LVC Doing her best today

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

February 5 until March 11

 

So I decided to make 2018 my year and stumbled over this inspirational quote:

 

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.

 

 

I want to achieve some things this year and change the things, that made me loathe 2017. I've to write a detailed reflection, but let's start for now. Last challenge I got overwhelmed again, by focusing on too many goals at once. So I’ll only track three goals. I’ll still try to stick to my old habits, but I won’t track them actively for now.

Goal One: Self-care

All work and no play makes Luciana a dull girl

It’s important to plan nice things for myself and take breaks. At the end of each day I’ll reflect about this goal. This includes mediation, socializing, gratitude, etc. Pass/fail for reflecting and doing something against stress symptoms, when I notice them.

 

 

Goal Two: Exercise

 

I’ll try to do some workouts at home again. I’ll start with 20 minute sessions and hopefully I’ll be able to increase them. And I decided to schedule a specific number of exercises at the beginning of each week and for each workout I miss, I’ll put 3€ in my piggy bank. The money will be used for a one year membership, if I don’t get my stuff done regularly.

Zero week: I’m scheduling five 20 minute workouts. I don’t have many appointments this week and I want to start this challenge strong as long as I’m motivated. This week I would like to do some sun salutations again and do the 8 brocades at least once. There are no classes for the next few weeks, so I'm following some instruction videos on youtube.

Goal Three: Study

During my last successful challenge I aimed for 15 hours a week and studied 16,5 hours on average every week. I managed to get the 30 hours in the first two weeks of the last challenge, but then I got overwhelmed. So maybe I shouldn’t aim for 30 hours and instead plan with 20 hours of study time.

I’ll track this goal with my paper tracker and at least once a week I want to update my spreadsheet here.

My last challenges’ goals were:

Spoiler

 

Goal One:  Food  

- 5 portions of freggies ✔

- 3l of water ✔

- count calories ✘ (Made me undereat, when I got stressed out.)

- no snacks until December... Only birthday cakes, if I get invited to any parties. ✔

Goal 2: Exercise

- morning routine 3 times a week (5 tibetans, yoga, sometines also stationary bike for 20 minutes. It depends on when I get up and how much time I've left) ✔ (worked for two weeks) ✘ (didn't do much the rest of the challenge beside walking regularly)

- visit at least two sport classes a week (Tai Chi, Yoga, Aikido, ...) ✘ (Got sick and overwhelmed and skipped a lot of classes. Aikido was the one I attended most regularly.)

- go out and walk at least 5km a day on 6 days a week ✔

Goal 3: Study

- at least 30 hours a week (includes time I spent at university and drawing for my art exam.) ✔ (worked for two or three weeks. Afterwards I stopped tracking)

Bonus: To-Do-Lists at least one item a day ✘

Bonus: meditation ✘

 

 

 

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

Progress Chart

 

 

unicode: ✔✘☐

 

 

Goal One: Self-care; Bonus: meditation

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✔)

Week 1 ✔✔✔✔✔✘✔                                     86% A (Bonus: ✘)

Week 2 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✔)

Week 3 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✔)

Week 4 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✘)

~97%   ~A

 

 

Goal Two: Exercise;

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔                                 100% A

Week 1 ✔✘✘✘                                     25% D

Week 2 ✔✔✘✘                                     50% C

Week 3 ✔✔✘✘                                     50% C

Week 4 ✔✔✘                                       66% B

~58%  ~B-

 

 

Goal Three: Study                                              (99,5/100 hours)

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔✘✔                                      95% A (19/20 hours)

Week 1 ✔✔✔✘✔✘✘                                      55% B  (11/20 hours)

Week 2 ✔✔✔✔✘✘✘                                      52%  B (10,5/20 hours)

Week 3 ✘✔✔✔✔✔✘                                      100%  A (20/20 hours)

Week 4 ✘✘✔✔✔✔✔                                     195% A (39/20 hours)

~99%  ~A

 

 

 

Score:

Goal 1: 97% A

Goal 2: 58% B-

Goal 3: 99% A

            ~85%

 

 

A= 100% - 76%

B= 75% - 51%

C= 50% - 26%

D= 25% - 0%

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

Update #1

 

I realized I'm always getting stressed, when organisational stuff doesn't work as intended. I need more faith in backup plans. Usually there is another solution in arm's reach. This evening I'm meeting some friends in the Catscafé. We discovered the place recently and I really love it.

