The Traveling Cold

Hello Friends ~

Two weeks ago, I emerged bleary-eyed and zombie-like from the holiday cocoon only to be knocked out by the cold that never ends. It started with Keaton during Christmas vacation, and has been making it’s way through our family for the past 3 weeks.

Now, saying “I don’t do well with down time.” is a little bit of an understatement. I go crazy. I start by relaxing and watching TV and sleeping the fever off (like a normal invalid), and end up crying over Parks and Rec with a mountain of tissues because they are so productive and happy, and I’m just laying here like:

Andy Dwyer speaks the truth.

I’m a little Type A.

But it turns out, I’m really grateful for this rocky beginning to the year. Because, I’m not just a planner, I’m an over planner. I put myself through the ringer pushing way too hard to get too many things done, only to inevitably burnout. And I had PLANS for January. January was my Christmas present. I knew I wasn't going to get much done in December, but then I was going to have three glorious weeks before Keaton went back to school.

And now here we are halfway through January, and I’m sure you can guess how that’s gone.

But, I’m happy. Because, instead of hustling through with my mile long list of Good Things To Do, I've been playing cars with my toddler (when we’re not cuddling in bed), and playing peek-a-boo with my baby, and dreaming with my husband of our future.

I like being busy, and that’s not going to change. But as it turns out, my real Christmas gift has been throwing most of that list out the window. And I’m learning to be okay with that.

Happy New Year!

January 2015 Challenge Group

Guys, I am so excited for this announcement. Today, marks the debut of two challenge groups! What are challenge groups, Jess? Well, Friend. I am so glad you asked.

Challenge groups are how we, as a community, support each other's commitment to whole health just by hopping on Instagram or Facebook. Check it out!

3/30

3/30 is the only on-going challenge group. We all know why fitness matters. But just because you can't work out 7 days a week...or don't want to (<<me), doesn't mean that you can't work out at all. Even walking around your neighborhood is better than sitting on your couch. 3/30 is all about getting moving 3 days a week, 30 minutes each time. Find what works for you! Walking your dog, playing tennis, fitness DVD's or going to the gym, it doesn't matter so long as you get out there.

Start Date: December 10, 2014

Monthly Challenge Groups

MPS Health is a holistic approach broken into four parts:

1. Mental Health
2. Physical Health - Nutrition
3. Physical Health - Fitness
4. Spiritual Health

Each month, we focus on a different area, cycling through each of them three times within a year.

January 2015 Challenge Group - The 5 Things Challenge

So by following that schedule, January kicks off with a mental health challenge! This one is called the 5 Things Challenge.

When I started going to counseling, this was one of the first techniques I learned that taught me how to consistently prioritize myself. Life will always be full of highs and lows, but when I'm stuck in a low it's usually because I've forgotten to take care of myself. And isn't that true for all of us? No matter what walk of life we're in, we're so easily caught up in the tyranny of the urgent. Taking care of other people and their problems is our first nature, not our second.
So here's the challenge: Every day, write down five things that you did for you. It doesn't have to be big. Often mine include cleaning and showering, because those are my triggers. But even if it's at the end of the day, when everything is already said and done, the simple act of writing them down and mentally recategorizing those activities, trains you to think of and take care of yourself first.

Start Date: January 1, 2015

How can I join?

Ready to join? Don't worry, you don't need to remember another password! Just check in on Instagram or Facebook using our unique hashtag. Start by giving a shout out to #mpshealth and then add on the hashtag for your unique challenge group. Make sure to use both hashtags!

3/30 Challenge Group: #330
January '15 Challenge Group - The 5 Things Challenge:  #my5things

See you soon!