How I'm Developing AND Breaking Routines
reflecting on my Q4 intentions
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My theme word for 39 is AGAIN, which I selected because I want an easier way to make decisions that align with my bigger goals. You can learn more about my process for choosing my theme word in this newsletter and in this podcast episode.
I know that I work well with external accountability, so I’ve committed to sharing updates on how things went with AGAIN in October.
As a refresher, my main goals for my AGAIN year are:
Create and utilize a budget so I can save money
Develop a strength training routine
Set and hold boundaries around my time and energy
Try new things outside of my comfort zone
Create and utilize a budget so I can save money
Last month, I allocated money into my savings account to pay my Quarter 4 Estimated Taxes, and with the extra I had left, I felt more comfortable purchasing replacements for things I had that were broken beyond mending. In October, I purchased a new pair of jeans, a new pair of yoga leggings, a new office chair to replace the one with a broken wheel I’ve been hobbling around on for a year, plus I chipped in to buy a new couch for our living room. When I list it all out here, it does seem like a ton of things to buy, but the reason I felt comfortable doing it was because I allocated to savings first.
To help me limit spending, I got back into using my wishlist document to track things I want, a method I learned from personal stylist Dacy Gillespie. When I put an item on my wishlist, it means I commit to waiting before I make a purchase. This might mean later deciding I don’t actually want it, or if I do still want it, then sharing my wishlist with family when they ask for a Christmas list, waiting for a sale to make my own purchase (like I did with the jeans), or budgeting to purchase something new.
Develop a strength training routine
I love to exercise but struggle to self-motivate to do it. The blessing and curse of being hyperflexible means that I can move my body to do things without a ton of muscular effort…but that means it’s easy to get injured. I’m taking a break from yoga asana after stretching a little too enthusiastically during class and tweaking something.
One-on-one instruction is perfect for me because my trainer or teacher can catch when I’m getting loosey goosey with my limbs and help me engage my muscles, but I’m craving more exercise than I can afford in one-on-one sessions right now.
In October, I experimented with using more resistance bands and was reminded of how much I love a good, hard workout that leaves my muscles sore. I’m setting a goal to try to exercise four times a week in November, and I’m noodling on ways to set up accountability and support for myself. Wish me luck!
Try new things outside of my comfort zone
While Kris was out of town for work, I took myself on a solo date to a book tour event with Joanne Lee Molinaro, the author of The Korean Vegan Homemade. I love food and I love books, but I also love being at home in my cozy clothes and doing my daily routine and sitting on my couch under a blanket playing Stardew Valley. For some folks, attending an event solo is just part of a normal day, but for someone shy like me, it was a big deal! I enjoyed going to the book talk, and I’m curious about exploring more solo adventures in the future.
Set and hold boundaries around my time and energy
I don’t think I’m particularly addicted to social media, but I do think that I’ve developed an impulse to for reach for my phone whenever there’s a lull in activity, like a commercial on TV or when Kris goes to the kitchen to get a drink. I know that it makes sense that I reach for my phone—I want a little hit of dopamine and a distraction (if I see another one of those Liberty Mutual emu commercials, I’m gonna lose my mind), but also I’m curious about what it would look like to just be bored for a little.
I’ve been curious about attention since I read Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing, which was the first time I learned about the attention economy. In October, I read Amelia Hruby’s new book, Your Attention Is Sacred Except on Social Media, which got me thinking about what it means to give my attention away, and I participated in Dr. Devon Price’s program Reclaiming Your Attention Span, where I thought about how I might satisfy my desire for connection outside of my phone.
Overall, I’m noticing that I sometimes do enjoy scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest or Discord, but I want to get better at noticing when that relaxed scrolling experience tips into an unhelpful distraction that pulls me away from things I would rather be doing, like hanging with my spouse, snuggling my pets, or chipping away at my task list. I’m sure this is one I’ll come back to again.
If you’re curious about using a theme word, I invite you to approach it like an experiment. I love the way neuroscientist Dr. Anne Laure Le Cunff positions experiments as making a pact with yourself, where you commit to doing an action for a set amount of time and reflect on the process as you go. If you also thrive on external accountability, reply to this newsletter: Is there something you want to experiment with in November?
Curiosities
I’m not a musician, but if I were, I would be signing up for Melissa Kaitlyn Carter’s “Let’s Make a Demo”. You might know Melissa as the creator of the theme song for Off the Grid, and she has such a refreshing approach to teaching and making music.
If you’re looking to hire someone to help you with design, one of my fave graphic designers Jess Herrera is offering one-on-one support for folks who want an alternate way to market themselves.
My West Coast BFF Chris got me some amazing hibi incense for my birthday and I’ve been loving it. The Yuzu scent is my fave right now. Candles can sometimes be way too strong and make my eyes hurt, but these little incense matches smell great without clogging up the air in my office.
That’s all for today! Take care and talk soon,
Dr. Kate
Email: kate@katehenry.com
Website: katehenry.com
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