 

In the morning I did my first workout: 5 sun salutations and 10 reps of the 5 tibetans. Yesterday I only walked a lot, so I didn't count that one. I was still really tired in the morning. Maybe I should try getting to bed earlier again.

 

I didn't read my comics during study time. But I read them at night, when I should have gone to sleep. 1am was a little late. I got up at 7am for my workout.

[Kishi]

I know what you mean as far as getting stressed when the plans don't work out. If it helps, try to remember that plans never go according to plan - they only work perfectly when they don't have to brush up against real life. Try to approach your plans with a sort of loose grip - certain essentials that must happen, and certain non-essentials that you'd like to happen that don't necessarily have to.

 

It's been my finding that very often, the essential thing is very, very small, and very, very easy when weighed against the totality of what you have in mind. It takes a lot of thought to figure it out, but it's incredibly freeing once you do.

 

I hope that helps.

 

Anyway, yeah, I'm in the same boat re: comics. I probably need to downsize on them some - I don't really know that I'm keeping up all that well or even enjoying some of them anymore.

[RedStone]

I LOVE SIMPLE! Simple isn't easy. But it's awesome  Also, you got your checkboxes!!! I love all these checkboxes!!! How pleasant that is to look at!!! Whenever I'm coming back to working out after a break, I start with a morning flow or some sun salutation variety. What a warming, intuitive practice. I love it. Good luck! And 

 

 

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

Update #2

Jogged home last night and did the eight brocades with a youtube video as a reminder. The form was a little different from what I learned at class, but in my opinion the movements were even more beautiful.

 

Sozialising with friends was fun. But it was a little sad to see, that one of my friends isn't feeling well at the moment. I'm not quite sure, if I can help her at the moment. We haven't been seeing each other for a while and somehow I get the feeling we aren't as close as usual or it's harder for her, because of her troubles. And somehow it's odd to be the only one in my close friend circle, who wants to have kids. So yesterday there was this sentence: "Didn't you say, you didn't want kids." Yeah sure. I was stressed out and angry with my family and stuff. Back than I didn't want to have my own children. *sigh* It's odd. I realized I've been planning more again and I'm thinking about the future. I want to strive for wishes again. Maybe I'm feeling a little odd, because I'm a little older then most of my friends.

 

Studying went well. Yesterday I did something against axiety by writing some important e-Mails I had been avoiding. And I've told myself again to not worry too much about plan A failing. Unconciously I'm still afraid of anything failing regarding my studies. Gosh...

 

edit: I felt a little down, but after watching my favorite Disney movie again, I feel better.

 

 

 

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

21 hours ago, RedStone said:

LOVE SIMPLE! Simple isn't easy. But it's awesome  Also, you got your checkboxes!!! I love all these checkboxes!!! How pleasant that is to look at!!! Whenever I'm coming back to working out after a break, I start with a morning flow or some sun salutation variety. What a warming, intuitive practice. I love it. Good luck! And 

 

Yeah, somehow I couldn't appandon the checkboxes. I hope the other goals are already habits. My challenge definitely looks a bit slimmer. I like sun salutations a lot, too. But at the moment my form is a little off. Let's see how long it takes to get used to them again. And indeed I really like to do them to get back into things, too.

 

On 7. Februar 2018 at 3:27 PM, Kishi said:

I know what you mean as far as getting stressed when the plans don't work out. If it helps, try to remember that plans never go according to plan - they only work perfectly when they don't have to brush up against real life. Try to approach your plans with a sort of loose grip - certain essentials that must happen, and certain non-essentials that you'd like to happen that don't necessarily have to.

 

It's been my finding that very often, the essential thing is very, very small, and very, very easy when weighed against the totality of what you have in mind. It takes a lot of thought to figure it out, but it's incredibly freeing once you do.

 

Thanks. I try telling myself it's fine. Somehow it's hard to not worry about details. Maybe I should try focusing more on where I want to end up instead of worryong about how I get there. Hopefully I find out about the essential part soon.

