Ok now, how did we already arrived in September? What is going on. When time just flies by it’s especially important to scribble down the good things. As we all know the mind tricks us into remembering the bad stuff much better than the good things. A few things I wanted to do fell through… (ok, a lot. Roll-over goals coming in) Either because I wasn’t really forcing them, there was another party involved or just because life happened. But shaping happiness is August happened. Here is my record.
How I incorporated my word SHAPE in August
Shaping Life and Happiness
- I have watched a lot of Olympics and it was wonderful.
- I have spent a lot of time on the terrace. It’s a happy place for sure.
- I received government funding for further training as AI Manager.
- I photographed The Mayor of Berlin when he visited the hospital I am working for.
Shaping Health and Body
- I ate a lot of salads in August (don’t tell anyone I ate at least as much ice cream).
- I walked 133,4 kilometers and an average of 4.742 steps daily in August. That is way way lower than the previous month and it actually moved me below my monthly set goal for the yer. Have to pick it up the coming months. Three days I hit the 10.000 steps goal. (Edit: I did not wear my Apple Watch every hour of the day… his might be the reason…)
- I managed to close my Apple Watch rings one time. Upps.
- I did 7 yoga sessions and a total of 4 hours and 2 minutes. An average of 34 minutes.
- I did 4 weight lifting sessions a total of 1 hour 11 minutes and an average of 17 minutes.
- I went swimming 14 times for at least 20 minutes each time. I only did pushups twice the days I didn’t go swimming.
- A couple of times I jogged (yes jogged) to the swimming spot. I wasn’t as breathless as when trying to run home in rain earlier this year.
Shaping Mind & Soul
- I tried to listen to my body and slowed down. I did have enough migraine but while they lingered they were mild.
- I have been sorting through my herb harvest and tinctures and liquors and it was very satisfying.
- I have cleaned up my laptop a bit and less clutter is calming.
- I have sat outside in the dark and watched the stars and listened to the tawny owl living in the trees behind the house.*
*random fact I just learned: there are three different words for owl in German Uhu (eagle owl), Eule (owl) and Käuzchen (smaller owls such as the tawny owl). But only one translation to English. - I had breakfast at the little picnic table one morning.
Shaping Relationships
- I’ve met an acquaintances (friend?!) for lunch. A photographer I worked with and who I know from over 20 years now. We had Korean. Good. Should not be waiting years to meet up.
- I had an after work call with my sister because we haven’t seen each other in so long.
- I had another quick call with my other sister.
- I spend a lot of time visiting blogs and commenting (114 comments).
Shaping Home
- I listed 30 things on eBay. I sold 2 things.
- I managed to clean the house a bit more thoroughly. Still room for improvement.
Shapes in the wild
I am on a hunt to find shapes in the places around me. Here is one I found.
Found these weird round shapes – cutouts – in the pavement on my walk.
How I will SHAPE life and happiness in September
I am currently feeling like I should slow down a bit. Take a breather and not overdo it with my goals. Adding the AI Manager training to my plate will take some energy and motivation that I need to deduct from somewhere.
- Shaping Life and Happiness I will plan and FIX something fun to do in the future (vacation or date day).
- Shaping Health and Body I will continue to do yoga and aim for 3 times a week. I will try to use the hot days for more swimming. I will follow the Belly Blast Visceral Fat Challenge by Dr. Mary Claire Haver and try to get into my zone 2 heart rate as often as possible… not sure how I get there though. I may try different things biking, dancing, jogging, jumping? Suggestions welcome.
- Shaping Mind & Soul I will broaden my mind by starting the AI Manager course. I will go to church. I will read. I will watch the night sky.
- Shaping Relationships I will visit the Little Prince Musical with my mom and sister. I will go on a boat ride with my mom and the husband (not steering myself unfortunately). I will see my best friend. We will be at a BBQ. I will see my pen pal friend again, finally.
- Shaping Home I will start hanging my picture wall and figure out new pieces to add (roll-over goal – third time is a charm). I will tidy and clean my home office. I will sell 3 things on eBay. I will drop off a book in the little free library at church.
What was magical to you in November? Did you experience a magical moment? What magic will hopefully happen in December? Do you have one magical moment you are looking forward too?
10 comments
It sounds like you had a lovely month, Tobia! Salads and ice cream sound perfect. It’s nice that you took some time to enjoy some of summer’s magical aspects.
Thanks Michelle. I feel like this month I just tried to catch up. But the swimming was such a good part. And truly summer.
I like how aware you are that adding something (AI course) means subtracting something else. I think too often we just add add add, and that is how we get overwhelmed and worn out.
Thank you Julie. I was sitting Sunday morning writing this post and kept coming up with goals and intentions and writing it all down was really overwhelming. So I went back and took a few things off. I have already felt late August that September will be tough: work wise, mentally, physically so I need to scale back… but it’s true I also usually keep adding and adding
This is such a fun exercise that you do. I also had a bit of a rough month in August in terms of movement/exercise goals, but now it’s a new month, right?!
Definitely a new month. A blank slate. A new beginning. Hope September is good to you.
That sounds like a lovely month. And I would completely agree on the time flying by. I always make a calendar towards the end of the year and looking through the photos always reminds me of how many things we did even it feels like the blink of an eye.
Oh yeah, it’s good to look through images at the end because so many good things get buried too fast in every day routines.
You did a great job incorporating your word into your month. I really love all the movement (you jogged!) and that you got to photograph the mayor. That must have been cool. I am also so happy about your outdoor space that you were able to enjoy!
Yes I jogged. Not anything comparable to you but I did and I did it willingly. HA! I love my outdoor space. Unfortunately weather is fall like with lots of rain so no more.