that I couldn't fully understand, when someone made me upset, or when I had a negative feeling I couldn't shake. The trick was to write and to keep writing. Not to pay attention to penmanship, grammar, or even legibility until I exhausted the feeling or gained some insight.

An amazing change came into my life. To this day I have not had a time where I went to my notebook and didn't resolve something. I always gained new insight to the issue whether it was understanding the problem, seeing it through another persons view, or getting the feeling out of my system.

It was a blessing to have somewhere I could write and literally let go without feeling judged. It was never meant to be reread or relived. Throwing away feelings I didn't understand allowed me to find who I truly was.

I can tell you it is cheaper than therapy and works wonders on the mind.

Affirmation: I fully and completely accept myself.

Challenge #4: Pick Your Journal

This week your challenge is to Pick A Journal Type, and write in it for at least a week.

I know, journaling. How many times has someone told you to keep one? At least a thousand, right?

Well I think one of the problems is that you haven't found the right journal for you. There are so many types and one of them has to float your boat!

I have a friend who is doing a blog specifically on journaling and it is adorable. She has tips on how to better your writing, different kinds of journals, and prompts for daily writing. I would highly recommend going over and taking a look. You will definitely be inspired to write.

newleafjournaling.blogspot.com

There are also many benefits to writing in a journal. "regular writing can give you a safe, cathartic release valve for the stresses of your daily life. We've discussed some of those mental and emotional benefits of writing before, from the angle of creative writing—but you don't have to write fiction to get them. For example, we've mentioned that keeping an awesomeness journal can do wonders for your self-esteem. Not only does regular writing make you feel good, it helps you re-live the events you experienced in a safe environment where you can process them without fear or stress." -Henry, Alan. "Why You Should Keep a Journal (and How to Start Yours)."Lifehacker. N.p., 19 Mar. 2014. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.

Find the inspiration you need and feel the benefits, they are life changing!

Affirmation: What I have to say matters.

http://lifehacker.com/why-you-should-keep-a-journal-and-how-to-start-yours-1547057185 -Life hacker link

#3: Hearts to Me

After you have written your sentiments and gratitudes. I would further challenge you to write a letter to yourself. Sounds weird, but you have no one to be more grateful for than yourself. Your whole life is, because you are. That is worthy of a love letter. 

Thank yourself for your accomplishments. Tell yourself your favorite thing about you. Make it true and meaningful! You never know what you're not telling yourself. 

Affirmation: I love myself.

#3: My Experience

What a sweet experience this was for me. At first I found I was very hesitant to write to certain people who already knew I loved them. I felt awkward actually writing down my feelings, it was almost too vulnerable for me. 

I did it anyway, and I was so grateful for the outcome. In more cases than one, the letter was reciprocated with loving words I had never known people thought about me. It tickled my self worth and brought a smile to my face.

One person's note that was particularly special to me was from my adorably cute husband. He is not one to go on and on and on spouting poems of love all the day long. He can, however, write a love letter that puts Romeo to shame (in my opinion of course.) 

Isn't he cute?!

Affirmation: I am worthy and deserving of love.

Challenge #3: Letters of Love

This week I challenge you to write at least one love letter. 

As we get closer to the holiday of love, I thought it would be appropriate to write a letter of love. Now, you may not be in a relationship at this moment, but I am sure if you think hard enough you can find someone to write an appreciation letter.  

Acknowledge what they do for you, or how they make your life better. Tell them even if you think they already know!

 So often we take for granted the assumption of others "knowing", but how fun is it for them to be reminded? To feel special in a world of the mundane. Even if you are constantly telling your chosen person that you love them on a daily basis, sometimes its just nice to know WHY you love them. 

An extra challenge would be to either write a letter to someone different each day, or if that is too much, write 3 things you appreciate about someone and let them hear it!

Affirmation: I love and support others.

#2: You Are What You Drink

I want to stray a little from the norm when it comes to tips about drinking water. Of course it is healthy to drink a sufficient amount, but I want to get into an idea from left field.

I recently read a book titled "The Hidden Messages in Water" by Masaru Emoto. In his book he describes his experiment of taking photos of water in crystal form. Not only did he test what the crystals would look like from different water sources of the world, but how it responded to words.

He would get water from the exact same source and write words such as "love" or "Hate" on the container. They he would freeze the water and take a photo of the crystal that formed. Here is a video showing some of his photos.

I loved this study because it brought up a point I had never even contemplated. Water responds to words. I personally think it goes far past just words, but more like intentions. His point is that we are made up of around 75% of water. Something that understands more than we ever imagined.

In his book he goes more into what he calls HADO, where he can tell what is ailing your body and help you heal it with water (you will have to read the book to get more information on it.)

I would like to give a tip to something very similar to what HADO is for him. If you struggle with something- write the opposite onto your water bottle. Example: If you struggle with anger, write LOVE on your water bottle. This is the idea of literally feeding your body what it craves (mentally and physically.)

If this is too cookoo for you, don't worry about doing it. There is a reason I made this post a tip and not a challenge. However, I would suggest you give it a try. It never hurts to show gratefulness for things, even so little as the water you drink.

Affirmation: I am open.

#2: My Experience

This quote pretty much sums up my experience.

I gave fair warning, but my body was not prepared to be fully hydrated. My lips became more chapped during the first few days. I did not expect that. 

After some time the bathroom breaks became less frequent, my lips became plump, and my skin had a drastic change. I have VERY dry skin, something I should have connected to my lack of water. I was truly amazed how much it changed the quality of my skin. 

This is definitely something I will be incorporating into my daily routine!

