Embracing Gratitude for Completing My 90-Day Wellness Warrior Challenge
A Gratitude Journal Entry
Dear Duniyawaalo (People of the World),
Today on this wonderful day at my home in Chicago, I feel blessed and filled with immense gratitude for being able to successfully complete my 90-day mindful, intellectually curious and healthy living challenge.
Immediately after successfully running my first half-marathon on Dec 10 2022, I decided to take a break for the remainder of the year and then start my training for running my first marathon at 2023 Chicago Marathon. Little did I realize how difficult it would be for me to get over the high of running my first ever half-marathon.
Maybe it was the weather and a case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (which I had never heard of BTW), I started to feel depressed and began to take comfort in food and drinks. As a result I gained around 18 pounds in 3 months. I also procrastinated and never got going in starting my marathon training as I had originally planned. I just didn’t feel like doing it and to be honest there were times when I wanted to give it up.
I started feeling self-doubt and it felt like a slippery slope. I finally dug a little deep and told myself that it’s OK to have self-doubt, it means that I care. I have to be courageous enough to admit it and find support that will help me to move forward.
I reached out and even talked personally to a handful of people I trust about what I was going through. I cannot express in words all the love and support I received in return. I was a bit hesitant to reach out because I feared being judged and rejected. Instead what I received was love and acceptance for being vulnerable, as I spoke my truth.
I gained confidence and I told myself that I have been through this before and I can do it again.
I decided to start a 90-day mindful, intellectually curious, and healthy living challenge and asked my friends to support me. I came up with some rules as outlined below. I also decided to share my experience on Facebook and Instagram every single day to keep myself accountable. I was hoping to inspire others through my actions so that they too can start their own journey of wellness.
I feel proud of myself for what I had been able to accomplish and wanted to share some of the highlights from my 90-day challenge.
Worked out every single day for an average of 45 minutes. It was a combination of running, walking and strength training.
Followed my own common sense and well-balanced nutrition plan and shared my food pictures every single day of challenge.
Lost 15 pounds in 90 days. I am almost back to my first half-marathon weight I had in December last year.
Ran 3 Half-Marathons during the 90 days of the challenge in Milwaukee, Schaumburg and Chicago.
Built my stamina to run my longest run of 15 miles in preparation for my first marathon at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Started a blog/newsletter and posted one gratitude journal post every single day of the challenge (You can sign up below and support me as I continue to post more content on mindful, intellectually curious and healthy living).
Shared my progress pictures and commentary every single day throughout the 90 day challenge. You can visit https://www.facebook.com/onewithoneself to read all about it in one place.
Enrolled for a standup comedy class and will have my showcase performance on June 29 2023 at The Second City in Chicago.
Took up learning acoustic guitar and I learned to play 3 chords. I struggled with it a lot. Learning guitar was more difficult than I had originally anticipated. Nonetheless, I am committed to keep going and get better.
Drank alcohol on 3 occasions in 90 days, and as per my rules, drank only in a social gathering of 3 or more people.
Consistently drank 1 gallon water every single day. The idea was to drink half of my body weight in ounces.
Built a solid discipline that I can be consistent around being mindful, intellectually curious and healthy living.
I am eternally grateful to my friends and loved ones who supported me in my time of need. I am in a better place today because of all your love and support.
I am committed to paying it forward and if anyone needs any help in getting started towards their own wellness journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for guidance.
❤️ Rajneesh