 

On 7. Februar 2018 at 3:27 PM, Kishi said:

Anyway, yeah, I'm in the same boat re: comics. I probably need to downsize on them some - I don't really know that I'm keeping up all that well or even enjoying some of them anymore.

With webcomics it's even more frustrating, because I usually enjoy them more, when I can read a few pages at once. So there is really no reason for me to check for updates so often. Instead I could enjoy some elaborated stories, when I can make some time. 

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

On 6. Februar 2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Goal One: Self-care; Bonus: meditation

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔☐☐                                     xx% x (Bonus: ✔)

Goal Two: Exercise;

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔                                     xx% x

Goal Three: Study                                           (17,5/100 hours)

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔☐☐                                     xx% x (17,5/20 hours; x)

 

Update 3#

 

Selfcare is harder than I thought. I'm reflecting my days, but I try not to linger on things too long. And also giving myself alone time as much as it's needed, when I could spent time with my friends or my bf instead.

 

For exercise I did the brocades three times, tibetans three times, sun salutations 2 times and one time I jogged/walked for 19 minutes. I usually only had 20 minute sessions. For now I don't look at the number of reps I can do in 20 minutes. I try watching my form. Today I did an eight minute meditation between tibetans and sun salutations. That was really nice.

 

20 hours a week seems to be the right amount for now. It's still challenging. I'll have to work for another 2,5 hours during the weekend, if I want to get a perfect score.

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

Summary of week one will come. Week has been busy. Decided to aim for four workouts this week. None done yet. :/

 

edit: Finally did my Sun Salutations again.

[Kyellan]

I've probably said this before, but I really love the Eight Pieces of Brocade. It's a great QiGong set for pretty much anyone. =) I should practice it more.

[Jigme]

Omg, I just came back from a meditation retreat during which we did Eight Pieces of Brocade every morning. I would love to incorporate it into my daily practice!

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

@Kyellan I think you mentioned it, but the 8 brocades really are relaxing and deserve some more attention.

 

 

16 hours ago, Jigme said:

Omg, I just came back from a meditation retreat during which we did Eight Pieces of Brocade every morning. I would love to incorporate it into my daily practice!

That sounds really lovely. If you can remember them, do it.

 

On 6. Februar 2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Goal One: Self-care; Bonus: meditation

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✔)

 

Goal Two: Exercise;

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A

 

Goal Three: Study                                           (19/100 hours)

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔✘✔                                     95% A (19/20 hours)

My goals went quite well last week. I did what I wanted to get done and felt well. I just have to watch what I'm eating. There were some bad eating days. I don't want to make that a habit. And I would like to extend my workout sessions until the end of the challenge.

Studying wasn't easy last week. Sometimes I was really unconcentrated. That convinced me to meditate again.

 

Sidenote: This Monday I finally watched Vaiana and wondered, what martial art/meditation her grandma is practising near the ozean.

[Kishi]

Self-care is hard. But it's necessary. You have to take care of yourself before your self can help other selves.

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

On 6.2.2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Goal One: Self-care; Bonus: meditation

 

Week 1 ✔✔✔✔✔✘✔                                     86% A (Bonus: ✘ )

Goal Two: Exercise;

 

Week 1 ✔✘✘✘                                          25% D

Goal Three: Study                                           (19/100 hours)

Week 1 ✔✔✔✘✔✘✘                                     55% B  (11/20 hours)

 

Last week wasn't ideal. We're having a guest over until next Wednesday and somehow it's hard for me to stick to my usual routine. The few hours of studying I got in were only achieved by getting up earlier then everyone else. But then I was tired the rest of the day, because we're going to bed late and didn't get in my workouts. I'll leave it at this short update. I should get studying before the others wake up.

[Kyellan]

It's amazing how a simple break in routine can throw everything off. Best of luck working around the oddness--sounds like you're prioritizing and adapting the best you can. =)

[Kishi]

Yeah, people are kind of garbage for routine. Ah well. It happens. It's not like you're using this as an excuse to goof off, so just do the best you can and try to 'touch base' with those habits as you can. Then they'll be gone and you can get back to it.

[Jigme]

Followed along with the Eight Pieces of Brocade video today, it was definitely awesome.

[Kishi]

So, hey, hoping things are good over here!

