Lenten Fail

Remember my Lenten challenge? To do one selfish thing everyday for Lent, to honor myself and God? Ugh, fail. I wish I had the patience to finish any task I set up for myself. Oh well, such is life.

For the rest of Lent, I am going to make a conscious effort to treat myself better. I need to love myself like everyone else loves me. I don't lack confidence; I'm self-deprecating to a fault and am in a long-term relationship with modesty. I need to embrace my flaws but also embrace the things that are cool about me. I am going to remember why I'm a good person.

I know this is going to be tough, but I'm all about growth and self-improvement, so I'm willing to put in the work to appreciate myself more. I am going to start by completing my 50th work out of the semester tomorrow (I hope to reach 75 before I go home for summer) and reward myself with some new running shorts. This week is supposed to be sunny everyday, so I'm looking forward to getting some Vitamin D while I write some papers.

Not only am I going to love myself this week, but I'm also going to live in the present moment. This semester (and school year, really) went by so fast, and I want to love every moment I have left with my senior friends. So, with that said, I'm going to get off the computer and spend some QT with my roomie.

be well!

Lent 2011: I'm Doin Me Week 3

Today concludes week three of Lent. My agreement for this year (didn't give anything up!) was to do one selfish thing everyday. So far it's been a fun challenge! Check out Weeks 1 and 2 before you read on about week 3.

• Monday: I went to Barnes and Noble and picked up Water for Elephants. I LOVELOVELOVE Reese Witherspoon and am quite fond of Robert Pattinson as well. ;) I cannot wait to see the movie, but I love to read books first, because the movies never measure up. I’m about a third of the way through, and it’s heartbreaking and intriguing and genuine and unique all at the same time.
• Tuesday: I gave myself a day off from the treadmill. Always good to let your body recoup.
• Wednesday: I got a massage J My favorite pastime, which I would partake in much more frequently if it were a cheaper hobby. I carry a lot of stress in my upper back, so it felt amazing to have all that tension worked out. If ever you find your self in little ol’ Hollister, CA, make sure to hit up Tranquility Day Spa.
• Thursday: I did my favorite form of cardio—shopping. There is really something to be said about retail therapy.
• Friday: I ran four miles. It was such a challenge to my body, but I got through it and am stronger because of it.
• Saturday: I got a pedicure. This week was certainly full of pampering. I think I deserved it though, so I don’t feel guilty. Now my toes are a pretty shade of pink and will hopefully stay nice until I’m home for summer!
• Sunday: I made my whole family breakfast (recipe coming soon!). This wasn’t selfish and was hardly just for me, but I really love being in the kitchen and am enjoying learning to cook! I consider it self-improvement.

More exciting news! Yesterday I paid for my Paris program in full and booked my flight. I can't believe I'm really going! I absolutely cannot wait. Sometime this week I'm going to be launching a separate travel blog specifically for to do lists, wish lists, and of course, updates when I'm abroad. I can hardly contain my excitement about all of it.

be well!