Winter Solstice

View fullsize

I’ve been putting trees up with lights and decorations since I was a child. Growing up, my bedroom often had a second tree and decorations. I love(d) decorating for Christmas. I was never a religious person and I was raised in a “Catholic” home that never attended church or had me confirmed. Christmas, to me, was never about Jesus or religion. Christmas to me was always about the lights, the sparkle (shocking), and the gathering of friends and family. Holidays, Christmas or otherwise, were always about the food and fun.

I used to beg to drive around and look at the lights and dream of doing that to my own house someday. Fast forward to college and I started to buy trees on clearance after Christmas. Year after year, my roommates and I would add to our collection and create a forest of light in our apartments to celebrate winter. As the years went on, my roommates and I started decorating our porches and trees as we moved into places that supported that kind of decor. I love adding lights to the darkness and dreariness of the winter season.

Now, I’m a guy who believes in the changing of the season from autumn to winter as a transition for our mindset. I believe in putting up trees and lights and wreaths to welcome winter and to light the way from the shortest day of the year onward. I take a little from here, a little from there, and enjoy celebrating all people and their cultures/religions. The Solstice is about light for me and that just happens to manifest with mini twinkle lights and big colorful bulbs from November though January.

Whatever you celebrate this winter, may you find peace and joy and get to spend time with people you care about. Stay warm, or cool depending, and have a safe passage into 2024.

#MondayMotivation - Meet People Where They Are

I had been letting feelings get in the way of enjoying life and building relationships. Letting resentment build, letting bitterness win has taken me nowhere. When it’s all said and done, what’s the point of holding on to those feelings? So, with a little encouragement from someone I trust, I pushed through. I started meeting people where they were, forgetting and forgiving any ill feelings I had. Life got better in that I am no longer stressed about the situations.

Maybe someone can’t be what you need them to be, but they’re probably trying. Meet them where they are, make the most of it if you can. I know, that’s not going to apply or work for every situation but if it does, I promise it’ll be worth it.

#MondayMotivation - Anticipation

Waiting for something like an event, a meeting, or a call can be stressful. I’m working to take the stress from the unknown and convert it to excited anticipation. Life is good and stress is bad — it really is that simple. I’ve applied for many jobs and had one interview. I’m being phased out of my current role and I’m working to find that next big job. I’m managing my stress by continuing to submit applications, going for walks, and turning the anticipation into excitement.

Letting excitement build and allowing yourself to live for the moment can be such a positive experience. Life is good, even if it’s in transition. Good things are happening behind the scenes, and I’m excited to see where everything goes. Also, I made a new kitty friend. I hope the week is good to y’all.

New kitty friend

#MondayMotivation - Fear is an illusion

Experiences in our lives shape who we are, or who we become. Some of these experiences lead us to create a mask or facade. If you’re constantly questioning life due to some circumstances that made it feel normal, you may take that mindset into new experiences unknowingly. This could be jobs, relationships, friendships, etc. The fear that creates the facade is an illusion and doesn’t have to be permanent.

I fear rejection because I’ve been rejected. Does that mean I will stop trying? Does it mean I wont apply for that job or go on that date? Absolutely not.

I fear being thought of as being “too much” because I’ve been called “too much” before. Does that mean I need to apologize for being who I am or adding a disclaimer to my feelings? It shouldn’t, but I have. I’m learning that I’m not “too much” and my thoughts, feelings, and ideas are valid.

I’ve spent the past few months coming back to myself, losing the fear of being too much, not enough, or the fear of losing something that really wasn’t meant to be mine anyway. I had a conversation this weekend that helped spark this whole idea that the true me is still there, behind some fear. Allowing life to happen and working to make good things part of that new path is pushing through the fears.

I’m confident, outgoing, fun, friendly, dramatic, kind, and generous. I’m all of those things. It’s enough and never truly too much. Remembering me, adapting to life in current, and continuing to grow is pushing fear out of the way and thriving instead of surviving.

I hope you find ways to thrive this week. Doing the best you can is thriving, not just surviving.

#MondayMotivation - Friends

This week, I’m fueled by friends. I have people coming over Saturday for dinner, so I need to get a bunch of shit done this week. Sometimes, the motivation is just that simple. I don’t want my friends to see my dining room in disarray and the dog hair that needs to be vacuumed, so I’m going to get my ass to work this evening.

Having a set date, with a finite amount of time, really helps me with goals and projects. In general, I do my best work on something when I have a set amount of time. Sometimes, because I hate myself, I will procrastinate and use the pressure of having only one night or something silly to motivate me even further. I do not recommend procrastinating until the last minute, that’s mental illness speaking so don’t listen.

Find your motivation for the week and GO. You’ve got this, or at least you can pretend you do. Happy trails.

#MondayMotivation - Exhausted.

I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted. I’m so done. BUT, as the theme for these go, I need to keep going. You need to keep going. Keep finding the joy in life, find the moments that give you hope, and always think of the possibilities.

