Week 3 was the halfway point of this Whole Life Challenge. I have suffered a bit from being halfway in this entire Challenge. Begrudgingly drinking my water. Exercising, with complete intensity, only 4 or 5 days a week while just getting my 10 minutes a day in the rest of the time. I walk a lot as a result of having given up my car, so movement is part of my everyday life without even trying. Cleaning out the cracks of crevasses of my physical space (as suggested in last week’s lifestyle habit) has looked more like keeping up with the dishes and laundry and grocery shopping. On a week when finding joy and play was the assignment, even that was hard to do. I am left wondering why was this week so tough? What does it mean when even fun feels like a chore?

Here are 5 Things I Learned From Week 3 of the Whole Life Challenge.

Good ingredients matter.

I have finally figured out that I eat Challenge-friendly food at home (which is better and cheaper) when I buy good ingredients. When I have good ingredients, I don’t cheat. When I have good ingredients, I have a much better handle on my portion control (my primary food issue). Most importantly, when I have good ingredients, I enjoy cooking.

I have to decide every single day to live the Challenge.

From the decision about what to eat, to when to exercise, to keeping a glass of water on hand, each action is a decision. There is control there. There is the pushing through the point at which I don’t want to do anything because everything is pointless. There is the hugging myself after every positive step and not flogging myself over points lost. There is the fresh start provided by every morning. I have had to fight against an “all or nothing” attitude (that often is an excuse to give up).

Habits Happen.

I was traveling and took 4 days off of vigorous exercise this past week. In stepping away from it for a few days, I realized how much I am becoming accustomed to the rhythm of starting my day with a workout. Every morning is not a debate. My nutrition habits are improving, too. I don’t have to cry over not eating cheese and bread. It has been more of a gradual move toward better habits rather than a light switch moment happening. I am solidly moving toward a Whole Life.

Results take time.

Results, like weight loss and endurance, are happening at a snail’s pace. Two steps forward three steps back, two steps forward three steps back, two steps forward three steps back can be a toxic dance. Halfway through this Challenge, I am seeing a few results. That feels good. My wellness goals extend well into 2019, results can happen in a natural, sustainable pace.

Music and the outdoors bring me joy.

This week was about setting an intention to have fun. In so doing, I have paid attention to where I have the most fun. I have known this for a long time, but my heart sings when I am surrounded by music. Music outdoors is just about my favorite thing. I got to go to an outdoor music festival last weekend. It was truly fun. It made me think back to music festivals that have been a part of my entire life.  More than 600 bands played on porches throughout a tree-lined neighborhood in Atlanta. Intentionally seeking out fun is particularly important right now when there is so much to turn our attention completely toward sadness, concern, and anger. I am grateful to the Challenge for reminding me.