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

Caught a cold and a bladder infection at the same time. Last week wasn't so good. Now I'm slowly feeling better.

[RedStone]

3 hours ago, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Caught a cold and a bladder infection at the same time. Last week wasn't so good. Now I'm slowly feeling better.

 

Oh mother.... plucker  It's been a tough winter  There's been some awful stuff going around here too, I feel like I've seen the same people get sick again and again and again. SO unfair!!!!!

 

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

Thank you very much. Today was the first day of studying again. And I think I made some progress. Brainstormed about my topic, brought stuff in order and so on. It was a nice day. I just have a lingering cough and feel cold all the time. The rest seems to be gone.

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

On 6. Februar 2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Week 4 ✘✘✔✔✔☐☐                                    120%    (24/20 hours)

~ xx%  ~x

Got my study goal today. I'm totally proud of myself.

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

This challenge went better then I thought. I'm quite pleased with the outcome. But now it's time for some reflections.

 

On 6.2.2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Goal One: Self-care; Bonus: meditation

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✔)

Week 1 ✔✔✔✔✔✘✔                                     86% A (Bonus: ✘)

Week 2 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✔)

Week 3 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% A (Bonus: ✔)

Week 4 ✔✔✔✔✔✔✔                                     100% x (Bonus: ✘)

I watched my stress level and did some fun things from time to time. All in all I didn't feel that stressed out this challenge. So I think this goal worked out just fine. I don't think I'll make this a goal again next challenge. If I do so, I'll change it a little. But there is other stuff I want to focus on and I think the three goal approach was a good idea. I want to keep my challenges lean.

 

 

On 6.2.2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Goal Two: Exercise;

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔                                 100% A

Week 1 ✔✘✘✘                                     25% D

Week 2 ✔✔✘✘                                     50% C

Week 3 ✔✔✘✘                                     50% C

Week 4 ✔✔✘                                       66% B

I missed eight workputs. That's 24€ into my piggy bank. I also didn't try out any sessions at other places. So that wasn't going so well. Next challenge I should set myself specific dates and not just aim for three or four workouts a week. At least I got in 12 workouts in 5 weeks. That's about 2,5 workouts a week. So for next challenge let's aim for three workouts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. And If I missed one, I can get it in on Sunday. I think doing my Tibetans or Sun Salutations again could work. For the Eight brocades I should first learn how to do them without video, so I can do them whenever I want to and not just in front of a screen.

 

 

On 6.2.2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Goal Three: Study                                              (99,5/100 hours)

Week 0 ✔✔✔✔✔✘✔                                      95% A (19/20 hours)

Week 1 ✔✔✔✘✔✘✘                                      55% B  (11/20 hours)

Week 2 ✔✔✔✔✘✘✘                                      52%  B (10,5/20 hours)

Week 3 ✘✔✔✔✔✔✘                                      100%  A (20/20 hours)

Week 4 ✘✘✔✔✔✔✔                                     195% A (39/20 hours)

99,5/100 hours. The last week was really good. I got totally motivated and made up for the time I missed while being sick. I also managed to work on my thesis consistently. I'm very happy with what I got done and will continue to aim for 20 hours a week. If I can keep this up for the next five months, I can definitely get this paper done. When I start writing, I'll also have a specific number of pages per month as a goal. I'll have to write 80 - 100 pages for my thesis. That's nothing to take lightly. I definitely can't handle it like my other stuff and postpone the work until the last minute. But my last paper with 20 pages got written in about three weeks, so I'm confident I can write 20 pages a month and be done with it at the end of July. At the end of July we were planing to go on holiday. So I should be done with the first draft by then. The deadline should be in the middle of August. Let's see, how it goes.

 

And now I have to prepare my new challenge thread.

[Luciana Valerosa Culming]

On 6.2.2018 at 10:57 PM, Luciana Valerosa Culming said:

Score:

Goal 1: 97% A

Goal 2: 58% B-

Goal 3: 99% A

            ~85%

Oh, and I get a level up and eight stat points for this challenge. =)

[Kishi]

Nice work! You sound like you're doing better and like you relaxed and even managed to have some fun. That's awesome. I'm really glad to see it work out that way for you.

 

And now you have a direction to go for the next challenge. Awesome! All right, then. See you on the next!