Do One Hard Thing Every Day

 One of the most inspiring things about my new job is that the company practices what they preach. The CEO stood up at our company kickoff meeting last week and said, "Do one hard thing every day. Do one thing every day that makes you uncomfortable." 

That stuck with me. 

My 10-year-old, Micah, is stubborn (I blame his dad for that one, although I know it's mostly my genes that influenced that character trait). When he sets his mind to something, he goes for it 100%. He may be regretting that a little bit yesterday and today because he committed to a 2-mile Spartan run on Sunday. His body was rebelling against him yesterday for sure. Poor kid was in pain moving his arms above his heads and clearly didn't train as well as he should have for his race. But you know what? He blows my mind and continually impresses me with his grit and commitment to things. He goes all in, and I love that about him. He also finished the race with a pretty decent time considering his lack of training for the event. I am so proud.

As a former people pleaser, I want to do all the things and make everyone happy. But you know what? Sobriety has taught me that it's ok if some people are upset. I can't control how everyone around me feels. I can do what's in my power and control, and that's it. I can show up with a positive attitude to work everyday, get my tasks done, and communicate effectively when I can't do something or I committed to another task or meeting or project first. I can say no. I can even tell my kids no if I don't want to do something. And no one is going to die because I said no or didn't want to play catch or go to the movies or eat out at a restaurant that day. We will all survive. 

I think the last couple of years has been an undeniable season of growth for me. I am still around the 90 pounds down mark after my RNY surgery in April 2023. I have been sober from alcohol from my own choosing, not because I got a DUI or blew my life up or got arrested. Elective sobriety is what they call it in the sober communities. I am a part of three really great online sober communities that I would recommend to any women looking for more support or community who aren't necessarily built for the specific program of AA but want that connection. If you want more information on what online communities I'm a part of, feel free to find me on Instagram at @justjenn613 and I'd be happy to chat about that. I'm blogging at least once a week, reading books for self-improvement, enrichment, or to encourage sobriety and good habits at least twice a month. I'm getting outside and walking and letting the sunshine fill up my soul (something I actively avoided in my drinking days) at least three days a week. I'm making strides to do one hard thing (or something that challenges me) every single day. And I feel better than I have physically and emotionally in years. 

My dad said something the other day that stuck with me too. Work isn't supposed to be easy or fun. It's supposed to be work. There's challenge and obstacles and not-so-fun tasks and meetings and things that are required of us as adults in the working world. But adversity and overcoming challenges is what makes us grow. It makes us better. And I'm all about a better, more authentic me in 2024.