And just like that, January 2016 is in the books.  That time of the year when the gym starts to empty out of the new year’s resolution crowd and winter starts rounding into form – so much for the whole El Nino thing right LA?  Although I didn’t really keep track or up with the “new year, new challenge” from last month, I’m pretty happy that I was able to check a few things off of my list that I was hoping to accomplish in the new year.  One of them was branching out and exploring this whole meditation phenomenon everyone is talking about.  From the couple of classes I took as well as incorporating some meditation into my yoga practice I was able to see what the fuss is all about.  The second thing was joining a triathlon training group and getting some pointers from a running coach on my running form.  I also met some new people that I hope to build a friendship with based on our mutual interest in the sport.  I’m looking forward to future events and training sessions with the group.

You know what a new month brings…a new challenge.  Since we’re entering the month of love, I thought it would be appropriate to present this month’s challenge to write a love letter to those special people in your life.  Whether that’s your husband/wife, mother/father, brother/sister, friend it’s up to you.  It can be long, short, funny, serious – the main point is to let those people you love know what they mean to you.  They say actions speak louder than words which I’m a firm believer in but I also believe words can show how much you care about someone.  You don’t have to write all the letters in one sitting, day or even a week.  Maybe start one, let it sit for a day or two and then come back to it.  My plan and hope is to write and finish one letter a week, if not 2.

In addition to writing a love letter to other people, I challenge you to write one to yourself.  One of the things that I’ve been trying to work on and is still a work in progress is practicing self-love and compassion.  There are a lot of things I wish I was better at like being more outgoing, not being so afraid of rejection and not worrying so much.  On the other hand, there are also a lot of things I’m proud and happy about like staying active and putting my health/happiness first, having a few really close friends and being close to my family.  My plan is to write the letters to others first so I can have the mindset of only writing positive things in my own letter.  I think it’s only natural to point out the flaws/negative things in yourself when reflecting on things so hopefully getting in the habit of writing about the things you love about another person will be replicated in the letter to yourself.  Good luck and happy leap year!

QOTP: “The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are, but how happy others can be because of you.” –unknown