Things I’m telling myself:

• Don’t feel defeated

• Don’t give up

• You can take care of yourself

• Some distractions are okay

• I don’t have to talk to anyone if I don’t have the capacity

• It’s okay to be sad

• Joy comes in many forms

• You’ll be okay

• Everything will be okay

• It’s fine, this is fine, it’s all fine

Things bringing me joy

• Windows down, sunroof open, music up, heated seat on, heat on the floor drives

• 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

• Rewatching TV shows and movies I have already watched

• Popcorn

• Brisk mornings

There’s a little humor in this, but also some truths. Stay the course, find your adventure, all that happy horse shit.

#MondayMotivation - Going Back In Time

Ever have a moment or period in time you wish you could erase? Oh, how I wish I could go back and do a few things over and avoid a few other things.  But, here I am, unable to time travel more than a few hours.

Since I can’t go back, I am just moving forward.  The trend for a few of these Monday motivations have been a forward movement, as it’s all I can do.

The world is bigger than a moment or period of time.  The universe is infinite and I’m just one speck. I recently stared through a telescope on Oahu and it made me feel small and insignificant in the best way.  Nothing mattered, in a good way, and these stars burned light years away.  As much as I’d like to go back and redo something, the fact is that it doesn’t matter that much as life goes on.  New stars form, and we continue to spin madly on in the vastness and wonder that is existence.

This may seem a bit existential, but I’m only writing this to convince myself to abide by this mindset. I can keep trying, I can change my trajectory, and so can you if you want.

#MondayMotivation - Find the Beauty

It’s cute until you have to take a cold shower…

If you are struggling, as I was recently, find something beautiful to motivate you. I took off after work and headed to Crater Lake National Park on Friday. Well, I went to a nearby town to stay in a cabin, but still…

When I can’t just take off after work for a 6.5 hour drive, I find it locally. I’ll go look at the art all over Olympia, visit one of the many local city parks, or drive a little bit out of town to a forest or a lookout and take it in. When I can’t leave the house, for whatever reason, I play around on Google Maps to find new places to “eventually” adventure to someday.

You don’t have to spend a lot of (or any) money or time to find something beautiful to give you motivation. Crater Lake had been on my radar for years, and I wasn’t going to live here and NOT visit that place. But for weeks before, I’d just sit on Google Maps updating my “want to visit” tab. Seize the day - in whatever way you can! Have a great week ahead.

100/10 recommend Crater Lake at sunrise

#MondayMotivation - Be the light

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies - if you’re in Olympia, I have plenty to give away

If you have the capacity, be the light for someone who may not be feeling so bright. Not every day/week/month is going to be great, but there are good moments in there somewhere. Share the good, be a light, listen to a friend, whatever you can when you’re feeling that good sort of way.

I read somewhere once that the people who are supportive and reach out sometimes are the ones who really need the help themselves. It’s a good idea to check on those who you may least expect need it - you never know what silent battle someone is going through. A kind thought, a smile, or even small act of kindness can go a LONG way.

A friend recently shared a post on social media that being kind costs ZERO fucking dollars, so give it a shot.

I truly hope you have a great week ahead and as always, I hope this little blurb made you smile.

Enjoy this blurry attempt at a selfie with Seattle in the background on Lake Union in a hot tub boat a little buzzed up (I though tit was perfectly fitting for a post like this - laugh, it’s okay!)

#MondayMotivation - Winding Road

If you want to go forward, you have to keep going. Forward is relative, but movement is not. Sometimes, the path is straightforward and other times it’s meandering. I’d say I’m meandering, but constantly moving forward. You can go down the road, with a destination in mind, and something comes up and makes you curve or turn away for a detour.

Detours don’t have to derail. This is advice I’m telling myself, more than anything. So often, I fall victim to my own bullshit when life throws me a curve. It’s easy to do - for me - and it’s a habit I’m working to break. For example, I stopped to going to the gym when I had covid and now I’m here a couple weeks since and I haven’t gone back. I fell out of routine and I’m struggling to get back into one. We’ve got this, right?

When the road winds, trail curves, or life just gets weird, keep going. You’ve got this. Take a detour, find the scenery, and keep on pushing.

Embrace the detours.

#MondayMotivation - Regain that Control

I feel like I’m out of control. When I say this, I mean I’m just eating whatever I want and not really exercising. I feel like my chores get pushed to the “next available” day and my list of things to do grows longer. I’m trying to take control. I’m going to make some food to help me feel good about what I’m eating and I’m going to walk on the trail nearby during my lunch. I’m going to get back to my gym routine, gradually. COVID really knocked the wind out of me, but I’m trying to stretch these lungs back out.

Additional good things - I have a few doctor appointments this week and some fun weekend plans ahead. Weekend plans ahead means I need to gradually get my shit done this week. I’ve got a plan, with realistic goals, and I am going to push through!

I’m starting this Monday with a clean kitchen, fresh laundry, and some ambition. Good luck to all of you out there. Remember, make your goals achievable for your efforts. If your best means not doing anything, that’s okay some days. Keep finding little bits of joy and make the most of the day.

Don’t let a little fog ruin the whole view - rise above it

Walking the dog is enough some days

#MondayMotivation - Keep trying

Over the weekend, I hiked for the first time in ages. A real hike. A hike with elevation. A hike with thin air. It was my first hike post recent COVID and it was hard to breathe. I was struggling. BUT, I did it. I was with a group of friends who struggled a little too, but we were struggling together.

