Summer is officially here y’all, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to revamp our wellness routines and set new health goals. This year, my word of the year is *order*. I've been focusing on bringing more order into my life, in a variety of ways, and the 75 Soft Challenge that I recently came across by @cassiescure resonates deeply with me. As I celebrate turning 40 this summer, I've decided to embark on this challenge as a birthday gift to myself, aligning perfectly with my intention for the year.

What is the 75 Soft Challenge?

The 75 Soft Challenge is a balanced and approachable wellness journey. It focuses on building healthy habits without overwhelming yourself. Cassie’s Cure outlines both daily and weekly components that fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle, making it easier to stay committed.

Daily Components:

1. Move: Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This can be anything from a brisk walk, yoga session, strength training, or any physical activity you enjoy.

2.Mindfulness Spend 10 minutes each day practicing mindfulness. This could include meditation, journaling, or any activity that helps you stay present and reduce stress.

3. Read: Dedicate 15 minutes to reading daily. It can be a book, an article, or anything that enriches your mind.

4. Prayer: Spend time in prayer or spiritual reflection each day to ground yourself and connect with God.

5. Disconnect: Take a break from all screens for at least 30 minutes to give your eyes and mind a rest.

Weekly Components:

1. Self-Care and Pampering: Dedicate time each week to pamper yourself. This could be a spa day, a long bath, or any activity that makes you feel rejuvenated.

2. Decluttering: Spend some time each week decluttering a part of your home or workspace to create a more orderly environment. This one is a top priority for me because I have a big goal to declutter and reorganize my entire house before the year is out!

3. Reflection: Reflect on your week and progress. Journal your thoughts, experiences, and areas for improvement.

4. Outdoor Time: Ensure you spend time outdoors each week, connecting with nature and getting some fresh air.

This version of the challenge really resonated with me because all of these activities have been on my list to do more consistently. The focus on physical activity, mindfulness, reading, prayer, and disconnecting from screens each day addresses key areas I've been wanting to improve. The weekly components of self-care, decluttering, reflection, and outdoor time align perfectly with my goal of creating more order and balance in my life.

I'll be kicking this off on July 1st, and I encourage you to challenge yourself in some way as we kick off the last half of the year, too. You can create your own challenge, do this one, do the 75 Hard, or simply reflect on how the first half of the year went and decide on what you want to happen this last half and how you plan to achieve it.

QUOTES TO TAKE WITH YOU INTO THE LAST HALF OF THE YEAR

Here are some quotes from inspiring Black women to keep you motivated and inspired as you embark on this last half of the year:

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." – Maya Angelou

Remember that true success is rooted in self-acceptance and passion for your pursuits.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." – Maya Angelou

Stay resilient and empowered, no matter the challenges you face.

"I am my best work—a series of road maps, reports, recipes, doodles, and prayers from the front lines." – Audre Lorde

Embrace your unique journey and the personal growth that comes with it.

"Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself." – Alice Walker

Take charge of your happiness and well-being.

"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." – Audre Lorde

Let your vision guide you, and use your strength to overcome any fears.

Let’s make this summer our healthiest and happiest yet by focusing on balanced, sustainable wellness. Ready to get started? Let’s do this together!

Keep glowing,

Shalyce