Scripture, the Enneagram, and Habit Tracking: How to Turn Weakness into Strength

Tags

bullet journal, enneagram, free-writing, habit tracker, hiking, perfectionism, running, write28dayschallenge

Always tracking behaviors and learning new ideas, I sometimes grow tired of being able to perceive what needs to change in my life. However, unless we are aware of our habits, we have no hope of steering them in the direction we hope to go.

When I first read about the Enneagram, I had no clue that some people struggle to determine their type for months or even years. When I read about Type 1: The Perfectionist/Reformer, I immediately discovered my type. I’ve fought perfectionism my whole life, knowing this weakness prevents me from being the person I ought to be.

The Enneagram has taught me, however, that my greatest weakness is also my biggest strength. This lens of viewing the world helps me consistently grow through life.

Somethings to Love about February

Tags

camp fradd, february, Monthly Review, moving, share four somethings, Valentine’s Day, write28dayschallenge

Valentine’s Day and Mardis Gras decorations have been taken down and we’re starting to see spring-like weather, at least here in East Tennessee. That means it’s time to take a look back at February and Share Four Somethings with Heather.

Loved

The Glorious Table published an article I wrote, which was prompted by a show my darling and I binged last year. The particular episode I reference in my post haunted me, a profound takeaway for reality television. Writing through my emotions helped me pin down exactly why his heartbreak stuck with me, and I loved being able to share it with others.

Travel Journaling 5 Minutes a Day: Reaching My Goal through Persistence

Tags

free-writing, Grand Tetons, journaling, memories, national park, travel, vacation, write28dayschallenge, yellowstone

For my 40th birthday, my mother gave me a journal. Just a small notebook with a map of the world on the cover. Rather than getting me a birthday card, she preferred to spend her money on something that would be useful long-term. I decided to use it as a travel journal to write about the adventures the Justus Leagues take as a family, and Jay and I take as a couple.

A couple of pages sufficed to log our beach trip last June. As Jay and I planned our mountain-west vacation, I assumed a page or two a day would log the trip. Instead, I filled page after page each day with details. I attempted to keep up while on the trip. As my energy waned into the evening, I started catching up driving from point A to point B. I even journaled by Slough Creek right before being accosted by a bison.

How to Shift Perspective on Giving Up

Tags

audio books, books, Grand Tetons, national park, stairs, training, working out

My attitude towards working out resembled that of other days. “But I don’t wanna.” I’ve previously written about how I overcame that attitude. The last time I felt this way, I suited up and knocked the workout out of the park.

An object in motion stays in motion. 30 minutes and 50 flights of stairs later, I let myself stop. Legs shaking and sweat dripping down my back, I felt that same sense of accomplishment from my early days of running. Who doesn’t need the extra endorphins in these “unprecedented times?

Me, 2 weeks ago

“Don’t you just hate those perky people who enjoy their workouts?

My Surprising Encounter with Wildlife While Relaxing in Yellowstone

Tags

books, fly-fishing, hiking, journaling, reading, travel, wildlife, write28dayschallenge, yellowstone

When I first saw the prompt for this week’s Five Minute Friday, I considered spinning the word into another story about our trip to Yellowstone. I thought about writing about our time on Slough Creek and Jay as the observant fisherman.

I could then share about how un-observant I became as I sat on the bank reading a book. The bartender from the night before had written about Hemingway’s time in Yellowstone. We purchased the book, and I knew I had to pack it for our hike/fishing trip. As I sat there, reading, I became engrossed in the story. I could easily picture the places he described.

Manna for Today {The Glorious Table}

Tags

covid-19, daily bread, The Glorious Table, wisdom

“But I have food! I have food!!” the starving man cried. His fate had been sealed. Tears sprang to my eyes as I watched. While the man’s story was not meant to be a parable, I couldn’t help but relate to his struggle.

My husband and I started watching the show Alone at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown. Allowed only a few essentials, contestants work to survive by themselves in the wilderness, hoping to outlast their competitors. The scenery was what first attracted us, but we found a kinship with the contestants when the governor issued safer-at-home order for our state.

Valentine’s Day Celebration With A Hint of Serendipity

Tags

beer, date night, dining out, holiday, planning, spontaneous, valentine's day

Spontaneity doesn’t come easy for me. Jay and I value thinking through our choices to ensure we make the best decisions possible. Jay researches our vacations, creating a spreadsheet dozens of pages long, to ensure we hit all the best sites. We discuss retirement strategies and what we would like in a forever home.

Is it possible to over-plan? I’m sharing some thoughts at The Glorious Table tomorrow about that very topic. However, as a general rule, plans can be helpful. The key is to not hold too tightly to the desired outcome.

Suit Up: The Inner Argument of the Barely Motivated

Tags

free-writing, goals, motivation, racing, running, self-compassion, suit up, training, write28dayschallenge

In another life, I was a runner. I strictly followed my training plans as I pursued my first 5K, a half marathon (13.1 miles) PR, and “just one more round” with the marathon distance. I’m a rule follower by nature and an Enneagram type 1. Tell me I’m supposed to do something and I’m compelled to follow through.

I used this mentality with each race I tackled. Each day’s workouts set the expectation for me. Printing off the training plan and highlighting each workout as I completed it made my heart happy. My exercise regime gave me a sense of accomplishment, not to mention a wall full of finisher medals.

Facing Panic and Altitude Anxiety on My Epic Adventure

Tags

anxiety, beartooth pass, free-writing, hiking, national park, travel, write28dayschallenge, yellowstone

What a predicament – an adventurer and writer taking an epic vacation, and only sharing a paragraph about the whole experience. Check out that summary on my September Share Four Somethings post.

Back in September of last year, my darling and I drove to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons for our first visit to those parks. Along the way, we also drove through several states we had never visited. The entire trip counts as an epic adventure and I hope to share more in the future.

Help Me With the Dilemma on Everyone’s Mind

Tags

diet, food, free-writing, meal plan, menu, write28dayschallenge

What are we making for dinner tonight?

I got into a fairly consistent menu plan routine a few months ago. I’ve not asked this question in a while. This week, however, Camp Fradd has decided to mix things up. While I’m not a fan of food restriction, Jay researched the Mediterranean Diet and wants to pursue it. We need to be healthy for all the adventure travel we have planned for the future, so how can I say no?