I felt pretty good after, accomplished and ready to keep going. By Sunday afternoon, I wasn’t even that sore. The struggle for me really was catching my breath and pushing forward. I’m hoping with continued activity, and a little chat with my doc next wee, I’ll be breathing normally again soon.

If you don’t think you can, try. If you don’t want to, just try. If you go and do the thing, but don’t succeed, you tried. Did I hike as well as I would have liked, no. Did I move quickly? Also, no. Did I do the damn thing, despite being worried about breathing? Yes. Did I take measures to accommodate my issues? You bet your ass I did. This goes back to last week - adjust and go forward with a new plan.

Enjoy some photos from the hike that made me feel alive again. (Mount Rainier National Park - Skyline & Golden Gate Trails)

#MondayMotivation - Adjust and go on

Timing is everything and it’s weird how things happen…

I was getting really down on myself for not “doing enough” or “going hard enough” in regards to activities, hiking, and socializing. The reality is, I’m going hard and rarely stopping. I make plans on top of plans, schedule visitors left and right, and always feel like I have to get something on the books to occupy my time.

Then, this past weekend, my body turned on me. I came down with a cold towards the end of the week, which turned out to be COVID. Fuck. My body, though fighting sniffles and a headache, was rejoicing because I couldn’t really go anywhere or do anything I had planned. I spent most days in bed, or on the couch, resting my body and hydrating like I lived in the desert again. I have been fortunate with mild symptoms and grocery delivery.

Walking around the block takes it out of me, but I gotta keep going because I have plans (shocking) to hike Skyline Trail this coming weekend at Mt. Rainier National Park. I will avoid the gym on Monday, and re-test to make sure I’m clear.

This whole weekend was a reset on many levels. I sat with my thoughts, probably thought too hard about some things, and decided I’m ultimately doing okay. I am going to work through the thoughts I had to sit with, and continue on with therapy. I’m going to work on balancing my busy weekends with time to get stuff done around the house or just relax. I’m going to work to feel content with things, even though there always feels like so much more to do out there. I’m going to continue my fitness work, once I’m well enough to be in the gym again. I will not take the ability to move, drive, and interact with people for granted.

I’m just going to take the reset, keep going, and keep loving life. Remember that resets are okay and sitting with your thoughts can be beneficial, and overwhelming. Take time for yourself, be careful out there, and remember to tell people how you feel. COVID is circling around, so be aware!

View fullsize

Mountain flowers to calm the brain

#MondayMotivation - Renewed.

View fullsize

It’s been a hard couple of weeks for me. This past week was probably the worst in years. Anxiety, depression, and anger filled my brain. I slept more during the day than I have through all the nights. I avoided anything I could and ate my weight in feelings. I don’t know why, all of the sudden, I was sad about everything. I started thinking about my Gramma, about my life, where I am, etc. I was getting sad to leave this place but sad I wasn’t already further east. It’s a wild ride of bullshit, I tell ya. “Everything in time” and “what’s right will happen” and all that happy horseshit floated around from people or the internet. It’s all fine and dandy, until you’re not wanting to get out of bed and those sayings are just bullshit.

Fast forward to this past weekend. I started to feel better. I managed to get out, go to the Farmer’s Market, meet up with new friends, and enjoy the day in many ways. My biggest turning point, and the one thing that took the most effort and convincing, was just to go for a simple walk in the woods. I hadn’t been doing much between working at my desk, eating, sleeping, or the occasional short walk with Chewy. My back was hurting, my body was sore, and every time I tried to work out or go for a longer walk/hike, I said fuck it and didn’t do the things I needed to do until Sunday.

Sunday’s walk in the woods was uplifting and awakened me on many levels. I smelled the forest, touched the plants, let the sun stream over me, and started to feel a physical and mental shift in my being. It’s wild to think about how much a little mile and a half loop through some trees affected me, but here we are. The walk in the woods invigorated me, and my day only went up from there.

I was inspired by my friend who also had to do something they didn’t want to do. We both did the thing, achieved our mini-goals and all was well.

Here’s to a good week ahead and staying on this upward swing.

#MondayMotivation - A little structure

Good Monday morning to you! (or whatever time it is when you read this)

I’ve been on the struggle bus when it comes to what to do with myself. August has me feeling a little off - physically, emotionally, and mentally. I’m doing some goal setting and thought I’d share a little of that with y’all - maybe you’re feeling a similar kind of way, maybe not?

These are my goals for the rest of August and September. I’ll probably evaluate my progress towards the middle or end of September and adjust as necessary.

I’m trying to give myself a little structure because that’s how I thrive. Find goals that work for your brain and life.