Affirmation: I am well hydrated.

Challenge #2: Wa-ter You Drinking?

For our second challenge I want you to drink water first thing in the morning. 

This challenge is surprisingly hard for some. Our generation has so many options for quenching thirst (coffee, juice, milk) who would turn to boring old water?

Well for the week, YOU will! I challenge you to wake up and before getting a bite to eat, drink a cup of water. Here are some of the benefits:

"One thing many people do not know is that having the first glass of water as soon as you wake up also comes with its therapeutic benefits. This traditional Ayurvedic treatment has benefits for conditions that range from asthma, pain to even cancer...

What Are the Benefit of Drinking Water in the Morning?

It is a long known secret that drinking water as soon as you get up, i.e. before eating anything, is a good way to purify your internal system. One of the most important results of undergoing this treatment is colon cleansing, which enables better absorption of nutrients from various foods. When there is production of haematopoiesis, better known as “new blood”, you will have immense body restorative effects and you can even be cured of existing ailments. Drinking water the first thing in the morning has the following benefits:

1. Make your skin glow. Water is known to purge toxins from your blood, and as a result you get glowing skin.

2. Renew cells. Drinking water first thing in the morning increases the rate at which new muscle and blood cells are produced.

3. Balance the lymph system. When you drink water first thing in the morning on a daily basis, you help balance your body’s lymph system. Lymph glands found in your lymph system fight infections helping you to perform your daily activities. They also balance the fluids in your body.

4. Lose weight. When you consume about 16 ounces of water (chilled), you will boost your body’s metabolism by abut 24% thus help you lose those extra pounds.

5. Purify the colon. When you drink water after you have woken up before eating anything, you are purifying your colon thereby making nutrients absorption easy.

6. Cures illnesses and diseases. Drinking water first thing in the morning has been proven to cure illnesses such as vomiting, throat disease, menstrual and cancer disorders, eye diseases, diarrhea, urine disease, kidney disease, meningitis, TB, Arthritis, headaches among others."- "New Health Guide." Drinking Water in the Morning. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.

Those are a lot of potential benefits from something so simple!

If you really want to take this challenge to heart, I would recommend replacing all your liquids with the amazing and wonderful water. A good round about estimate of how much water you should be drinking is cutting your weight in pounds in half and converting that number into liters. Example: If you are 145lbs you would need to drink ~72oz of water (145/2 = ~72.) It sounds like a ton, but that is only a little over 2 liters.

You can do it!!

Word to the wise- If you are not used to drinking a lot of water, YOU WILL BE MAKING MANY BATHROOM BREAKS!

Affirmation: I am clear.

Link to website for more information: http://www.newhealthguide.org/Drinking-Water-In-The-Morning.html

#1: Tips to overcome

After the week is over and you have been observing where your thoughts go; I want you to take the weekend and practice not only observing, but taking control. If you do not like a thought that is coming into your mind, change it. Take the negative thought and turn it into a positive. 

Example: When I was doing dishes and I wanted my husband to do the dishes more often, I thought about how much I love serving him. When I thought about how I don't always love to clean, I thought about how I love having a clean house, and that I am capable of finding joy in cleaning. 

Below is a TEDtalk from Dr. Joe Dispenza. I LOVE what he has to say about the mind. So just take a moment and listen to his video and decide how you are going to move forward with how you think!

Affirmation: I own my own power.

#1: My experience

This was such and interesting challenge for me. I had no idea how often my mind went into a new direction or how negative those directions were. I realized through doing this challenge that I am the type of person who likes to make up scenarios. I really DO!

I would be doing dishes and my mind would go to thinking about how much I didn't enjoy cleaning, or that I wished my husband would do the dishes more often. It was not positive.

Next I would be vacuuming the house and plotting a conversation between me and a family member I was upset with. This was dangerous for me because I was unconsciously putting words in their mouth that they would never say, and this made me defensive towards them for no reason. I suppose I just got validation out of it, it's a comfortable place for me to be defensive. I was trying to be prepared for the worst, but that was not necessarily going to happen.

I did not only have negative thoughts, I am proud to say I also had very positive thoughts. I would catch myself looking at another person and saying things I liked about them, or I would compliment myself on a job well done when I completed a task.

This was an eye opening experience that I really enjoyed. It is funny how I have control of my thoughts, but sometimes I let that control go.


Affirmation: I am mindful.

Challenge #1: Acknowledge Your Thoughts

For our first challenge I want you to pay attention to what your mind thinks. 

This challenge may seem a little silly when read, but give me a chance to explain it. Have you ever been sitting in a meeting and you realize you have been daydreaming and not paying attention to what is being said? That is what I want you to start becoming aware of.

-Unknown

I want this challenge to go even deeper than just realizing when you daydream, but what you are saying. What do you think about in the shower when you have time all to yourself? What are you perceiving when there is an awkward silence between you and another person? Is it positive or negative? Do you relive past experiences or maybe even make up future scenarios that will probably never happen? What is your inner dialog when you make a mistake or on the flip side when you accomplish something incredible?

Throughout this week I want you to become mindful of how you talk to yourself and what you seem to think is important enough to bring up in your free time. Notice the emotions that come with it, if you are stressed by it, or if it makes you hold tension.

I want you to see if you like the thoughts you think or if you could improve a little. What are the reoccurring ideas, are they helpful, do they put a dark cloud over your head. Don't take this exercise as another chance to judge yourself or validate issues, take it as a learning experience of what your inner self thinks about your life.

By doing this exercise you will start to become aware of how your thoughts affect your life.

Affirmation: I acknowledge myself.