Amanda Perry

Saving to read later because I have a lil YouTube Ju**ie.

I Took YouTube Away From My Kids For A Week, And I Noticed A Few Things The difference in behavior was incredible.

Can I enjoy a sober night out with my friends?

Yes, yes I can. Saturday I went snowshoeing and hung out with friends. I had fun, remembered the whole night, and woke up the next morning feeling amazing.

I’ve been sober curious for awhile. Sure I’ve done month long sobriety challenges- Dry January, Sober October, Say No November. But I was always counting the day until I’d drink again.

I never made it more than the month. But I knew my relationship with alcohol wasn’t serving me. Blackouts, weight gain, poor sleep and concentration, I could give you a long list. I had myself believing I was functioning just fine. But something was always nagging at the back of my mind. Wellness is important to me, so why am I putting this in my body everyday and my body has to work overtime to get rid of it. What am I avoiding? What am I lacking? Why do I want to drink? Why can’t I stop at just one drink? How much money am I spending on this?

This time, I’m not counting the days until I can drink again. I’m taking things one day at a time. Feeling the feels, questioning myself and situations. I can’t fail because it’s not a forever thing. I might chose to drink tomorrow, or three years from now. I know that if and when I chose to have a drink, I’ll have made the decision best for me. Not because my 30 days were up and I was allowed to drink again. I’m choosing not to drink for now. I’m learning and growing, working on being present and mindful of what’s going on in my life.

@ Rippling River Resort Campground

Most days I live in lounge wear. Thank you 2020 for making this a style. Jeans are just dumb anyway. But, I also live in lounge wear because none of my jeans fit. Yeah not so happy about that 2020. 🙄

🎙I need to tell you about where my cute sweatshirt is from.

Chelsey become one of my insta BFF’s last year. She gets me, and I get her- both of us know that we are made to do more in this world. And we both have been an array of sizes and numbers on the scale. That struggle is damn real!

Chelsey started last year because she was over not being able to find workout clothes that flattered her body. She is all about empowering women of ALL shapes and sizes through inspiration, motivation, and custom design apparel. You can all sit with us! And she even has sweatshirts, because all besties need matching clothes right?!?

BE HERE NOW

I’m not alone when it comes to the struggle of being fully present. I can’t relax or shut my mind off, like ever. Always one more thing be done on the list. My to do list is a merry go round and has been for years. As soon as something is checked off the next in line jumps on, or the next day begins. It feels like groundhogs day most of the time. Didn’t I have all this on my list yesterday?????

One way I’m breaking up with these to do lists is by putting routines in place and focusing on one thing at a time. Multitasking has no place in my life. Single tasking and mindfulness for the win! So what is mindfulness and how does it become the core of who I am?

Mindfulness is constantly observing, reflecting on, and directing your thoughts. Being mindful means intentionally overriding your automatic thoughts with thoughts of positivity and love. Mindfulness allows you to take responsibility for your experience of life, to be aware of how you affect others, and to use your time and energy to become the best version of yourself.

Being mindful means slowing down to think before you speak. It means taking a moment to ask yourself why you are feeling something and how you should respond. You can become less reactive, anxious, and defensive so that you can live more compassionately. Being mindful allows you to develop self-love and self-respect, to move beyond judgement to compassionate, understanding, and empathy.