Physical:

• Continue my 3 days of lifting per week

• Walk the trail near my house at least 5 days per week

• Take Chewy on a long walk in the evening (more than the usual neighborhood jaunt)

• Hike somewhere new once per week

• Stretch or beginner yoga daily (my new coach has me stretching and it’s crazy how much it helps)

• Try to get to bed in a way that gets me at least 8 hours of sleep/downtime

• Schedule an eye exam and get new glasses

• Get on a waitlist for a local doctor or find one in Seattle/Portland and drive

• Plan meals and roughly (or specifically) track food/drink

Emotional:

• Find a new therapist - I’ve been struggling with this one, as my current therapist kind of dropped the ball and wasn’t really doing much for me

• Record and reflect on what I’m grateful for every day

• Follow through on the physical points (really helps my brain)

• Connect more with friends - call or text different people a few times per week

• Establish a boundary when things become too much

Mental:

• A lot of the emotional and physical points will assist with the mental

• Find an online course or certificate program (first stage: research)

• Read a book - I have a couple in my queue but this goal is to make the time each day to accomplish an entire book

• Getting some kind of routine setup for the daily grind

If you’ve made it through, thanks for reading. What are some of your goals or tricks for feeling good? I hope you have a great week ahead. —Mike

#MondayMotivation - A Healthier Mike: April 2020

“So we go up up up, up up the mountain
Up, up and down the valley we go
To carry our doubt to the river mouth
Find peace in what the river knows
Cast a line in the river of time
Find peace of mind
Figure it out”

— Said The Whale "Beautiful Morning"

---

Quick Stats

Total steps: 405,258

Average daily steps: 13,509

Highest daily steps: 20,630

Lowest daily steps: 7,356

Total miles walked/ran/hiked: 148.53

Total miles hiked: 0

Total miles ran: 17.9

Total miles biked: 4.07

Sleep stats: 6:04 per night average, 6 over 7 hours and 8 between 6-7 hours

Days of Activity: 30

---

View fullsize

Sunny kayak day!

My new bike!

The Good Stuff

• I got to kayak and it was glorious.

• Added a minute to my average sleep per night.

• I had 11% more activity than April 2019

• Every day of April had at least one activity

• A bike was purchased and I even got a ride in. More to come on this.

• Carrot cake is one of my favorites so I made one and had some of it and shared the rest. I had other sweet treats also, and didn’t feel bad about it.

• My weight continued to decrease, even after an increase

• I completed Week 10 of Couch 2 10K

• My worst day was still better than my worst day last month, so that was good

• Despite quarantine for COVID, I lost 3.6 lbs overall and ended the month in the 280s

• Almost 5 miles of activity per day

• My boo has walked daily with me

• Work from home due to COVID is allowing me to exercise at more flexible times

• My hip feels better, so I’m back to running after a couple weeks off.

• I managed to create a better work life balance which eased my stress levels

• I didn’t get to hike, but they did reopen the state parks and I plan to get a few day passes

---

The Not-So-Good

• I haven’t worked out in a proper gym since the middle of March and it’s not looking good for May. I really need to start some squats or yoga. I will work to reintroduce some of that.

• I didn’t get to hike once. COVID has me staying home, which is fine, but I miss my trail.

• I probably had too many snacks and drinks than necessary, but oh well.

---

Mornings!

Mental Health

• Work finally leveled off and I don’t hate life nearly as much as March

• I’ve adapted well to not really seeing many people due to COVID. I’m mostly stressed out about other people being dumb and not having any control over this.

• Regular video chats have continued and I’m loving them - though they leave me feeling a little lonely for my people far away.

• I’ve had a few days of everyone and everything annoying the fuck out of me. I can’t explain why, can’t really understand it… just gotta roll with it. It comes, it goes, and I don’t truly despise anyone. My guess, it’s a product of the tiny stressors I have with work or finances.

• I’m reminded of how lucky I am in these trying times.

---

Daily walks by these pines reminds of the beauty in the world.

Thoughts, Notes, Conclusions

• I am on the right path. Going to keep this conclusion, because it is true. I have changed my life, and despite some minor issue, am headed to where I want to be.

• I am using Noom. I slacked a bit on my Noom in April, so my coach reset my weeks by a few so I could relearn the stuff I glossed over. I don’t rely on the support of my group, but I do enjoy it occasionally. I’m very much loving the app and the guidance.

• I have accepted the new me. I still enjoy some days with indulgence, and that’s not going to change. If I have to cut something completely out of my life, I don’t succeed. The beauty of my main meals being overall better for me is that the indulgence days don’t completely fuck me over in the long run. Balance, baby!

• I’m still running. I miss the gym, and will continue to probably not do too much at home in May. I will keep running, though, so there is that!

---

2012 vs 2020

New runners!

Goals For May

• Read a Damn Book!
  I swear, I’ll read a dang book this month.

• More Salad.
  I just want to get more greens in my diet, even though there are a lot already. I’m aiming for salad lunches all month.

• Social Media Break (3 days, at least)
  I’m going to continue to distance myself from social media the best I can. When I feeling it weighing on me, I leave it alone. Hopefully a whole weekend without.

• Run Run Run! I am going to attempt to add a light run day in the midst of these long, difficult training days. It’s all relative.

• Keep going! I keep adding miles and the goal will be to get a month with 200! Until then, this will be on the goal list.

• FOUR+ Hikes in May
  REALLY hoping that I can start hiking again.

• 150 Miles. I hit 148, so we’ll try for 150 this month.

#MondayMotivation - A Healthier Mike: March 2020

“I don’t want to be anything
Other than what I’ve been trying to be lately”

— Gavin DeGraw "I Don't Want To Be"

---

Quick Stats

Total steps: 446,305

Average daily steps: 14,397

Highest daily steps: 24,467

Lowest daily steps: 6,427

Total miles walked/ran/hiked: 140.36

Total miles hiked: 8.5

Total miles ran: 27.7

Sleep stats: 6:03 per night average, 4 over 7 hours and 15 between 6-7 hours

Days of Activity: 28

---

View fullsize

A morning run!

