In The Next 30 Days

A 30-Day Challenge Closer to Brighter, Shinier, & Happier.

July 31st, 2013

Different Outfit Day 31 | Lessons Learned in Clothes

It’s been a busy 30 Days. And I don’t know that I’ve ever thought quite so much about what clothes I am wearing or will wear. And my closet has been very well explored this month. I have been outside of my comfort zone more often than once, but I can proudly say that I have in fact worn a different outfit every day this month, and I have learned so much about what I can wear and how I feel in my clothes.

Here’s some of what I learned:

I have SO MANY CLOTHES. There is so much in my hanging in my closet or folded in my drawers. I used to feel that my wardrobe was limited, but I have come to realize that I have clothes for almost every occasion. That exploration time in my closet has been invaluable because I now feel confident that I can dress myself no matter where I’m going.
There are other comfortable clothes besides yoga pants. Really. I’ll be reaching for my jeans or linen pants first from now on. I’ll look a bit more polished, and I’ll be just as relaxed.
Accessories are my friends. Throw on that necklace or scarf. Don’t be afraid of dangly earrings. Enjoy a big bag or a belt. (I really love the belt.) And know that those pieces help make me look more polished too. They give an outfit a focal point, something to look for. And belts make me look skinnier. #winning.
I can be outrageous. I can be crazy. I can be unexpected. And I can do it all with my clothes. I’m no longer afraid to step over the imaginary line that I saw before. I can wear it, and if I want to, I will.
I do have a style! Amazing, right? It is still evolving and still changing, but I do have a style that I like and I want to see more of. It’s simple and fun, but it’s also me.
I like getting up in the morning and actually getting dressed. I like feeling like I’m accomplishing something and so I can totally rock my entire day. It amazes me that what I put on the outside of my body can totally affect the way I feel.

So I’m declaring these 30 days very successful. And I’m declaring this month official finished. Will I revert back to yoga pants tomorrow? I don’t think so. I’ve seen the power and the confidence that comes with feeling put together, and that is so much more comfortable than any oversize pair of yoga pants.
What have you been up to for these 30 Days? Do you have big plans for your next 30 Days?

Tags: clothes, lessons learned
Posted in 30 Days | Different Outfit Everyday | 12 Comments »

June 30th, 2013

Be Outside Day 30 | Lessons Learned

A funny thing happens when you make an effort to Be Outside as much as possible. I don’t quite know how to explain it, but it’s almost like waking up from a really long nap. The sun hits your face, and you can stretch. Blood rushes back into limbs. Muscles flex. And the world around you sparkles a little brighter, like the sunlight is calling you. This is how I’ve been feeling this month, and it’s a lovely feeling. Here are some of my lessons learned.

I need to be outside. Really. I thought I was doing okay in filtered air with fluorescent lighting. Not so much. My body and mind need to be outside for peace of mind and good health. I’m convinced the smell of fresh cut grass is good for me.
There’s so much to do. I know. I know. Of course there is. But before I might’ve worried, well, I don’t really know what I was worried about. But now I’m ready for our next big adventure. I carry a change of clothes in the car for the kids. We’re off to what’s new and next and as long as it outside we’re happy.
And there’s so much more to try. I want to go fishing and ride a boat around Charleston Harbor (the water taxi, if I get desperate). I want to water the flowers in the public gardens for the Charleston Parks Conservancy (I tried to do this during these 30 days, but I was rained out). My awesome friend Jessica suggested an alligator walk or crab catching too. And I want to take lots more photos and remember every second.
Nothing wears my kids out quite like a day outside. It doesn’t really seem to matter what we do, my kids come home tired. They’ve been taking some truly wonderful naps this month. Some days, nothing could make me happier.
The smallest challenges can have the biggest effects. This one wasn’t anything profound or difficult. And it was super easy to accomplish. But I feel refreshed and happy and ready to face a new day. In my mind, that’s 30 Days well spent.

What have you learned this month?

Tags: lessons learned, outside
Posted in 30 Days | Be Outside | 2 Comments »

May 31st, 2013

Gluten Free Day 31 | Lessons Learned

I will be honest. It’s been a long 30 Days. I have been struggling with cravings for something wheat filled and delicious. And I didn’t make it through Julia’s fourth birthday (here are pictures from last year’s birthday party, just because) this week without a cupcake. But I have come a long long way, and while my diet isn’t perfect I am well on my way toward being gluten free. Here are some Lessons Learned.

Gluten free is a progression. This isn’t anything that I am able to master in 30 Days. It will take a while until I’m able to know what is or isn’t wheat free, which gluten free products actually taste good, how to balance my diet in order to give myself enough energy to make it through my day, how to conquer temptation. I will say that I have made big steps, but there is more to learn.
And education is one key to gluten free success. I’ve read my Gluten Free Bible, but I also have a pile of other books on my hold list at the library. I need to keep reading so that I can continue to learn what exactly it means to be gluten free.
Preparation is the other key. When I go to the grocery store, when I have a plan of what to eat, then I can stay on track, then I can be more successful. Planning, like education, takes time and I’m working on those planning habits, right now.
I have to learn to just let go. I think about the cupcake I ate in celebration of Julia and her birthday, and then I try to remind myself to just let go. Let go of what I expected, let go of what I wanted, let go of how I thought I would eat. It’s when I let go of all those wheat-filled expectations that I can finally get healthy.
Gluten free doesn’t have to taste bad. And there totally are ways to eat my favorites and still maintain a gluten free lifestyle. Pancakes, anyone? And these baked Parmesan and Rosemary Crisps are good too.

And so my journey to be wheat free continues. And all I can do is focus on where I’m going. I have my eye on healthy, and these lessons learned are another couple of steps closer.

Remember that today is your last day to vote for In The Next 30 Days in the Indie Chick‘s Badass Blogger Awards. Click over, and scroll down. It’s in the New Comer Category. Thank you!

So tell me, what did you learn this month?