My first Whole Life Challenge has ended. I have earned points. I have missed points. I have exercised. I have sat on my butt. I have practiced the life habits. I have forgotten life habits. I have been well. I have been sick. Surprises. Disappointments. Small victories. Small failures. There have been quiet moments of deep questions and loud moments where I am singing my favorite songs from my playlist while running around Brickell Key. It has been quite an 8 week ride.

What have I learned during my first Whole Life Challenge?

Say “Yes.”

My husband and I decided to participate in the Challenge after being invited by my friend, and eventual team coach (who is a rock star on the stage of life). The invitation was a simple Facebook message. When I read it I knew it was time to accept the Challenge. Saying yes to the Challenge brought a new level of seriousness to our frequent discussions of health’s hills and valleys. I have learned over the years that putting on your shoes is saying yes to running. Once you have put on your shoes, getting out the door is easy. Say yes to doing things that feed your soul. Say yes to things that might scare you a bit. Say yes to surrounding yourself with people who love and nurture you. Saying yes to the Challenge is saying yes to creating a more mindful and healthy life.

Connection is vital.

I believe wholeheartedly in the value of connecting. Connection being this week’s life habit has been insightful. I connect frequently with my mom. I have a small group of friends with whom I stay connected. Connecting has been critical to my gratitude journey this past year as my gratitude project has reconnected me with with many friends, mentors, and colleagues from across the years. Being better at connecting through my writing in the future is a 2018 goal. I am miserable at sending cards and writing notes and letters. (I say that fully knowing how much I love to write.) I will improve.

The habits I will keep.

There are several habits I will make permanent. I will continue not to drink diet drinks. My renewed commitment to yoga will continue. I will continue to practice gratitude, build playlists, keep written prioritized lists of tasks, and connect with people  (particularly via cards and notes). My training regimen has become more consistent during the Challenge. That will continue. I will keep these habits even before the next Challenge begins in January. All that being said, I have to confess that I am looking forward to eating cheese and pasta.

The lessons I have learned.

I have learned several lessons from this Challenge. I thought health was a wholistic thing before the Challenge, now I understand that more fully. I have experienced the way mindfulness works with nutrition, exercise, and the other habits. I now have clearly defined steps that I can take to be in better health. That framework will be useful going forward. I have remembered things I already knew about focus, community, and joy. I have learned that miles of progress are made one step at a time. Simply put, I am closer to understanding sustainable life change today than I was 8 weeks ago. I think those are pretty good first Challenge lessons.