MySelf-improvement

Entry #159 Back to Bed Today was one of those nonstop days that reminds me just how much can happen in 24 hours. From a whirlwind shift at work to carving out time for my fitness goals, and finally unwinding at home with family, it was a day filled with movement, meaning, and small victories that made me pause and feel grateful. Work Was a Beast Today The day started with an intense grind at work. I barely had time to breathe between tasks, and the hours flew by in a blur of activity. It was one of those days where everything seemed urgent and every second mattered. But despite the chaos, I stayed focused and pushed through. Days like this can be exhausting, but there’s a strange satisfaction in knowing I gave it my all. Back to the Gym Grind After clocking out, I didn’t let fatigue win. I headed straight to the gym to keep up with my commitment to staying active and strong. Even though my body was tired from work, I powered through my workout—another hour dedicated to my f...

Entry #158 Small wins build big momentum. Start your day strong — even when everything else goes sideways Introduction Life doesn’t always go as planned, but sometimes that’s where the best lessons come from. Today, I had one of those moments — forgetting my breakfast and lunch at home. While it started out as an inconvenience, the day quickly turned into a reminder of how powerful small daily habits can be. This is a story about choosing progress over perfection and how a simple morning workout made all the difference. When Things Don’t Go as Planned This morning, I rushed out the door and didn’t realize until I was well on my way that I had left both my breakfast and lunch behind. That meant spending unexpected money — which I try to avoid — and scrambling to find decent food options. It wasn’t ideal. It disrupted my routine and left me feeling a little frustrated. But instead of letting that setback take over my mood, I took a breath and reminded myself that one slip-up ...

Entry #157 Life is a Highway Wow — what a wild, exhausting, and unforgettable weekend that was! I knew heading into it that the next few days were going to be busy and hectic, but honestly, I didn’t expect it to hit me as hard as it did. Even with early mornings and non-stop movement, it never seemed like there were enough hours in the day to get everything done. But looking back... I wouldn’t trade it for anything. --- A Road Trip Fueled by Excitement (and Coffee) Saturday started early. With a three-hour drive ahead of me, I made sure to shower, pack up the van, and meet up with my crew for breakfast before hitting the road. We left right on schedule — hoping to stay ahead of traffic and buy myself enough time to set up for my upcoming show. Unfortunately, life had other plans. Traffic delays meant the drive home took longer than expected — and the clock was ticking. --- Unload, Reload, Repeat The second I pulled into my driveway, there was no time to waste. I quickly unl...

Entry #156 The Pick is In After a whirlwind few days, I finally made it back home from my road trip this evening—and let me tell you, I am absolutely beat. While it wasn't a long vacation, it was still my first real break in a very long time. You'd think I would return home well-rested, but instead, I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation! Still, the experience was well worth it, and I'm grateful for the memories, the lessons, and even the challenges. Planning Ahead: My Unexpected Favorite Purchase Earlier this year, when I knew the trip was happening, I decided it was time to invest in some better travel gear. Instead of a traditional weekender bag, I picked up two convertible bags from Fabletics . At the time, I wasn’t sure how practical they would be, but now that I'm back, I can confidently say: they were some of the best purchases I’ve made recently. Not only do the bags look sleek and stylish, but they also hold a lot more than I expected. ...

Entry #155 Rain Rain Go Away They say when it rains, it pours—and lately, that feels like the perfect description of my life. Just when I thought I was getting a handle on things, life decided to test me with one financial curveball after another. As a homeowner, pet parent, and someone recovering from an injury, I’ve been navigating some rough waters—and it’s only the start of the year. After my recent show, I had planned to tackle a few long-overdue projects around the house. Nothing major, just some work I’ve been putting off and really wanted to get done. But, as life would have it, things didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. What was supposed to be a simple improvement ended up revealing more problems than I expected. Suddenly, the to-do list doubled, and the stress came rolling in. Like many homeowners, I scheduled a routine air conditioner tune-up—just one of those things you check off your seasonal maintenance list. But instead of peace of mind, I got a whole new ...

Entry #154 Hot Fun With a big show just around the corner, today was all about preparation, errands, and a little bit of unexpected fun. These pre-event days can feel like a blur of to-do lists and last-minute scrambles, but there’s something satisfying about checking off each task and inching closer to being ready. Here’s how my day unfolded while getting one step closer to showtime. The day kicked off with a trip to storage, where I began sorting through the items I plan to take to the show. As I moved back and forth, loading and shifting boxes, I could’ve sworn I heard Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’” playing in the background—my own spontaneous soundtrack for the hustle. It was a grind, but I managed to pull together a solid first load of collectibles and supplies to bring along. Next on my checklist was picking up some much-needed show essentials—starting with tablecloths. Not only do they hide those unsightly folding tables, but they also add a polished, professional to...

