Elk - Leveling a psychic-type team to become a Pokemon Master!

[Elk]

Druids can be Pokemon masters, right? I think so. So that's my challenge goal! 

 

Over the past year, I've been working a lot on improving my mental health. This has entailed a lot of self-discovery and journeying into myself. It's been difficult, and frustrating, and all the while, I found myself wondering if it was okay for me to take this time for myself. But I'm so glad that I did, and I feel so much better now.

 

Now, I feel ready to turn my energy back outwards - something I've been looking forward to for a long time! I feel confident and ready to engage with the world again.

 

During my introspective quest, my deep Inner Focus blossomed into a discovery of latent psychic power!* And it is with this psychic power that I have learned to communicate with a psychic level-team that I know will take me through the Indigo League and onto the Elite Four!

 

*Disclaimer: Elk does not actually believe she has discovered latent psychic powers.

 

Challenge Goal: Building habits for integrated health.

Continue to improve my eating habits and attitudes, get into better shape, learn things I'm interested in and develop in my work, and keep learning to be kind to myself.

 

Or, rather...

Become a Pokemon Master!

 

 

 

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BRAIXEN - Exercise

|| Current level: 18 || Cumulative EXP: 1440 || Next level: 60 ||

Fennekin, the Fox Pokémon. Fennekin expels hot air that can reach nearly 400 degrees. It likes to snack on twigs.

Goal: Set aside 30min/day for exercise. Ask myself: what does my body want right now?

Ability: To get in the mood to work out by watching a 5 minute Youtube video gets me in the right mind state first!

TASKS

Yoga +100 EXP

Run +100 EXP

Commute by biking +10 EXP/10min

Youtube Exercise Vids +100 EXP

Squat/Push-up/Leg raise sequence +10 EXP

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NATU - Eating well

|| Current level: 17  || Cumulative EXP: 1310 || Next level: 140 ||

Natu, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. The Natu moves around by hopping and always seems to be staring at something.

Goal: Develop a healthy attitude towards food. Gradually move away from emotional eating (too much chocolate!!) and replace it with healthier coping strategies.

Ability: Replace food craving with a positive action - when the urge to emotionally eat strikes, listen to a Polish lesson instead, or doodle, or play around on the synth for five minutes, or do squats - whatever whatever! After, if the urge is still there, I can act on it. 

 

TASKS

Prepare healthy dinner +100 EXP

Day without refined sugar +300 EXP

Resisting craving for sugary food: +10EXP

Journal entry about food and body image +50 EXP

Resisting nighttime eating +50 EXP

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ABRA - study Polish

|| Current level: 19  || Cumulative EXP: 1500 || Next level:  100 || 

Abra, a Psychic Power Pokémon. It sleeps eighteen hours a day, but employs telekinesis even while sleeping.

Goal: Study Polish each day!

Ability: in If I lack motivation, go for a short walk (maybe to the grocery store?) and listen to a podcast. Even small successes build up!

 

TASKS

Half-hour of study (pol godzina nauka??) +100 EXP

Translate article +300 EXP

Create vocabulary lists and verb tables

Use lessons on PolishPod101.com

Listening to audio +50 EXP per lesson

Speak Polish to my boyfriend! +10 EXP

Visit Polish deli.

 

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MEW - Psychological Wellbeing/Daily Goal

|| Current level: 15  || Cumulative EXP: 1260 || Next level: 40 ||

hell yeah I can have a mew. That's the beauty of choosing whatever I want. 8D

Ability: To give me a psychic hug. :>

 

TASKS

Set one goal a day and achieve it. +100 EXP

Do something to improve my psychological health: EXP awarded on basis of specific action

Meditate: +20 EXP

 

DAILY GOALS 

WEEK 1 

November 2nd: Don't push myself too hard - I'm still feeling a bit sick. [x]

November 3rd: Practice presentation for work three times.

November 4th: Work on presentation. [x]

November 5th: Oops forgot to set one

November 6th: Study web development - watch tutorial video!

November 7th: Okay, actually this time. Watch it! [x]

November 8th: Take some time to work on art. [x]

4/7 goals achieved.

 

WEEK 2

November 9th: Spend some time on the Nerdfitness forums to reset and ground myself. [x]

November 10th: Relax in the evening by working on music.

November 11th: Journal and reflect. [x]

November 12th: 

November 13th: Practice presentation. [x]

November 14th: Do something for self-care. What? I don't know. Just what feels right.

???
 

WEEK 3

November 17th: Spend the morning tidying and re-grounding myself.

 

WEEK 4 

November 30th: Eat a cantaloupe, buy some veggies, clear out the fridge, and make hummus. 

