Q1: These days it's telling myself "Ok, it seems like today is that day to rest fully", I am super tired and just can't function. I am not weak or slipping back into old depressing habits, just my body and mind telling me I am exhausted. That isn't the goal either. Q2: Resting should be something to look forward to not when I just can't function anymore. Maybe yesterday wasn't resting, it was more crashing out. Last of rest makes me irritable, depleted, immobile, and increases hunger. That one is a big one. It increases my appetite. Q3: Wednesday. I found that when I rest on Wednesday, no stress, no real activities like going to the gym (not that it isn't a good thing), house chores that take time like organizing, etc., things that require me to feel and be busy. Resting for me this Wednesday is preparing for my in person office day on Thursday. Breakfast and lunch packed, clothes laid out, backpack ready to go, parking paid for and ready by 6:30 am, my agenda for in office work, in bed by 7:45 - 8pm. I already did my real rest today. quiet time, movement, and a cup of coffee to just sit and reflect. 1000% ✅

- What story do I tell myself about resting? Today, rest means something very different than it used to. Rest isn’t doing nothing or checking out. Rest is staying connected—to family, friends, and community. It’s protecting my sleep and getting a full eight hours so my body and mind can recover. Rest is turning work off when it’s time to turn it off, without guilt. Rest also looks like choosing a day that’s intentional and nourishing—doing something creative, working on a project, or arts and crafts—not scrolling, not TV, not chores. Just being present, relaxed, and centered. Rest now feels purposeful, not lazy. It supports my healing and helps me show up more grounded the next day. - How does lack of rest affect me? When I don’t rest, it affects my mood, focus, communication, and decision-making. I feel rushed, disconnected, and more likely to burn out or make poor choices like food, bedtime, water intake. It contributes to taking the easy route which is usually unhealthy. Rest helps me stay grounded and present. - When’s my next true rest day? Friday, spending quiet, meaningful time with my grandson for his birthday. I have the day off and I am looking forward to doing some arts and crafts. Right now, rest is also happening daily as my body heals — being kind to myself and allowing recovery without guilt. ⚡ Action Step: Block off 1 full hour today for real rest. Mind, body, soul. I took a hour and a half nap today. I haven't done that in many years. 🔑 Gut-Check: Did I stay 1,000% Real today? Yes. I rested without abandoning my structure. I followed my plan, took care of my body, ate and hydrated well, and honored what I needed without pushing or quitting.

Q1: They tell them that they can live their lives knowing I am taking care of myself. I am not needy or sick where they have to take time out of their lives to take care of me. I was headed down that road at a very early age. I am healthier, stronger, wiser and happier than I've ever been in my life, in my adult life that is. I work, pay my own bills. I am independent and I am also fun. I walk along side them raising their children. I role model for my family today. Q2: I can't pin point the last time, but I can say, they know they can count on me when they need me. I show up without attitude, what I have is theirs, if I don't have it, let's find a way to get it. they are my priority,, especially my little ones. Today was a very tiring day. I could not get myself to do anything. I was present for myself. I needed rest and I knew it. I couldn't ignore it. It's ok though, we went to the circus and had a great time, ON A SUNDAY! loved it. I stayed 1000% today. It was a slow day but it was worth it. tomorrow will be its own day. I am looking forward to it. But today was gym stretch, stranger things, some chores, eat well, gratitude, prayer and reading. Great day. Oh, and I think my coaches are back, YAY!

- What do my actions tell my family about priorities? When I think about what my actions tell my family about my priorities, I have to be honest about where I’m at in life. I don’t live with young children or a household full of family, so my priorities show up in moments—weekends together, visits, sleepovers, conversations, and how I carry myself when I’m with them. This past weekend, one of the ways I showed my priorities was through discipline and consistency. There was a lot of good food, desserts included, and instead of reacting or feeling restricted, I stayed grounded. I ate, I enjoyed myself, and I honored the commitments I’ve made to my health without making it anyone else’s issue. I wasn’t angry, defensive, or performative. I was calm, present, and aligned. What I’m practicing in private now shows up in public too—and that matters to me. What I do at home has to match who I am everywhere else. That alignment was scattered if I am honest. I didn't realize it until recently. A few months ago, it wasn’t there. This program has helped me bring those two worlds together. - When was the last time I showed them they come first? When I think about the last time I showed my family they come first, I go back to the sleepover I had with my sisters. I didn’t try to fix them. I didn’t criticize their choices. I didn’t control the moment. I simply let them be who they are and loved them as they are. That alone created connection and peace. It freed me from stress and reminded me how long we’ve all waited to feel that kind of ease together—something we didn’t really get growing up. With my children, grandchildren, and family, showing they come first often looks simple. I pay attention. I notice what’s needed even when it isn’t asked for. I show up with small things—support, presence, help—because those things say, “I see you., I love you and you matter” That’s what family feels like to me. It’s not about grand gestures. It’s about awareness and care. The action step—giving someone 100% presence—didn’t happen in the traditional sense today because it was a full workday and I don’t live with family. But that presence happens naturally when my grandchildren come over. When they’re here, they are the priority. No debate. No distraction. That’s a non-negotiable in my heart.