The Good Stuff

• Hiked twice - one of them being at my favorite local spot and one during a conference call on a Saturday *shrug*

• Managed to average just over 6 hours of sleep each night and only had a few nights of less than stellar sleep

• I had 31% more activity than March 2019

• The length of daily activity was up from February and way up from last year

• I hit 140 miles of activity - that’s 36 more miles than February!

• My habits have changed and even when I have pizza and beer, I’m still doing OKAY because life isn’t about cutting shit out.

• I’m continuing to see more definition in my legs and that’s motivation!

• I completed Week 8 of Couch 2 10K and I’m loving running more and more.

• I’m down another 11.6 pounds this month, making that 31.5 for 2020 so far.

• I’m working from home, during this pandemic, so walks and runs are happening more frequently.

• I ran two miles without stopping, and then started Week 9 by running 3.47 miles.

• My other half is working on health and fitness, which makes this even easier to do at home together.

• I’m UNDER 300 pounds. This is a big deal for me.

• It’s been three-four months of changed habits, better food choices, and working around things I can’t live without; I have a new life and I’m still going.

---

The Not-So-Good

• I haven’t worked out in a proper gym since the middle of March and it’s not looking good for April. I need to invest in some dumbbells for at home. My muscle goals are not huge, I just want to maintain and build strength so I can continue to lose fat. Healthy weight.

• I had some terribly lazy days in March. My body did not want to move some days, and that’s okay. Going forward, if I find myself on day of blah, I’m going to at least try to do a 2-mile loop to see if it works to energize my brain.

• I have been consuming empty calories during this pandemic - mostly in the form of alcohol and snacks - so I’m going to continue to be more conscious of this and pick and choose when it means the most to do those things.

• I had to readjust my sleep schedule to overcome insomnia. I’m working to maintain normalcy during this time of social isolation and working from home.

• I’ve changed jobs, which is great, but I’ve lost my lunchtime workout buddies. Yeah, the pandemic halted that anyway, but they will not be there for me afterwards and I’m not sure I’ve accepted it yet.

---

Technically woke up in a tent on March 1, to the warm sunshine.

Mental Health

• My trips for April, May, and June are all canceled or rescheduled. It’s not exactly fun, inspiring, or good news. I know it’s for the overall good of the world, but I need a minute to mourn.

• Working from home has been stressful in that it is the busiest time of year and I’m way behind on work which stresses me out and makes me irritable/withdrawn

• During times of social distancing, I’ve had a lot of conference calls and fun video chats with friends. Makes life way better!

• Exercise is part of routine and the routine makes me happy.

• Not commuting during this time of pandemic has reduced my stress by 50% at least. I am dreading the day when we have to all crawl on the freeway to get to work again.

• I haven’t been writing as much, and maybe I need to get some stuff out.

• I became obsessed with the daily weight on my scale and it was dumb. I stopped weighing myself for a week and self-corrected. The weight isn’t even the main goal with me, it’s simply being healthier and happier.

• I had a great evening with two wonderful friends and we booked a fall trip, pending the way the pandemic plays out. Camping and exploring Rainier and Olympic - two of my favorite spots with two fun people is going to be just what I need after this whole first half of the year.

---

Dinosaur Valley State Park - creek crossing

Thoughts, Notes, Conclusions

• I am on the right path. I’m still working towards a healthier life and I’ve made a number of permanent changes that are keeping me on the track.

• I am tracking my food. I’m tracking everything I eat - whether it fits that plan for the day or not. It’s about honesty and transparency. If I keep myself honest, I will know how to adjust to avoid problem areas. I’ll never give up good beer, pizza, or pasta and I don’t have to as long as I even it out and kind of plan for anything.

• I’ve settled on some personal goals regardless of anyone else and their goals. I’ve developed my own goals, plans for reaching them, and opinion about working out. SO thankful for everyone who helps me on a daily basis adhere to them.

• I’m better than I was before. March was great and had a few missteps, but that’s life. I worked hard, ran farther, and continued on my path to a more balanced daily diet. These changes aren’t like the fad diets of the past. I’ve created a sustainable way to live and love life through food and exercise.

---

March run selfies.

Spring has sprung.

Goals For April

• Read a Damn Book!
  This is a real issue for me! I want to read the books, but I am not taking the time to do it and it shows. I have a shelf of new books, thanks to one of my many mothers, and I just need to devote some time!

• Less Fake Shit, More Citrus Shit
  I consume a large quantity of sparkling water with various squeezes of flavoring thanks in part to our SodaStream. My goal is to replace some of the squeeze stuff with lemon and lime juice instead.

• Social Media Break (3 days, at least)
  I had a half day off in March, so I’m going to work towards a full weekend in April. Being that we’re all stuck at home now, it’s a little more challenging when trying to stay in touch. But, I’m going to try!

• Run Forrest! I’m going to try to add a fourth day of running each week - just for shits and giggles.

