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Reader,

I didn't make any New Years resolutions this year, but I did set one goal: to write and send 52 newsletters this year.

I already messed it up.

Today will be the fourth newsletter out of the six weeks of the year. And while that's not too horribly far off from pace, it wasn't the strong, consistent start I expected. I feel that sinking feeling between my sternum and my spine. I let myself down.

But on Monday morning, I journaled about this. And in an effort to show up, course correct, and do better than I was doing before, I'm sharing this journal entry with you:

2/5/2024

"Gosh, I really need to get back on track."

Words that have fallen from my lips or danced across my mind hundreds, maybe thousands of times, before, like those pesky, critical thoughts you just can't kick.

As I brushed off my sleepies and cracked open my eyes, those words hovered in my mind.

It's a Monday morning after a week of working and skiing and driving and going new places and doing new things and a whole lot of eating out and missed workouts and empty journal pages. My perfect morning routine didn't last and my body was more of a fun house than a temple.

But looking back on that week, looking for the newsletter that's nowhere to be found, I would change it or trade it for anything else. I wouldn't take a do-over to eat more salads or squeeze in more workouts or walks [or face the screen like I'm doing to type to you now].

All of the days I've lived in the last week and the last month, soaked in imperfection and lined with rough edges of what it means to be human, are leading me to where I'm supposed to be.

I didn't "fall off track."

I twisted and turned with the ebbs and the flows and the mystery and magic of this messy, unpredictable life.

As I settle back in to this present moment, a sleepy Monday morning back in my kitchen, two steps in to my ten step routine, I'm beaming with gratitude for the days I've been lucky to live, the places I've been, the meals I've had, and the people I know that I keep pinching myself for, over and over again, knowing that this is all so good, even when my mind veers off course.

Wrapped in a glowing, warm light, growing from my chest, I'm reminded of love and respect I have for myself.

So today I'll move forward from that safe place.

I'll talk nicely to myself and nourish my body and move and sweat and smile and learn. Because I can. Because I'm able. Because I want all of this sweet life for as long as I possibly can.

No punishment. No resentment. No negative thoughts or critical comments on this body that carries me through each glimmering day, and cradles me through the rain.

Just the same support I'd give to my friends and family, a hug to myself, every step of the way.

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your daily pick me up

Think about one thing you messed up on lately. It could be falling short of your New Years Resolution, missing your workout yesterday, eating out too much last week, raising your voice at someone in your family, or anything really.

Take a few minutes to journal about the fault you made, how it made you feel, and any negative self talk you've given yourself or disappointment you've felt.

Now reframe that. What should you have said to yourself instead? What could you do or say that would help you move forward in a productive light? Today's affirmation is just one place to start.

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Repeat after me...

Say this affirmation out loud in the mirror 10 times every day. Write it in your journal over and over. Visualize it before bed. Feel it. Believe it.

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What I’m loving

A few days ago I received my Oura ring in the mail, and I'm already looooving it so far. It's so much smaller and cuter than the FitBit I've been wearing, and I love the personalized goals and reports every day. It's not cheap, but I bought mine using my FSA account here so using girl math, and considering I paid with pre-tax dollars, I got it 30% off, and I had to spend to save.

Seriously though, in the same way that I tracked my finances before I wanted to buy a house, tracking my health metrics and goals help me keep them top of mind, so I continue to prioritize my health and longevity. Worth it!

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Have an amazing rest of your week, Reader.

💕 Morgan