Goal updates for March

For my body:

Walk at least 500 miles this year (150 and counting)

• I walked 49 miles in January.
• I walked 46 miles in February.
• I walked 55 miles in March.
  • March has been a delightful month to walk outdoors. Its been breezy and cool (most days) and very little rain. I needed a lot of mental health breaks with all the craziness going on in the world. Sunshine, fresh air and movement do wonders for the soul and body.

Do two strength workouts each week

• I did 10 strength workouts in January
• I did 6 strength workouts in February
• I did 5 strength workouts in March
  • I spent most of my days walking just because I needed it to clear my head. However, I did a strength exercise tonight and it was a different kind of relaxation, so I am going to try and make sure to aim for 2 per week. I think for me a strength exercise tends to burn off adrenaline in a different way than walking, so maybe that’s why I have been so restless this month??

Eat 5 fruits and vegetables daily

• I did great on this goal because I did the Daniel fast for Lent (modified to add in eggs for protein and butter as needed) My energy levels were really great this month! I gave up caffeine and sugar (in addition to no animal products) so that combination must be good for my body. I lost 10 pounds too! I think I am going to try a modified Daniel fast for another month and see if I retain the benefits I felt this past month. Maybe add in Greek yogurt and fish, but still limit sugar, caffeine and meats. We shall see!

For my spirit:

Recite all 4 mysteries of the rosary each day

• This month I struggled several days to get in all 4 mysteries. But….I did manage to pray 90 rosaries this month and always prayed at least one rosary each day.

Attend at least 5 masses each week

• I made it to 23 masses this month.

Make a holy hour at least 5 times each week

• I made 17 Holy Hours this month.

For my mind:

Read 100 books this year

1. For the Love of Mary by Fr. Klimek
2. Joy to the World by Dr. Scott Hahn
3. Forget not Love (The Passion of Maximillian Kolbe) by Andre Frossard
4. Brother Andre by Jean Guy Dubuc
5. Know thyself by Fr. Bergamo
6. A Time to Die by Nicolas Diat (my favorite book of all time I do believe. I’ve read it 3 times)
7. Mirror of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Bonaventure
8. Cause of our Joy by Mother Mary Francis (This was sooo good. If you want to love Mary more, read this book)
9. Solitude and Silence by Thomas Kempes (A quick read. I need to learn to be more silent!! I love solitude but put me around people and I start yapping away)
10. A Time of Renewal by Mother Mary Francis (I think she is one of my new favorite authors. This Lenten reflection book was probably the best one I have ever read. She has a knack for unpacking scripture and tying it to your life)
11. Come Lord Jesus by Mother Mary Francis (Awesome!!!! It was an Advent reflection book, but I couldn’t wait since her Lenten one was sooooo good)
12. Practice the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (He is my new spiritual hero. I say he is the male version of Therese of Lisieux. Basically, he says all we need to do to be saints and grow in holiness each day is to keep the Lord in our minds and hearts at all times by talking to God, thanking God, and petitioning God throughout our everyday lives (nonstop!) I kind of do this already and it does keep me close to our Lord. But I need to try to make it nonstop. When I talk to people I tend to get sidetracked…..)
13. But I Have Called You Friends by Mother Mary Francis (I love everything this woman writes!!! This book focuses on having a personal relationship with Jesus and it was lovely.)
14. My Beloved is Mine and I am His by Mother Mary Francis (This book focused on being a Bride of Christ. So it was mainly focusing on the consecrated life and the misconceptions people have about it, but you could apply many topics covered to your own life because we are all the brides of Christ!)
15. Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson (I loved the way this woman writes. She is very lyrical and vulnerable. Sarah discussed her struggles finding peace and quiet in her everyday life and how she manages to incorporate little moments of quiet into her day. It reminded me of the teachings of many saints on how we are called to have a little quiet place inside of us that we can go to even in chaotic situations and remain close to our Lord. Scripture tell us we are temples of the Holy Spirit so it makes sense that we should visit Him and remain vigilant of Him always…even during our struggles and chaos of life.)
16. Desert Silence: Hidden Love and Poverty of God (This was a beautiful collection of poetry written about the life of St. Charles de Foucauld. He was a very humble priest missionary who lived among an African tribe. He was initially sad he did not make any converts but kept on showing the love of God to the people because that is what we are called to do. Foucauld was so beloved due to his kindness and the love he showed the people, that after he was martyred, huge numbers of people converted because they came to know Jesus through this man and his great love for others. His testimony shows us that by simply planting seeds and being the face of Christ to those who do not know Him, we can eventually bear great fruit for the Lord. St. Charles de Foucauld, pray for us!!)
17. A Right to be Merry by Mother Mary Francis (After I read this book, I realized that if I had to be any religious sister, I would probably choose to be a Poor Clare. I love their spirituality! In this book, Mother Mary Francis walks us through the life of the Poor Clares and shows all the joy that being a Bride of Christ can bring even amid embracing poverty, obedience, and chastity. It reminded me of several religious sisters that I know that who mysteriously continue to exude happiness and joy when based on the world’s standards they should be bitter and miserable. God simply brings us a joy we just cannot find in the world. It was a good lesson on trying to pull away from worldly things and cling to Him more. )

Journal more

I’ve been trying to journal a few times a week during adoration and while listening to meaningful religious podcasts. Sometimes this looks like typing texts to myself when I forget to bring my notebook to adoration (!!!) and then jotting down the ideas later in my actual journal, but it still counts!

Work on more embroidery projects

I did very little embroidery this month due to the busy season of Lent at church and the jitteriness I have been experiencing lately, I had a hard time sitting still for too long. But I hope to figure out a way to bring back some calmness to my life…I miss it.