• Keep going! I keep adding miles and the goal will be to get a month with 200! Until then, this will be on the goal list.

• FOUR Hikes in April
  REALLY hoping that we can start hiking a bit further from home again… If not, I’ll be hitting up my local spots over and over until they’re boring.

• Yogi the Yoga Bear I am going to add yoga once a week, that’s easy enough to try.

• 150 Miles. I had 140 in March, why not 150 in April? (maybe the weather, who knows, but we’re gonna try!)

• I am aiming for 50%+ vegetarian. I am working to make my breakfasts and lunches more veggie focused - still a work in progress.

My favorite trees along my daily walk and run route.

#MondayMotivation - A Healthier Mike: February 2020

“So come on, come on, come on
Let’s get physical”

— Dua Lipa "Physical"

---

Quick Stats

Total steps: 414,527

Average daily steps: 14,294

Highest daily steps: 27,708

Lowest daily steps: 6,934

Total miles walked/ran/hiked: 104.74

Total miles hiked: 14

Sleep stats: 6:13 per night average, 5 over 7 hours and 15 between 6-7 hours

Days of Activity: 27

---

View fullsize

A nice hike in Cloudcroft, NM at 9000 feet with a little snow and a little sun

The Good

• Had a couple of good hikes with some nice scenery

• Increased my sleep by going to bed earlier

• I had 42% more movement than February 2019

• I was more active and my daily numbers were higher

• I hit 104 miles of activity!

• I feel lost when I don’t go to the gym

• Seeing slight results in my shoulders, face, and upper body

• I don’t feel bad about a few “bad” meals here and there - it’s not a derailment like in the past

• I did four weeks of Couch 2 10K - and it’s getting easier

• I’m down another 9 pounds this month

• I got out in my kayak one weekend and it was glorious!

• I had enough social interaction to feel like I was still part of the world but not enough to make me tired of the world

• I had an epic last day of the month with a 7 mile hike and my first trail run of 2020

---

The Not-So-Good

• I had a couple of “zero days” that I just couldn’t get myself moving - the zero isn’t the bothersome part, it was the lack of any motivation

• Another month of a few weeks out of town - it can be difficult to overcome the temptation to eat and act like a lazy version of myself

• I didn’t work out one whole week in the gym and it was depressing - but I think I found a hotel in the town I go for work that has a complimentary gym membership

• My Apple Watch fell out of my gym locker and it shattered - did get it replaced, but it ruined my streaks in the Health App

---

Kayaking was good for my soul!

Mental Health

• February was an overall win for my personal mental well being

• Finding a balance of work and life is difficult for me now, but I’m going to continue to work on it

• Writing daily or recording my thoughts really helps

• Exercise brings me back to sanity

• The CALM app has been very helpful

• I had my few bad days, and of course I get in my head about things, but they’re fewer

• I had some issues with the scale, I really was being too critical of myself, and I let it get to me too much. Need to take a break on that front.

• Had a great bunch of weekends that included hikes, kayaking, drinking games with friends and family, and nights out w/ other friends. Great for the spirit.

---

Thoughts, Notes, Conclusions

• I am on track. I have clear goals and I’m working hard to achieve them.

• I am tracking my food. I’m still keeping track of everything, unless I’m off the grid. Even “red” days with too many items I should really balance out. I track everything - food, exercise, and sleep.

• My coworkers are working out. I’m going to miss lunch workouts as I have so much out of town work ahead of me and my eventual transition to a different company. These guys are my rock some days, and definitely always inspiration.

• February was a big win. I added running, longer daily activities, and kept on lifting. I really did push myself pretty hard and sometimes it was stressful to try and keep up, but it was worth it.

---

Goals for March

APT gym for the win.

Evening runs are better than no run at all!

• Read/Listen to at least 1 book per month
  I didn’t quite get through a book in February either — gotta triple down in March.

• Drinking more water
  My water intake in February didn’t quite go up as much as I would have liked - so it’ll be a continued effort to drink more water.

• Take 2 days off from social media
  The last weekend of February was the perfect time to take two days off from the world in general - no cell service meant two days off the grid and I hope to replicate that in March.

• More jogging I’m going to continue my 10K training and maybe even include some in between.

• Working on increasing my daily average for activity I increased my daily activity to almost 4 miles and 14k steps so I’m hoping to up it from there.

• More adventurous hikes - I have a few spots in mind.
  I’m hoping to snowshoe in New Mexico and find a few hikes on the weekends I’m out there for work.

• Continued daily mindful breaks and reading The Awakening I need to get back to taking a few more minutes for this and maybe some yoga.

• There’s no reason I can’t hit 100 miles for March. I had 104 in February, so lets shoot for 115-120 in March.

• I am aiming for 50%+ vegetarian. I want to be concerned about this, but when I’m out of town it can be tricky for me.

Started the month off with a sunrise in Granbury, TX on the lake… after a great night of debauchery with friends and family.

#MondayMotivation - A Healthier Mike: January 2020

“One foot in front of the other
All that we have is each other”

— Walk the Moon "One Foot"

---

Quick Stats

Total steps: 347,526

Average daily steps: 11,211

Highest daily steps: 16,804

Lowest daily steps: 6,543

Total miles walked/ran/hiked: 60.04

Total miles hiked: 9.06

Sleep stats: 5 1/2 hours per night average, 7 nights over 6 hours

Days of Activity: 26

---

View fullsize

Finally got to Guadalupe Mountains NP!

