I broke the matrix by going on a much needed vacation after 2.5 years of burnout and non-stop work. I feel like I was able to untie most of the metaphorical knots that I had built up over the last few years.
I’m going to break the matrix by being 100% present, and not letting work or life issues distract me, during my 8 year old son’s soccer and baseball games this weekend.
I actually just broke the matrix. I took my first solo trip to LA for my 8 month check up since loosing vision in my right eye after having a stroke at 30yo. Instead of going from the airport to the doctors and back to the airport due to being insecure. I walked around his office in Beverly Hills, sat on Rodeo Drive and took in the world in. People watched. Not just shut down and crumble at the worse news, but make the most of few hours I had being alone for the first time in a city I once lived and thrived in. Choosing to enjoy all these moments even if they weren’t great moments at all. Even if I feel and look my worse surrounded by wealth, perfection and beauty. I still felt enough. I felt worthy. I even felt seen. Instead of being depressed, scared and anxious of what others thought of me. I chose to engage with the world in ways I still could. I found myself genuinely complementing others. Comfortably asking strangers for help for the first time. I’ve lost the ability to see color in the only eye I have some vision in. I walked into stores for the first time in two years. I wondered what color the fabric actually was. I started to play a game with myself choosing the colors I wanted the prints to be. What I would think would look nice. I got to decide how I saw the world. I even asked one of the workers in the store to walk with me and please describe the colors he sees to me. I wanted to see if they matched what I thought it would be in my head. It was actually one of the most exciting experiences in a store in my life. It was such a beautiful moment for me. I’ve asked my body to do so much for me. A walk around the block reminded me that I shouldn’t be ashamed of her. I’ve been so ashamed and embarrassed of how much my looks have changed how much I am of loosing and what I no longer can do for myself. A walk taught me that the way I look is about the least interesting thing about me. The more interesting thing is I never gave up or made excuses. That I should have more confidence in the situation the harder it is. Choosing to take my first walk alone instead of routinely hiding and rushing back to sit at the airport trying to take up the least amount of space in the world really broke the matrix for me. A feeling of acceptance, wonder and new confidence I will never forget…
I just started a new job (one way to break the matrix), but it requires me to host journalists at restaurants around our city. As a very picky eater, I'm about to head to lunch where I will try artichoke tortellini for the first time (seriously, I've never eaten an artichoke in my life). Yikes!
Oh and tomorrow - after my Saturday60 with Jess Sims which is a routine I don't want to break - my husband and I are going to Meow Wolf - a totally immersive art exhibit here in Denver. :)
I actually already broke the matrix in this challenging week by signing off early yesterday from work and joining my man on a nature walk here in San Diego. It was so great to get away from screens and the indoors and just be in the wild for a bit. A good reminder of what really heckin matters.
I am going to break the matrix by doing something for MYSELF. I’m a new mom and have devoted the last 11 months to my baby. Mom guilt is real, but I’m finally starting to realize that it’s okay to take time to myself, too.
I am going to break the matrix by making evening plans with a friend to enjoy the present moment of where I am currently at in life. I am always busy and prioritizing my office job and NBA dance schedule, so now that I am in the off season, I really want to break the matrix by letting loose and just having FUN! I think by creating memorable moments with my friend and saying 'yes' to making evening plans - will allow me to appreciate all the opportunities in my life. :-)
My plan for breaking the matrix in the coming week will be to be more intentional in listening to my body and doing workouts that my body is actually craving, versus ones that I feel I "need" for my strength training + running routines. As a personal trainer/group instructor and someone still working the 9-5 corporate life, my days fill up quickly and it doesn't leave much time to focus on what I actually want/need, especially if I factor in having a social life some evenings too. Going "hard" in this "new normal", IRL routine is something I know I want to keep up with in order to help me move forward toward my goals, but it also leaves me struggling to really LISTEN to myself and check in on how I'm feeling. For next weekend, instead of feeling eager to fill up my two evenings "off" from my fitness + corporate jobs, I'm going to let myself be happy to recharge and reset, physically and mentally, and find joy in being my own entertainment, my own confidant, my own happiness. I've learned the value in that from you, Emily, and I know it's time to start putting it into practice myself. The possibilities of what we can do when we're in charge of our own time, energy, and happiness, are truly limitless. XOXO - a fellow Hurdler, Natalie.