Entry #153 Lightning Crashes  There’s nothing quite as revitalizing as a good night’s sleep. It has the power to reset our minds, heal our bodies, and prepare us for the challenges of a new day. Unfortunately, last night was anything but restful. My faithful companion — my dog — was restless, unsettled by a long, rumbling thunderstorm that shook the house. As he paced and whined through the night, I found myself wide awake, counting down the hours until morning. Knowing that my day ahead would be packed, I decided to get up early and tackle it head-on, even though fatigue clung to me like a heavy blanket. After letting my loyal sidekick out for his morning routine, I checked my email and was pleasantly surprised to see a notification about an order I placed last week. I had snagged some great deals on shoe racks, new toys for my pup, and cleaning kits for my dad’s beloved griddle. I’d been eagerly awaiting this delivery — not only for the satisfaction of organizing my...

Entry #152 A Day of Lessons: Managing Busy Schedules, Setbacks, and Staying Focused on Growth Some days you wake up knowing it's going to be a busy one. Yesterday evening, I sat down and carefully planned out my itinerary for today. I was genuinely excited as I went to bed, knowing that waking up early would give me the best chance to tackle everything on my list. With a well-organized plan in hand, I felt optimistic about how smoothly my day would go. After waking up, it didn’t take long to get ready. I took my faithful companion out for a quick walk and gathered everything I’d need to navigate the day ahead. I thought to myself, this should be a pretty easy day . If everything went according to plan, I’d finish early and even have some time to unwind. My first stop was the gym. I arrived just before it was set to open, parking my car and grabbing my gym bag with anticipation. A few people were already in line, and I joined them, mentally going over my to-do list. ...

Entry #151 Finding Joy in the Hustle: Why My Upcoming Show Means More Than Just Business Life has a way of testing our endurance, and for me, the past few months have been a long, rough, and exhausting stretch. Between recovering from an injury, jumping back into work, and preparing for an upcoming event that I’ve eagerly anticipated, it’s felt like a marathon with no finish line in sight. But finally, the moment I’ve been working toward is here — my vacation starts today, and so does the excitement for one of my favorite shows of the year. What makes this even better is that it’s not just me feeling the anticipation — my loyal clients and friends are counting down the days too. The Journey Back to Work: A Renewed Appreciation Having only been back at work for two months after my injury gave me a whole new appreciation for my job. Funny enough, the last time I felt this happy to clock in was after my previous injury. There’s something about being forced to step away from yo...

Entry #150 A Productive Day Off: Juggling Errands, Workouts, and Pet Duties Some days off are meant for relaxation — and then there are those days that feel busier than a regular workday. Today was one of those days for me. I knew it would be a hectic one, which is why I made it a point to wake up early and map out everything I needed to tackle. Having a solid plan in place is crucial when you’re trying to stay productive and avoid letting one missed task derail the rest of your week. My morning started with taking out my faithful companion for his usual walk before getting myself ready to head out. I always find that starting the day by caring for my dog helps center me before the chaos begins. As I mentally ran through my to-do list — groceries, watching my parents' dogs, cleaning the bathroom, a workout, laundry, dishes — I realized just how packed the day was going to be. To complicate things further, several of the stores I needed to visit were scattered far from h...

Entry #149 In the Summertime As the days grow longer and the warm air starts to settle in, I can feel the excitement of summer building all around me. There’s something magical about this time of year — a season filled with carnivals, flea markets, concerts, and those spontaneous adventures that only summer seems to inspire. Every year, as we inch closer to those sunny days, I find myself reflecting on past summers while eagerly setting new intentions for the one ahead. This year is no different. The anticipation of warm nights under string lights at carnivals, browsing through unique finds at flea markets, and waking up early for neighborhood garage sales has me buzzing with excitement. But beyond the events and activities, there’s another driving force this season: personal growth and fitness. I’ve been pushing myself harder than ever, both in the kitchen and at the gym, hoping to see the progress reflected not just in the mirror but in the way I feel. One of the best ...

Entry #148 Sacrifice  Success doesn't come without sacrifices. Whether you're chasing career growth, personal development, or health goals, at some point you’ll have to ask yourself: what am I willing to give up to get what I want? It’s a tough but necessary question — and lately, it’s one I’ve been reflecting on deeply. Right now, there are only a few major goals left on my list: weight loss, financial stability, and truly discovering who I am. I’ve made progress in other areas of my life, like organizing my space and improving my environment, especially while I was home from work. But now that I’m back in the grind, my focus has shifted to these remaining priorities — and it’s time to face the sacrifices needed to make them happen. To reach my goals, I realize I need to invest more time in both working and working out. It won’t happen overnight, and patience has never been my strongest trait. I’m aware that if I want real, lasting change, I have to learn to be mor...

Entry #147 Goal Embarking on a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With consistency, mindful habits, and a strong sense of purpose, it’s possible to see real change. For me, the goal isn’t just about looking better—it’s about feeling better, building confidence, and living a healthier life. Here’s how I’m approaching my own transformation, one step at a time. Every Friday, I weigh myself to track my progress—whether I’ve gained, lost, or maintained my weight. This weekly ritual helps me stay accountable and gives me a clear picture of how my health is evolving. I also take measurements using a tape measure around key areas: waist, hips, chest, arms, and thighs. These numbers, along with visual changes and how my clothes fit, help me evaluate how my body is responding to my efforts. Alongside tracking progress, I’ve made major changes to my eating habits. Whether you want to call it cutting, detoxing, clean eating, or a lifestyle change—t...