November 31st: Work hard-core on contract job. 8 hours! [x]

December 1st: Finish resume and cover letter.

 

 

 

----------------------------------------o| BADGES o|---------------------------------------

Of course, I'll be taking on the Indigo League during my quest - can't become a Pokemon master without doing that! Inspired by this nifty challenge. ^__^

Boulder Badge: Give my first talk for my new job. And be... solid as a rock! - earned!

Cascade Badge: Walk to a beach I don't usually visit! - earned!

Thunder Badge: Go for a run/do cardio 12 times during the challenge. [7/12 completed] 

Rainbow Badge: Set up reasonable compost system.

Soul Badge: Write one song during challenge.

Marsh Badge: 5 consecutive days of yoga.

Volcano Badge: Spin fire poi! It's been too long. 

Earth Badge: Visit the Polish deli and speak in Polish to the clerk.

 

And if I accomplish all of this before the last week of the challenge, I can take on the elite four!

[LittleTurtle]

Anyways, druids can be Pokemon masters, right? I think so. So that's my challenge goal! 

Druids can be anything they want to be!  

 

I've been working on my mental health as well.  I went off Prozac earlier this year and am trying to fumble my way through unmedicated.  It's…interesting, but I think I'm finding a rhythm.  

 

Good luck to you!

[sterre]

Studying Polish sounds interesting. Planning a trip?

[Elk]

Druids can be anything they want to be!  

 

I've been working on my mental health as well.  I went off Prozac earlier this year and am trying to fumble my way through unmedicated.  It's…interesting, but I think I'm finding a rhythm.  

 

Good luck to you!

Thanks! Druid power!

 

Oh, that sounds tough! How have you been managing, if you don't mind my asking?

Studying Polish sounds interesting. Planning a trip?

 

Just got back from one, actually! My boyfriend's family lives there. We fell in love with Warsaw, and decided we want to move there for a while. I loved being unable to speak the language - everywhere I went, I was learning all the time. Now I've gotta keep it up so that I can communicate when I'm living there!

[LittleTurtle]

Thanks! Druid power!

 

Oh, that sounds tough! How have you been managing, if you don't mind my asking?

I don't mind at all!  I do a lot of deep breathing and meditations.  Yoga and stretching helps.  I take fish oil and vitamin D.  I think the thing that helps the most is when I have a fun weekend getaway planned...it gives me something to look forward to.  This weekend, the boyfriend and I are heading here for some quality soaking in the natural hot springs.  There is something about the minerals in the water that is very emotionally, mentally, and physically healing.

 

It's the little things.  Taking time to really appreciate that...  

 

I still have my really low days, and I just try to take it easy and not be too hard on myself if all I want to do is nap.  

[brutalbears]

I love the theme and execution of your challenge. I think this is going to end up looking pretty awesome! I have to check in a see how it all turns out!

[sterre]

Thanks! Druid power!

 

Oh, that sounds tough! How have you been managing, if you don't mind my asking?

 

Just got back from one, actually! My boyfriend's family lives there. We fell in love with Warsaw, and decided we want to move there for a while. I loved being unable to speak the language - everywhere I went, I was learning all the time. Now I've gotta keep it up so that I can communicate when I'm living there!

 

Sounds exciting!

[Elk]

I don't mind at all!  I do a lot of deep breathing and meditations.  Yoga and stretching helps.  I take fish oil and vitamin D.  I think the thing that helps the most is when I have a fun weekend getaway planned...it gives me something to look forward to.  This weekend, the boyfriend and I are heading here for some quality soaking in the natural hot springs.  There is something about the minerals in the water that is very emotionally, mentally, and physically healing.

 

It's the little things.  Taking time to really appreciate that...  

 

I still have my really low days, and I just try to take it easy and not be too hard on myself if all I want to do is nap.  

Oh, I take fish oil too! And magnesium. I should think about adding vitamin D! Natural hot springs sound amazing. C:

 

It sounds like you've really learned a lot about how to manage your mood. Also, I totally relate to the whole not-being-too-hard-on-yourself thing. I find it so draining when I get into that self-critical mode, but it can be a difficult mental habit to break!

 

 

I love the theme and execution of your challenge. I think this is going to end up looking pretty awesome! I have to check in a see how it all turns out!

 

Thanks! I checked out your challenge, and likewise - love the theme and execution! 

 

 

Sounds exciting!

Totally! It's amazing what a change of scenery can do for one's perspective :3

[BitterOyster]

Great challenge and a very cute team. That's really clever how your actions give EXP to your Pokemon. If they level up this means they'll evolve eventually, right?

