This time of year, everyone is making (and breaking) resolutions. Apparently, 17 days is the average length of time that most people stick to their resolutions. Since this is going up on January 23rd, most of you that made resolutions have probably already given up on them. I have a theory about why that may be, and I don’t think you’re a failure at all.

Most resolutions are mean towards ourselves and our bodies. Sure, they sound okay on the surface: “I want to exercise three times a week” or “I want to stick to the/a [insert type] diet this year.” But, why are you making those resolutions? Most of the time, the motivation is “I hate how I look” or “I feel like I should do this” and not “I want to feel better” nor “my body is asking me for this.” If those last two were the actual reasons for wanting to make the changes, then I doubt the resolutions would die in less than a month.

Because this isn’t a season of listening and appreciating ourselves, I want this month’s self-care challenge to change that. This month, I’m going to challenge you to listen to your body and appreciate everything does for you. I promise, it will help shift your perspective.

The Challenge

Every night, I want you to record three things that you are grateful for your body for doing. (If you’re more of a morning person, do it in the morning, but record what you were grateful for from the day before.) Now, these don’t have to be magnificent and life-changing items. Simple things like “I was able to stand for 10 seconds without pre-syncope” or “I was able to take a deep breath without pain” are what I’m aiming for.

Use the “My Journal” tool on the Health Storylines app to record what you’re grateful for each day. Try to challenge yourself to pick three different things (no repeats) for seven days. Picking different things will help you truly tune in with your body and see the positives clearly.

Doing this exercise, you will have a new appreciation for your body and what you can do. This appreciation will allow you to set better goals for yourself, and truly take care of your body for the rest of the year (and beyond)!

Don’t forget to use #FLSSselfcare to share pictures related to this challenge on your social media! And if you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me @findinglifessilversun so that I can cheer you on. Together, we can rock this!