This week, I felt tempted to negotiate my non-negotiable when my back pain showed up and I was told to rest. That alone brought up my old pattern of taking care of myself by stopping everything and pulling away instead of adjusting. As I write this, I realize that it isn't even temptation. Being tempted means I am sitting with this for a second of more and then saying yes or no. This was automatic. What really stood out to me was how easily that showed up even through good intentions. When I shared this with my therapist—who knows my history, the boxes, and how hard this has been for years—her response came from compassion and care. She suggested things like taking certain days off or building in more breaks. As soon as she said it, my brain agreed. It felt safe. It felt reasonable. And I noticed how quickly I said yes. But once I sat with it, I realized I had just agreed to move away from my non-negotiable. My mind was blown away! Not because I couldn’t do it safely, and not because I needed rest—but because that old habit of avoidance still knows how to disguise itself as self-care. That avoidance is what my nervous system remembers as self care, protection. That moment showed me how easy it is to lean toward what feels comfortable and protective and safe, instead of what builds confidence and consistency. What I’m learning through this process is that honoring my non-negotiables doesn’t mean pushing through pain, but it also doesn’t mean stepping away from my responsibility to myself. It means slowing down, doing things safely, asking for help if needed, and staying connected. This commitment—one box at a time—is about more than decluttering. It’s about rebuilding trust in myself, choosing courage over emotional pain, and doing the next right thing even when it brings up fear. This week made me more aware of how easily old patterns can resurface, even wrapped in care and concern. Because of this awareness I am able to recognize my old patterns in my current situation, back pain + boxes. Oh what a joy! There is no doubt that this would've been different even a month ago. It's also about my mental health. Missing my gym workouts, I could easily go into self pity, this is the end of that kinda of thinking. That awareness is helping me stay aligned with what I know I need to do to move forward, one step at a time. One more thing it taught me, I am a person in that field and I had to ask myself, what am I doing with my clients? How am I showing up for them?

- Where am I chasing applause instead of purpose? I honestly don’t feel like I chase applause. If anything, attention makes me uncomfortable. I’m not trying to be the best at the gym, the standout at work, or the person everyone notices. What I chase — every single day — is purpose. And purpose has never been easy for me to find. It’s not obvious or handed to you. It’s something I’ve had to search for through faith, pain, growth, and a lot of unlearning. I come from a world where people tried to define me, diminish me, or distract me from who I was becoming. So purpose for me has always been about survival, meaning, and freedom — not applause. If I ever look like I’m “doing a lot,” it’s not because I want recognition. It’s because I want my life to matter. I want to live aligned with God, with my values, and with the person I know I’m meant to be. Being a good human isn’t something I want praise for — it’s something I feel called to be. - What would I do differently if no one could see me? This question hits differently for me now than it did before. If no one could see me, I wouldn’t disappear — I would actually show up more honestly. I would keep my word to myself behind closed doors the same way I try to keep it in the world. I would stay consistent, committed, and grounded even when no one is watching, clapping, or validating it. What I would do differently is stop separating “who I am out there” from “who I am in here.” I don’t want to perform strength or growth — I want to live it. I want the person I am alone in my home to match the person people experience when they’re around me. No pretending. No masking. Just being real with myself, even when it’s quiet and uncomfortable. - Who am I trying to impress—and why? I’m not sure if I’m trying to impress anyone. That isn’t fully clear to me right now. What this question does give me is awareness. It invites me to start paying attention to whether that shows up in certain situations or with certain people. I notice that sometimes I over-explain or apologize more than necessary, not because I want approval, but because I want peace and understanding. This feels like an area to observe with curiosity, not judgment, and to stay mindful of as I continue growing.

@Roberto Melendez thank you coach. I appreciate that feedback. 🥰

- Where have I been praying but not acting? There were times when I prayed for peace, emotional stability, and change, but didn’t fully step into my responsibility to practice the tools that support those prayers. I wanted things to feel better without always slowing down, reflecting, or doing the work needed to regulate my emotions and reactions. Lately, I’ve become more aware that prayer alone isn’t enough—I also have to participate in the process. - Do my actions prove or contradict my faith? More and more, my actions are beginning to prove my faith. Instead of asking God to fix things while I stay the same, I’m working on my part—pausing before reacting, using my wellness tools, seeking support, and choosing healthier responses. When I slip, I notice it faster and course-correct instead of spiraling. That feels more aligned with what I say I believe. - What steps align with what I’m praying for? If I’m praying for peace, clarity, and emotional safety, then my steps have to match that. That looks like managing my reactions, not letting my nervous system run the show, preparing myself instead of reacting, and doing the work—at the gym, at work, and in my daily routines. I’m learning that faith means trusting God and showing up consistently for myself. ⚡ Action Step: Pray for clarity on one goal. Then work on it for 30 minutes today. I prayed for commitment to taking care of my back strain. I created a plan and I am sticking with it. 🔑 Gut-Check: Did I stay 1,000% Real today? As tired as I am today, I stayed committed, kept my word regardless of how I feel, and I also allowed myself to feel positive on a tired and challenging day. Thank God for His goodness. I am grateful.

@Roberto Melendez ❤️