[Elk]

Great challenge and a very cute team. That's really clever how your actions give EXP to your Pokemon. If they level up this means they'll evolve eventually, right?

Thanks! I decided to go with a single-type team mainly because it made it much easier to select my party. ;D 

 

Yeah, that's the plan! I'm planning to gradually increase the amount of EXP necessary to level - probably by 50 EXP every 3-5 levels. I haven't decided yet.

[Elk]

Alright, coming into this challenge with a very successful day yesterday - I did yoga, studied Polish, cooked a meal, and didn't eat at night. I'm thinking I might add another Pokemon today. 

 

I had a wicked fever a couple of days ago, so I'm still feeling a little bit peaky today. So Mew's goal for today is going to be to take it easy. Not like, super easy - I still am going to go through my to-do list - but I'm going to slow it down and take breaks as needed, and opt for a gentle yoga sequence today. Mind is inspired, body is tired. -.-

[BitterOyster]

Oh you added gym badges! Ahhh and the Rainbow Badge is about COMPOST! I'm really enthusiastic about compost! We've had ours for a year and it's thriving and full of worms. It's so good not to have to waste all those kitchen scraps.

 

And fire poi for the Volcano Badge? Super cool!

 

Sorry to hear you've been unwell, hope you feel better soon.

[Elk]

Oh you added gym badges! Ahhh and the Rainbow Badge is about COMPOST! I'm really enthusiastic about compost! We've had ours for a year and it's thriving and full of worms. It's so good not to have to waste all those kitchen scraps.

 

And fire poi for the Volcano Badge? Super cool!

 

Sorry to hear you've been unwell, hope you feel better soon.

Aww, Chansey! Thank you. :3

 

Yeah, badges are done! I really like that idea, it's a great way to keep things kinda fun. Damn, that's some legit compost! I've got easy-mode compost - our city picks up compost from every neighbourhood, so all I have to do it take it out. Buuut I don't have any bin in my kitchen set up, so I just stuff it all in mixing bowls and take it out periodically. My boyfriend hates this system and won't use it, because it's so gross and impractical. So... yeah, gotta change that. >.>

 

Fire poi! I love spinning, and I used to do it almost every weekend at beach fires with my friends. I haven't done it in a while and I know I'd benefit from a good spinning session.

[Elk]

Boo for sickness on day one! Welp, I did what I planned and took it easy - after finishing work I spent the rest of the day in bed. Which I hate. But oh well.

 

Emotionally ate some chocolate. Most of the times, this sort of thing doesn't help... but every now and then, it actually does. I'm glad I did it, because:

a] I didn't feel guilty about it, which is a very freeing feeling after years of a semi-disordered relationship with food

b] it actually did make me feel better! But afterwards, I thought of other possible actions that would have worked better. And, finally

c] I felt super gross afterwards, which serves as a solid reminder of why I want to change this habit as I go in this challenge. 

[Gobnait]

Boo for sickness on day one! Welp, I did what I planned and took it easy - after finishing work I spent the rest of the day in bed. Which I hate. But oh well.

 

Emotionally ate some chocolate. Most of the times, this sort of thing doesn't help... but every now and then, it actually does. I'm glad I did it, because:

a] I didn't feel guilty about it, which is a very freeing feeling after years of a semi-disordered relationship with food

b] it actually did make me feel better! But afterwards, I thought of other possible actions that would have worked better. And, finally

c] I felt super gross afterwards, which serves as a solid reminder of why I want to change this habit as I go in this challenge. 

 

Yay for being able to take it easy.  If you were in bed, you probably needed to be.  Hope you come up with an easy plan to have a "sick treat" ready.

[Elk]

Yay for being able to take it easy.  If you were in bed, you probably needed to be.  Hope you come up with an easy plan to have a "sick treat" ready.

Now that is a good idea! This suggestion shifted my perspective about being sick. I decided to watch movies in bed today instead of just laying there being all hard on myself for being sick. 

 

Today I took of completely. No work, spent the day in bed. It's annoying. It's irritating to have all of these goals I am really motivated to work towards, and be literally unable to do them. So yeah, no goals achieved today. >_< Booooo. 

[sterre]

Being sick definitely sucks. Try to focus on feeling better, even if it's really frustrating to not be able to do the things you want right now.

 

 

 

Also, I somehow missed that you have a prize of doing poi. I've been doing poi lately too (it was actually part of my previous two challenges... not this one though). Nothing on fire though. I'm nowhere near good enough to play with anything that's on fire.