I’m going to break the matrix by trying new ways to move my body. I’ve been into climbing for almost a year now and that sweet spot of ‘it’s okay if I’m not great because I'm still learning’ is over for me, mentally. Something that was once so much fun and also a stress relief, has become quite frustrating. I know I need to flip my perspective, and I think mixing in other sports/workouts instead of grinding away at the wall is exactly what I need! Im going to hike a new trail, go for a run (even if just a short one), try a new yoga class, and who knows, maybe even have a go at pickleball!
This challenge couldn't have come at a better time - thank you for the push, Emily! I've been working out in my home gym for the last 2+ years. Although it's made sticking to my routine extremely easy, I've been craving hot yoga and the energy you receive from a group fitness class. I'm going to follow this feeling and sign-up for 1-2 yoga classes next week to test out a couple studios close to home. Can't wait!
This week I am going to break the matrix by spending at least 10 minutes outside after I wake up. This could be simply sitting and reading/journalling, or going for a walk/jog. My typical workout routine as of late has been a combination of strength/spin workouts, and I am so excited to change things up by spending some time outdoors in the morning; especially when it is getting so nice out! Looking forward to this challenge. Thanks as always Emily!
Breaking the matrix: making a new recipe at least once a week and taking time to sit down and have conversation with my partner while we eat instead of watching TV!
This coming week I’ll be breaking up the matrix by NOT reaching for my phone and checking my work email immediately. I will spend 60 minutes phone free completing my PT, followed by a walk outside. Dr. Huberman swears by morning sunlight and coming into these warmer sunny months I need to make this a priority! Thanks for the challenge Em!
I will break the matrix by not checking instagram right after I wake up in the morning.
I broke the matrix by going on a much needed vacation after 2.5 years of burnout and non-stop work. I feel like I was able to untie most of the metaphorical knots that I had built up over the last few years.
I’m going to break the matrix by being 100% present, and not letting work or life issues distract me, during my 8 year old son’s soccer and baseball games this weekend.
Breaking the matrix by adding at least 10 minutes of “joy” to my day by doing something I love (but don’t tend to do/prioritize on the daily).
I actually just broke the matrix. I took my first solo trip to LA for my 8 month check up since loosing vision in my right eye after having a stroke at 30yo. Instead of going from the airport to the doctors and back to the airport due to being insecure. I walked around his office in Beverly Hills, sat on Rodeo Drive and took in the world in. People watched. Not just shut down and crumble at the worse news, but make the most of few hours I had being alone for the first time in a city I once lived and thrived in. Choosing to enjoy all these moments even if they weren’t great moments at all. Even if I feel and look my worse surrounded by wealth, perfection and beauty. I still felt enough. I felt worthy. I even felt seen. Instead of being depressed, scared and anxious of what others thought of me. I chose to engage with the world in ways I still could. I found myself genuinely complementing others. Comfortably asking strangers for help for the first time. I’ve lost the ability to see color in the only eye I have some vision in. I walked into stores for the first time in two years. I wondered what color the fabric actually was. I started to play a game with myself choosing the colors I wanted the prints to be. What I would think would look nice. I got to decide how I saw the world. I even asked one of the workers in the store to walk with me and please describe the colors he sees to me. I wanted to see if they matched what I thought it would be in my head. It was actually one of the most exciting experiences in a store in my life. It was such a beautiful moment for me. I’ve asked my body to do so much for me. A walk around the block reminded me that I shouldn’t be ashamed of her. I’ve been so ashamed and embarrassed of how much my looks have changed how much I am of loosing and what I no longer can do for myself. A walk taught me that the way I look is about the least interesting thing about me. The more interesting thing is I never gave up or made excuses. That I should have more confidence in the situation the harder it is. Choosing to take my first walk alone instead of routinely hiding and rushing back to sit at the airport trying to take up the least amount of space in the world really broke the matrix for me. A feeling of acceptance, wonder and new confidence I will never forget…
I just started a new job (one way to break the matrix), but it requires me to host journalists at restaurants around our city. As a very picky eater, I'm about to head to lunch where I will try artichoke tortellini for the first time (seriously, I've never eaten an artichoke in my life). Yikes!