The Good

• Started off the year with a couple of hikes this month and one bucket list hike

• I salvaged the month in terms of steps, activity, and overall trajectory

• After battling the flu and trips, I managed to get back to my routine

• I beat January 2019 for steps, days of activity, miles of walking/hiking/running

• Lifting more weight and feeling more confident about my presence in a gym

• Seeing slight results from gym/food adjustments

• I don’t feel deprived of food, fun, or life due to being conscientious about my food intake

• I have developed habits already, and continue to do so daily

• I’m down 11 lbs since the start of January, which is not the main goal, but certainly helps keep me motivated

---

The Not-So-Good

• Started the year with a severe cold or flu issue - making walking, running, training, hiking, and just about everything difficult or impossible because I was also working 13-14 hour days out of town so I just needed to rest instead of pushing myself

• I did not run much in January, but that will change in February

• I had a few days when I just said “fuck-it” and that is something NOOM is helping me overcome, honestly.

• I did not exactly hit my daily activity goal in the way I wanted, so that will be a major focus in February by adding more activity in the mornings.

• Many nights were lacking in sleep. I have a plan for this issue.

---

Walking it off… because sometimes that’s all it takes to change my mood.

Mental Health

• I was feeling VERY defeated in the beginning

• Routine makes me happy and getting back to it saved me this month

• Writing in my journal daily is a vital piece to maintaining my sanity

• Exercise is when I clear my head - lifting makes me focus on breathing and just doing the damn thing instead of worrying or hurrying

• Despite the stress of work keeping me tense for ten days, I made it through the month quite well and upbeat

• I was away from my bed for 17 nights and it really taught me how to chill out and just accept things in life. Silly, but true.

---

Thoughts, Notes, Conclusions

• I am on track. I have clear goals and specific plans to achieve them.

• I am tracking my food. I’m tracking my food every day, even if it is one of those days I have too much of a good thing. Keeping my food log keeps me honest and makes me want to do well with my choices.

• My coworkers are working out. Honestly, I have the coolest friends at work who work out at lunch and have taught me so much.

• January was a win. I would have liked to push myself more, and I did let working out of town kind of slow me down a little, but the month was an overall success. I hit some goals and have adjusted others. I learned how to function out of town and still live within my food and exercise program.

---

Goals for February

I used that hotel gym the best I could!

Hiking is my happy place, most of the time.

• Read/Listen to at least 1 book per month
  I didn’t quite get through a book in January, so I’ll have to double down in February.

• Drinking more water
  My water intake in January was lower than it should have been, so I’m trying to focus in on that in February

• Take 2 days off from social media
  I’m going to have to work harder with this in February, January was a complete miss

• More jogging There will be WAY more jogging in February as I embark on my training for a 10K (so first, I will focus on actually running a mile… crawl before you walk)

• Working on increasing my daily average for activity I hit over 11k per day on average, but there’s room to grow here.

• More adventurous hikes - I have a few spots in mind.
  We will be camping as a family in Caprock Canyons State Park - back to Fern Cave I go!

• Continued daily mindful breaks and reading The Awakening I’ve read my “The Book of Awakening” every day in January and entered writing daily in my journal.

• There’s no reason I can’t hit 100 miles for February. Only 60 in January, so what’s 40 more?

• I am aiming for 50%+ vegetarian. I’ve been pretty good about breakfasts being vegetarian, but I haven’t mastered the lunch and dinner yet.

It was a cold and sunny morning - my favorite. Felt cute, didn’t delete later.

#MondayMotivation - A Healthier Mike: September-December 2019

“Here come my tears
Like a dancer on a stage
I got nothing to fear
Just a hurricane of feeling
Baby, come here
Show me how to shake
I wanna move like the air
A pirouette of pain”

— Mother Mother "I Must Cry Out Loud"

---

Quick Stats

Total steps: Sep: 242,452 / Oct: 292,547 / Nov: 313,324 / Dec: 382,398

Average daily steps: Sep: 8,082 / Oct: 9,438 / Nov: 10,444 / Dec: 12,335

Highest daily steps: Sep: 22,014 / Oct: 14,353 / Nov: 15,185 / Dec: 16,481

Lowest daily steps: Sep: 3,956 / Oct: 2,536 / Nov: 3,421 / Dec: 8,582

Total miles walked/ran/hiked: Sep: 21.95 / Oct: 62.66 / Nov: 54.76 / Dec: 85.7

Total miles hiked: Sep: 11.88 / Oct: 0 / Nov: 8.92 / Dec: 2.72

Sleep stats: Sep: 5:24 / Oct: 5:13 / Nov 5:03 / Dec: 5:38

Days of Activity: Sep: 9 / Oct: 23 / Nov: 26 / Dec: 31

---

View fullsize

Fall temps and colors hanging on in Texas!

