So, I got the idea for this post from the lovely Kate who co-founded Thirty On Tap (the website I contribute to occasionally).

Predictably, this goes along with the whole self-care theme I’ve been running into the ground exploring lately, but I like the idea of reflecting upon the month at large and setting small self-improvement centered goals throughout the year.

I hope to make this a monthly thing. <3

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

5 things that have served me well this past month

Starting a notebook for post-therapy reflections // The over-achiever in me wants to be the ideal “perfect” client (yeah, I’m working on that…), but this is also a good way to stay on topic and ensure too many awkward silences don’t arise. It’s also a way to hold myself accountable to my goals and discover things that may not come up organically.

Eating more intuitively in the mornings // For a while there I was eating the same thing every morning (brown rice cakes + PB + sliced banana + sprinkling of chia seeds—which I don’t hate), but it got monotonous. Now, I’m just eating whatever I feel like eating. For a few days it was smoothies, last week it was yogurt bowls + granola + cacao nibs and English muffins with cashew butter + cacao nibs or fruit. I’m limited on time, which sucks, because last week my tummy really wanted a fried egg, but being excited about breakfast helps start the day a little better, you know? Plus, intuitive eating leads to intuitive living (just ask Alexis).

Returning to my lunch-time walks // It’s still hot as HECK so I’m a little sweaty when I come back from lunch, but that fresh air and mid-day reflection soothes my soul. And it’s nice when I get to see my toothy, reptilian “friend,” Charlie (don’t worry, I see him from a safe distance).

Getting my hair cut in a slightly new-to-me style // I’ve been wanting a long, slightly-asymmetric bob, so that’s what I got. It’s barely longer in the front—not too drastic—and it looks and feels great when I actually fix it! There’s just something about a fresh haircut that makes me feel good.

Reading more in the evenings // One day I will stop talking about this book, but reading Present Over Perfect was such a game-changer. Even though I finished it a couple weeks ago, I still think about the lessons it taught (and continues to teach) me. I look forward to evening reading time now—and I think I sleep better when I allow myself enough time to really relax and enjoy whatever I’m reading.

…and 3 things that haven’t

Weighing myself daily on the scale // I’ve talked about this before—how my weight has increased and how I began weighing myself mostly out of curiosity—but now it’s become something I do automatically. It’s not something I think about constantly, but I have found myself cheering a little “yes!” if the number is lower in the mornings. Meh…I don’t want to let a pound or two dictate how I start my mornings, so I’m going to make a concerted effort to avoid stepping on the scale. Heck, maybe I’ll even pack it away. #outofsightoutofmind

Continued mindless scrolling on social media (particularly Instagram) // I think we’ve all read how Instagram is the worst social media platform for comparison. I can see why—it’s often a heavily-curated highlight reel—but I will say that I mostly feel inspiration and positive vibes from the accounts I follow. Still, I spend way too much time scrolling—and it’s a bad example to my child!

Obsessing over my daily step goal // Movement is and always will be important to me, but since it’s been raining so much and my movement has been limited as a result, I’ve been more obsessed over reaching my 10,000 steps. I even stayed late at the gym the other week so I could walk the track (after my 45-minute HIIT class) and hit my goal. While we all need to exercise and get our bodies moving, it’s not worth stressing over and walking around the house in circles before bed (yep, I did this a few times last month).

Catherine reflects on June: what’s served her well and what hasn’t #TOL #selfcare
Click To Tweet

[linking up with Amanda for thinking out loud]

So tell me…

• What actions/choices have served you well this past month?
• What do you think you need to change going forward?

The post 5 Things That Have Served Me Well in June and 3 That Haven’t appeared first on A Cup of Catherine.