Oh and tomorrow - after my Saturday60 with Jess Sims which is a routine I don't want to break - my husband and I are going to Meow Wolf - a totally immersive art exhibit here in Denver. :)
I actually already broke the matrix in this challenging week by signing off early yesterday from work and joining my man on a nature walk here in San Diego. It was so great to get away from screens and the indoors and just be in the wild for a bit. A good reminder of what really heckin matters.
I am going to break the matrix by doing my bike ride on a route I haven't done in almost a year. No cell service, just me and the woods.
I am going to break the matrix by doing something for MYSELF. I’m a new mom and have devoted the last 11 months to my baby. Mom guilt is real, but I’m finally starting to realize that it’s okay to take time to myself, too.
I am going to break the matrix by making evening plans with a friend to enjoy the present moment of where I am currently at in life. I am always busy and prioritizing my office job and NBA dance schedule, so now that I am in the off season, I really want to break the matrix by letting loose and just having FUN! I think by creating memorable moments with my friend and saying 'yes' to making evening plans - will allow me to appreciate all the opportunities in my life. :-)
My plan for breaking the matrix in the coming week will be to be more intentional in listening to my body and doing workouts that my body is actually craving, versus ones that I feel I "need" for my strength training + running routines. As a personal trainer/group instructor and someone still working the 9-5 corporate life, my days fill up quickly and it doesn't leave much time to focus on what I actually want/need, especially if I factor in having a social life some evenings too. Going "hard" in this "new normal", IRL routine is something I know I want to keep up with in order to help me move forward toward my goals, but it also leaves me struggling to really LISTEN to myself and check in on how I'm feeling. For next weekend, instead of feeling eager to fill up my two evenings "off" from my fitness + corporate jobs, I'm going to let myself be happy to recharge and reset, physically and mentally, and find joy in being my own entertainment, my own confidant, my own happiness. I've learned the value in that from you, Emily, and I know it's time to start putting it into practice myself. The possibilities of what we can do when we're in charge of our own time, energy, and happiness, are truly limitless. XOXO - a fellow Hurdler, Natalie.
I’m going to break the matrix by trying new ways to move my body. I’ve been into climbing for almost a year now and that sweet spot of ‘it’s okay if I’m not great because I'm still learning’ is over for me, mentally. Something that was once so much fun and also a stress relief, has become quite frustrating. I know I need to flip my perspective, and I think mixing in other sports/workouts instead of grinding away at the wall is exactly what I need! Im going to hike a new trail, go for a run (even if just a short one), try a new yoga class, and who knows, maybe even have a go at pickleball!
This challenge couldn't have come at a better time - thank you for the push, Emily! I've been working out in my home gym for the last 2+ years. Although it's made sticking to my routine extremely easy, I've been craving hot yoga and the energy you receive from a group fitness class. I'm going to follow this feeling and sign-up for 1-2 yoga classes next week to test out a couple studios close to home. Can't wait!
This week I am going to break the matrix by spending at least 10 minutes outside after I wake up. This could be simply sitting and reading/journalling, or going for a walk/jog. My typical workout routine as of late has been a combination of strength/spin workouts, and I am so excited to change things up by spending some time outdoors in the morning; especially when it is getting so nice out! Looking forward to this challenge. Thanks as always Emily!
Breaking the matrix: making a new recipe at least once a week and taking time to sit down and have conversation with my partner while we eat instead of watching TV!
This coming week I’ll be breaking up the matrix by NOT reaching for my phone and checking my work email immediately. I will spend 60 minutes phone free completing my PT, followed by a walk outside. Dr. Huberman swears by morning sunlight and coming into these warmer sunny months I need to make this a priority! Thanks for the challenge Em!