Entry #146 Who Needs Sleep? Some days start with exhaustion and still manage to fill your heart with purpose. Today was one of those days. After a restless night, I woke up feeling drained, yet determined to keep moving forward. Life doesn’t pause when you’re tired—it just keeps going, and so did I. Sleep eluded me last night, leaving me groggy this morning. But my loyal companion, full of energy, jumped into the day early, eager to play. Eventually, even he wore himself out and went back to bed for a nap. I made myself some breakfast and began getting ready for the long day ahead. Exhaustion has a way of making time drag, and today felt never-ending. Despite being tired, I pushed through and got everything on my to-do list done. After work and a gym session, I made one last essential stop to pick up an order. There had been an amazing online sale on some items I genuinely needed—an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. When I finally made it home, I was welcomed with excited...

Entry #145 A Fresh New Cut There's something special about mornings that start with peace and familiarity. Today felt like a scene from a movie—"A Beautiful Morning" by The Rascals could’ve easily been the soundtrack playing in the background. My faithful companion greeted me with his usual joy, and as we got ready for our morning walk, birds chirped in the distance like a soundtrack of summer. But the illusion of spring quickly vanished the moment we opened the door—winter’s icy breath reminded us it still had a grip on the season. With a bit of excitement and anticipation, I set out for a much-needed haircut. I'd saved a few hairstyle inspirations on my phone and was ready to collaborate with my barber. The drive there, surprisingly smooth and peaceful, gave me a chance to reflect and reset. Once I arrived, we reviewed the styles, talked them through, and landed on something fresh. It was different from my usual look, but I left the chair feeling lighter...

Entry #144 The Final Game  Change is never easy, but it’s often the spark we need to get back on track. As I continue on my weight loss journey, I’ve realized it’s time for a reset—not just with my health goals, but with my overall look and mindset. Sometimes, small changes can lead to big transformations, and for me, that means rethinking how I approach my diet and fitness, and even switching up my hairstyle. Both are symbolic ways of showing myself that I’m ready to move forward with intention and renewed energy. Even though I’ve been steadily losing weight and seeing my body fat percentage drop, I had to ask myself—am I truly doing enough? Am I being as consistent and mindful as I could be? The truth is, there’s room for improvement. I know that by continuing to fine-tune what I eat, I can enhance my progress. Every small decision, from portion control to food choices, adds up over time. This past week, having friends over to watch the basketball games made it harder...

Entry #143 Before the Madness  With the excitement of the Men's Final Four just around the corner, today offered a much-needed moment of calm. My faithful companion and I took full advantage of this rare pause to slow down, recharge, and simply enjoy the quiet. As much as I love the energy of having people over for big events, I’ve come to realize that those moments of peace in between are just as valuable—if not more. The Women's Final Four provided the perfect background for a low-key day. Knowing that tomorrow will bring another wave of socializing, cheering, and shared excitement, it was nice to simply relax and take in the present moment. I'm learning to treasure days like this more and more, especially as life gets busier. One of the highlights of my day was catching up with my best friend. Our conversations are always meaningful—we talk about everything from family to work to personal growth. Although we don’t connect as frequently as we used to, we’ve ma...

Entry #142 Food For Thought  Patience has never been my strong suit, especially when it comes to home projects. With multiple tasks waiting for me after my upcoming trip, I decided to get a head start today. Although I tried to hold off, my excitement got the best of me, and I ended up ordering some of the supplies I needed. No regrets, though—I’d rather be prepared than scrambling at the last minute. Since many stores were launching their sales today, I took advantage of the deals and did my weekly shopping earlier than usual. I was lucky to find some much-needed items on clearance, which helped me stay under budget despite purchasing more than I originally planned. While I was thrilled with my savings, my faithful companion—my dog—was less enthusiastic about the time I spent away. After unloading my purchases, I took him outside and noticed something alarming—part of my fence was damaged. A closer inspection suggested the work of either a beaver or a groundhog. Wha...

Entry #141 OH What A Day Sometimes, life throws us little surprises, and today was one of those days. I showed up to work only to realize that I wasn’t scheduled. Instead of letting frustration take over, I chose to embrace the unexpected free time and make the most of my day. After all, when life changes the plan, sometimes the best thing you can do is go with the flow. Turning the Day Around Rather than seeing the day as a waste, I made it productive and enjoyable. First, I tackled a few lingering chores, starting with taking out the garbage and recycling. With that out of the way, I spent some quality time with my loyal companion, who was beyond thrilled to have me home earlier than usual. Seeing that joy reminded me to appreciate the little moments. A Much-Needed Workout & Relaxation Since I had extra time, I hit the gym for a solid workout. Exercising gave me an energy boost, and I followed it up with a session in the massage chair and massage bed—pure bliss! After...