The majority of the things I share revolve around my world travels and chaotic schedule. But what I have failed to touch base on is how I manage it. Up until very recently, I have run myself ragged. I wasn’t practicing a routine (granted, it’s hard to when you live on the road), nor was I truly practicing self-love or care. It’s probably strange to even read those words on your screen coming from me.
After returning home from Ecuador, I found myself in Houston for a speaking engagement I was off to another event. It was a Veterans get together in Glade Park, CO. Being reunited with our community is always a wonderful feeling. Of course, there’s a fair share of trash talk, and one upping, but it’s nice to just cut loose and unwind from time to time.
While the banter was fun, the healing took place outside for me. It was a hunting event through Base Camp 40, and while every single one of us was successful in filling our freezers with elk, the most meaningful part to me was forcing myself to stop. Don’t get me wrong, I have always managed to find a bit of time for myself in my schedule, but this was different. For hours we rode through the mountains of Western Colorado. My eyes traced the skylines and colors that twisted their way through the rock. The leaves were turning, my favorite time of year. The red leaves set the blue sky ablaze, while the clouds found comfort in the yellow hues, and there was just enough green to remind me of the warmer days past.
On top of the mountain, I took a deep breath with the cold numbing my throat. The hairs on my arm stuck up as the wind tore through my jacket. And for a moment, my world stopped. I’ve missed that feeling; the feeling of being fully present so that you can absorb everything taking place around you. Those moments have been one in a million as of late, but now I am making the effort — for no other reason than myself. I deserve it. Hell, you deserve it.
No, I am not ringing in the New Year early with outlandish resolutions, but I am making a public statement to hold myself accountable – and to hopefully inspire you to do the same. Take time to do what makes your soul happy and remember, the way you treat yourself sets the standard for how others should and will.
First things first… common sense that’s not so common.
Water
It’s no secret that I have had a busy year! Whether it was climbing mountains, awards shows, or events, there was always something to celebrate. Confession: often times I drank more wine than I did water in a day. Well, that’s changing. Hydration is going to be a massive part of my routine as I fall back in to training and prep.
Sleep
EVERY SINGLE morning, I wake up at 4 AM, regardless of when I finally closed my eyes. I love being awake while the rest of the dreams. My phones not ringing, and my emails aren’t pinging, so I can tend to things in peace. However, if I am waking up at 4 AM, I damn sure do not need to be going to sleep at midnight. So, this promise to myself is to start winding down regardless of where I am, no later than 10 PM. Sure, there will always been an exception, but the goal is as many nights a week to be turning in early.
Respect
Over time, I have set my standards higher and higher for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in being better than you were the day before, but we have to be realistic. Should things not go accordingly to plan, or if I am running late, I need to learn to forgive myself. I am human. YOU are human, after all. Self-talk plays a big role in my day to day, rather than beating myself up, I am working towards expressing gratitude and consistently shifting perspective. I don’t have to do things; I get to do them.
Listen
Listen to your body and listen to what those around you are saying. I frequently find myself thinking, “Others have it worse, you can suck it up for a little bit longer.” That’s true, but it’s not necessary. If I want to produce, then I need to listen to what my mind and body need. Our bodies are machines and we need to do the maintenance.
It used to ruffle my feathers when family or friends would tell me, “You need to slow down.” I’d get irritated… no one can tell me how to live my life. BUT! If it’s the people who truly know you and care about you, then they are probably seeing something you don’t see and it’s time to listen.
Supplements
I spend plenty of time on planes, which means I have plenty of time to research anything and everything on the world’s spectrum. As of late, I have been dabbling with supplements. I am still sticking to my daily Wilderness Athlete the Good Stuff of a high-performance multivitamin, fish oil, and probiotic — but here’s what else and why:
–Collagen: Provides our skin with structure and strengthens bones.
Goal: relieve joint pain and prevent wrinkles because I am getting old.
–Milk Thistle: Supports liver health. Because wine.
–Turmeric: Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Goal: natural pain relief
–Biotin/Keratin: Basic protein that makes up our hair, nails, and skin.
Goal: if you look good you feel good, if you feel good you work hard, if you work hard, you make lots of money to climb mountains.
–Mastermind Unplug: Blend of nootropics (no melatonin) for restorative sleep.
Goal: fall asleep quicker with a calm(er) mind and increase unbroken duration of sleep. More sleep means bigger dreams.
Comment your goals. Let’s hold you accountable.
Photo Credit: Cody Sowa
Kirstie thanks for your insight on common sense. You are an amazing human being!! I need to abide by these as well. My mind is still young, but the bod is getting older. 61. You can do it. WE can do it.
Love this post and setting of goals in your life! We try setting goals and it usually works great for us. When it doesn’t we accept it as part of life and move on. Hugs and Love!