Life felt off, so I created this 33 day plan
A proposed challenge to add daily habits that will impact daily life
In a recent epiphany1, something really stuck out to me: literally the only person stalling myself is me. Hillel said it best with, “If not me, then who?” Often times, I become overwhelmed with the ever growing list of “things to try, routines to implement, buy this for a simpler life, organize better with this,” etc. If only I….fill in the blank with whatever feels more applicable.
If only I felt more comfortable in my own body, would I then feel comfortable to go to the gym.
If only my house was reset to a clean slate, then I could maintain a tidy home.
If only I understood the Bible better, then I could be closer to God.
If only my morning routine was perfected, then my day would go without trouble.
If only I made more money, that would make life easier.
If only my husband was home more, then we would have more quality time.
This “if only,” mindset is sure to cripple. So, I’m taking reins to change it.
Nothing major, just a shift. 33 days. A little over a month, to make yourself 10% better.
Sound enticing? Let me loop you in.
“We cannot become what we want, by remaining what we are.” Max Depress
Let me be clear: I am not spontaneous.
If you ask my husband, he’ll tell you my #1 pet peeve? When something just pops up.
No last minute plans. No surprises. If it’s not in the iCal, it’s not happening.
So of course I went full nitty gritty with these 33-day rules. This reset is structured but customizable — designed for daily life, not a fantasy version of it.
Morning Quiet: first 30 dedicated to God. Either in bed, or at dining room table, gather devotional, journal, and Bible.
Limited Screen Time: no screen time before 8AM, or after 9PM.
rule: consumption must be “better” one’s self. think intentional consumption.
ig/fb is deleted. tiktok only on computer. substack ✔
Move Your Body: 45 min walk (walking pad or outdoors)
Hydration + Nourishment
rule: 3 meals a day, non negotiable.
rule: 64 oz. water daily
rule: lemon water or protein shake before coffee
rule: no alcohol, allotted social cocktail if out to dine
WFH attire = cozy, clean, collected ≠ pajamas
feeling collected begins with feeling good.
Keeping a clear space. Clear space = clear mind.
rule: refer to below cleaning schedule for daily schedule < 30m.
Hobbies (and reading): spend time in joy, rather than rot.
rule: dedicate 15m to reading daily, not including morning quiet
spend time enjoying a hobby — diamond art, recipe book, writing, vision boards.
Planning for Tomorrow: dedicate 15/20 to “close out” the day, ideally in office, lay out everything you need for the morning — outfit, schedule, etc. write out anything you need brain dumped, and leave the day where it is.
Taming my Tongue: focus on no gossiping, cursing, or negative self talk. more praying, listening, and learning.
Financial Boundary: simple enough, a no spend boundary.
rule: allotted spend includes groceries, nails, 7 brew before church. replace dining out, with grilling, or prepped meals.
How Am I Holding Myself Accountable?
One thing about challenges, is that you can always start projects to better yourself, but if you don’t have an accountability partner, sometimes we may stray. So there are a few things I am doing to keep myself on track with all I’m challenging myself to.
An accountability partner! + daily journaling
Check in with Oura daily to review my steps, health stats, etc.
I created an Apple note, and plan on manually checking everything off of my list prior to journaling to ensure that day has been completed with all habits
Making changes!! In order to get to where I want to be, I must shed some weight, metaphorically speaking. I mentioned it above, but an example being deleting Instagram and Facebook. I use to be really good with intentional social media at the beginning of the year, and I got sloppy with over indulgence consumption. Clearing out my closet to reflect a desired wardrobe. Purging content that isn’t bettering myself, and unfortunately some of those guilty pleasures have to go (not all, but some).
Oh, I forgot to mention…if there is a day that a rule is broken, a day must be added to the overall journey.
So what exactly am I hoping to get from this challenge? I want to curate habits that become engrained into me and make the small moments of routine and life joyous. Reading the Word, taming my tongue, limiting spending, spending more time with hobbies than screens…these are moments I look forward to over the next 33 days.
This challenge is about becoming a woman who:
Prioritizes quiet time over chaos
Finds joy in the routine of a daily day
Curbs impulse spending
Chooses creativity over scrolling
Speaks with, and shows, grace
Feels clearer… not just busier
My personal conviction of this challenge will begin Monday, July 21, 2024. I cannot wait to share my reflection of this reset, and would love to hear in the comments if you plan on joining in!
xo, SRM
To paint the scene of the above mentioned “epiphany,” — in a bath after a really stressful week, with a heavier pour of Nowadays, and listening to Mighty Name of Jesus on repeat looking for a resolution to solve the overflow of my brain.
Love this 🥰
Love this 🥰