Motivation Monday: Ideas for a Purposeful June

So, on this Motivation Monday...

We are almost halfway through 2020 and it still feels a bit like we're stuck in a game of Jumanji. Despite the world feeling a bit upside down, Cliff and I are determined to stay safe, help others stay safe, and focus on taking inventory of the year so far. Boy, does that sound clinical. We plan to do this in as fun a way as possible, I promise! So on this Motivation Monday, I thought it would be fun to share some of our goals for the month - in case you would find any ideas helpful, or would like to share along with us! 

Daily Likes + Dislikes

Cliff learned of a neat idea while listening to a podcast a few months ago, and this is one we have wanted to implement for a while (even though we have been inside for so long, where has the time gone?). During the month of June, we plan to check in with each other and help learn a little more about each other and, in turn, ourselves. The idea is relatively simple - list 5 likes and dislikes each day and share them with each other, allowing the brief discussion to get to know each other better. Even after 10 years together and 4 years of marriage, there is always more to discover and make sure we are growing with one another. What is particularly important? No pressure...the lists can be as simple as "I've decided I don't like halogen lightbulbs," or as deep as something that causes sustained anxiety. We are excited to see where this leads and plan to share our progress with you! 

Cleaning out the *Literal* Closet

Simple, yet effective. It's time to take inventory of our wardrobe and make room for new, more fitting (pun intended) options. He may protest this idea, but Cliff's side of the closet will probably take a little longer than mine. He's ready to get a little more picky about style and fit, so we are going to take some time to thank certain pieces for their service and start researching a style that fits his needs right now. While we're at it, I'll join the journey, too. 

When was the last time you cleaned out your closet and do you like to sell or donate your lovingly-used items? 

Measurements

That's right, this communications girl is promoting a math-based approach to organizing our apartment and life. Crazy, right? Just like it's probably a good idea to follow insurance protocal and keep pictures and serial numbers of valuable items in your home, it is also a good idea to keep measurements of your space for quick reference when shopping online or speaking with a designer (our budget means we are DIY all the way right now). 😉 This means keeping a file of window measurements (for window treatments), room dimensions, and measurements of important pieces of furniture should be on file. 

What may be even more scary, but good to know, are our actual body measurements...*groan.* Shopping online is more popular than ever and we both dread shopping for clothes, finding they don't fit, and sending them back. Measurements may not be able to convey the feel of the material, how long it will last, etc., but it might be able to give us a fighting chance. I have a feeling this will work better for Cliff...as a woman, shopping is just a little more challenging. Am I right, ladies? 

Mindfulness + Yoga

Getting that mind right is SO important. Do you ever go through periods where you mediate or practice yoga for a few days and then let it fall by the wayside? I feel like every season we try to practice better mindfulness, but it only lasts for a few days or weeks before it gets more difficult to maintain. Maybe it's the Southern heat, or the state of the world right now, but trying to stay centered is needed now more than ever. We hope to try morning and/or evening yoga to calm down and focus on health in a new way. Our efforts to lose weight and stay toned mean that we go through the grind on a regular basis, and it is time to incorporate a more gentle (although yoga is not always gentle) approach to taking care of our bodies. They are a temple; though, we forget that often. 

When we have been good about meditating or yoga practice, we feel more calm before work or bed and I feel more clear-headed. It would take practice on a much more regular basis to make that mindful feeling last all day, but that is why this is the perfect time to re-engage this effort. 

A Few More Hours of Relaxation

Unplug, unplug, unplug - after reading this post, of course! 😉 It might seem counter-intuitive for Monday Motivation, but relaxing...even spending a little less time online would probably do us ALL some good. June is the perfect time to get outside and explore a new park, hiking destination, or just curl up with a good book when temps hit 90º and higher. Here in Alabama, we have afternoon thunderstorms quite regularly and there are few things greater than napping during a thunderstorm. It's my hope that will be where the next greatest blog post idea will be born. We shall see. 🙂 

Which of these ideas do you think would be most helpful in your life this June? What makes your Motivation Monday a success? Share your ideas as well! Until next time, cheers to your #hearthhealthhappiness!