The Good

• Finished the year by starting a workout routine in the gym 5 days per week

• Enjoyed a few good hikes with great intentions for 2020 (as always)

• Spent a little more time on trails in November and December, which was a welcomed change

• The weather is cooler and the holiday lights are uplifting - especially on evening dog walks

• I increased my activity and steps as the year ended - helping me reach goals and set the stage for 2020

• Really started to reign in the poor eating and drinking habits in November with a big shift to saving money, eating in, and eating food better for my body

• Experimenting with food to see what is helping me gain the muscle I’m training for while losing the excess fat

• My aunt and I had a nice little hike in the Lincoln National Forest over in BEAUTIFUL New Mexico. The trees smelled so good and it was a nice little change of pace.

• Had the most amazing hike in North Cascades National Park - challenged my fitness, cleared my head, and brought me right back to the moment. I honestly haven’t felt as good as I did on that hike in a while. (September)

---

The Not-So-Good

• I haven’t been as committed to vegetarian meals

• Despite an increased effort, I haven’t been able to sleep more

• Did not hike NEARLY as much as I’d have liked (this quarter and the previous two months)

• I did not lose 35 lbs by 35 years old - but it’s not for a lack of trying

• I did not kayak really at all the final quarter of the year - SO SAD.

• Barely rode my bike. I wonder if part of it is how I think I look on my bike and the other part of it is having to fold my seats down to take it anywhere but the nearby neighborhood because crossing all of these main roads scares the shit out of me? **update: bike was stolen from porch so in the process of a new one

• After one leg day in November, my knee was fucked. It had swollen to a very large size and remained in pain for a few days. It has been better, but I’m still afraid to do lunges. I did still do other leg day activities and squats seemed to be OK, even with added weight

• The Holidays really jolted my habits and I’m ready to get back to normal.

---

Walks with my love and the best dog

Mental Health

• Work was absolutely draining and the main contributor to my depressive episodes over the past four months

• Did not read my daily motivation or write daily, which needs to happen in 2020

• Did not get to disconnect as often as I’d like, but have scaled back my social media

• Weightlifting has been helping my overall mental health be more positive

• I’ve been writing poems or little blurbs that make no sense but make me feel better

• Focusing on things I can control and can change has made a huge difference in my overall outlook on life

• Realizing that I’m making progress in other areas of my life makes me less hard on myself for my older poor life choices

---

A glorious hike at North Cascades National Park - Cascade Pass trail

Thoughts, Notes, Conclusions

• I am currently on track. I have found my way again - in a balanced sense. I know what I need to do, I’m doing it, and I’m working harder than before. I’m adding weight as I gain knowledge and skill, walking daily, and eating more intelligently.

• I am tracking my food. I’ve signed up to use NOOM until August, 2020. I’m working on changing my habits and their monitoring and database is pretty good for weird things. They are kind of like Weight Watchers where they focus on types of calories.

• My coworkers are working out and trying too. Having some support, is helpful and I’m so lucky to have some people to go to the gym with over lunch break

• 2019 Was a huge success overall. I had many great months and plenty of excellent memories. I have been more active than 2018 and learned so many skills to take into 2020. I finished the year with a 325% increase in steps and activity, numerically speaking. I walked more, though I hiked less, and added weightlifting. I have goals, public and secret, that are pushing me on towards the finish line in 2020.

---

Goals for January 2020 & Beyond

Flashy shoes make everything better

More weight, please!

• Read/Listen to at least 1 book per month
  I have failed at larger numbers, so we’ll start with a bare minimum of 1 book per month with hopes it’ll be more. I have a huge stack to get through in 2020

• Working on drinking less booze, and more water. Currently, drinking less alcohol is really easy as it aligns with my plans to get stronger and leaner. Water, well, that can be a challenge when swamped at work or on the road.

• Take 2 days off from social media My plan is to take a weekend off in January and every month thereafter

• More jogging I’m beginning my training for a 10K in September. I have 9 months and January seems like an appropriate starting point. I will also include more leg work and actual trail runs. More hiking will also help. The 10K I’m doing is up 2000ft in 3 miles. I’m exploring the option of delaying my workday until 9AM if it means I can try to get to a trail beforehand - we’ll see how that goes.

• Working on increasing my daily average for activity I consistently increased activity and movement through December and don’t plan to backslide. In January, I hope to hit a 12K steps per day average and run at least 1 trail per week (or attempt to run) Hoping to walk the dog at least 3 miles per day through January, which is a real challenge because the 2 mile route is easier and faster when I have a shitload of things to do every evening.

• More adventurous hikes - I have a few spots in mind.
  I have high hopes for a few big trips - and trail runs will count as hikes in 2020. I will re-attempt the Adventure Series of the 52 Hike Challenge again in hopes of actually completing the list.

• Continued daily mindful breaks and reading The Awakening Daily reading and journal logging is going to be a requirement for January and beyond. Points of reference would be helpful with my spreadsheets of data on health/fitness. There was a huge dip in August and September and if I had taken better notes along the way I may know exactly what caused it. Added bonus - notes help release thoughts which can lessen the darkness….

• There’s no reason I can’t hit 100 miles for January. More walks, hikes, jogs, and bike rides.

• I am aiming for 50%+ vegetarian. I’m going to use this as a target, but may have to adjust and add sustainable seafood. I just can’t eat that many beans and lentils. Most soy stuff, not even super protein rich, is irritating to my system.