[Elk]

Being sick definitely sucks. Try to focus on feeling better, even if it's really frustrating to not be able to do the things you want right now.

 

 

 

Also, I somehow missed that you have a prize of doing poi. I've been doing poi lately too (it was actually part of my previous two challenges... not this one though). Nothing on fire though. I'm nowhere near good enough to play with anything that's on fire.

Thank you. It helps when people tell me to focus on feeling better. ^__^

 

That's 'cause I added it later! :> It's super cool that you spin poi! I'll check out your previous challenges. What kind of poi do you use? 

You know, a lot of people think that about fire poi, but honestly... people aren't actually very flammable! You've got to keep your hair covered and make sure you don't get any of the gas on your clothes before you spin, but otherwise it's surprisingly safe. I've hit myself in the face a few times, and all that happens is I get smeared with a bit of charcoal. Not that I'm saying to go and start lighting stuff on fire!

[BitterOyster]

Yeah, badges are done! I really like that idea, it's a great way to keep things kinda fun. Damn, that's some legit compost! I've got easy-mode compost - our city picks up compost from every neighbourhood, so all I have to do it take it out. Buuut I don't have any bin in my kitchen set up, so I just stuff it all in mixing bowls and take it out periodically. My boyfriend hates this system and won't use it, because it's so gross and impractical. So... yeah, gotta change that. >.>

Oh, I've never heard of it being collected like that but I'm really glad it's happening, not everyone has room for a compost pile or a garden to use it in.

We had a problem with compost in the kitchen attracting fruit flies so I bought a really small bin, meant to be on top of a desk in an office. So if you don't have room for a proper bin you might be able to find one of those.

I know how frustrating it can be having to rest when you want to be out doing - your head knows you need to rest but your heart isn't listening. It's really annoying.

[Elk]

Oh, I've never heard of it being collected like that but I'm really glad it's happening, not everyone has room for a compost pile or a garden to use it in.

We had a problem with compost in the kitchen attracting fruit flies so I bought a really small bin, meant to be on top of a desk in an office. So if you don't have room for a proper bin you might be able to find one of those.

I know how frustrating it can be having to rest when you want to be out doing - your head knows you need to rest but your heart isn't listening. It's really annoying.

Yeah, it's pretty cool! It's a very green city.  

 

Oh, that's a good idea! I'll check out an office supply store. 

[Elk]

Getting better. >:3

 

Abra grew to level 6! Studied Polish for an hour.

Studied Polish for an hour, worked on my presentation for work, and resisted the urge to eat some crappy food. Did some squats, leg raises and push ups, just to start warming my body back up to get moving again. Oh, and I was given half a carrot cake after a meeting, but instead of taking it home, I took home a piece for my boyfriend and a tiny bit (two forkfuls) for myself. I gave the rest to three homeless guys named Ian. So that was cool.

[sterre]

Thank you. It helps when people tell me to focus on feeling better. ^__^

 

That's 'cause I added it later! :> It's super cool that you spin poi! I'll check out your previous challenges. What kind of poi do you use? 

You know, a lot of people think that about fire poi, but honestly... people aren't actually very flammable! You've got to keep your hair covered and make sure you don't get any of the gas on your clothes before you spin, but otherwise it's surprisingly safe. I've hit myself in the face a few times, and all that happens is I get smeared with a bit of charcoal. Not that I'm saying to go and start lighting stuff on fire!

 

Uh, I have some poi that I made that are basically balloons with rice in socks, some simple glow poi and some poi with tails. Basically, nothing too fancy. I think I'd want to learn more tricks before I even start to think about setting anything on fire though, I'm a bit of a beginner.

[Elk]

Uh, I have some poi that I made that are basically balloons with rice in socks, some simple glow poi and some poi with tails. Basically, nothing too fancy. I think I'd want to learn more tricks before I even start to think about setting anything on fire though, I'm a bit of a beginner.

Yay for makeshift poi! That's super cool. It's nice to talk to someone else who spins! What got you into spinning poi?

[Elk]

YES. I AM BETTER. FINALLY.

 

Yesterday was great! Did yoga in the morning, cooked a healthy meal in the evening, listened to Polish podcasts on the bus. Also, my work is developing well (right now I'm preparing to do mental health presentations in schools) - attended my boss's presentation yesterday and we worked on mine. Yay yay! 

 

Also, I started clearing stuff out of my house that I don't need. Maybe I should have made that a badge challenge. Well, instead, let's say I'm fighting my rival. And my rival will be: all of the parts of my life that need to be defeated and replaced with better things!

 

 <<< Take that, rival!

[LittleTurtle]

Keep up the good work!