Social Challenge: Week 1 One Small Win!

[AARPTeri]

Week 1:  What’s one small win you have had this week and one thing that’s been harder than expected?  Short answers welcome! Jump in even if you’re just getting started!

Want to join the challenge?  Here’s the URL:https://www.aarp.org/rewards/earn/socialchallenge/ 

[Enncync]

I added lifting weights to my daily workout routine.

[SereneSeagull]

That’s an excellent thing to do for your health.  Great !  💪

[ShirleyD760587]

I baked cookies and shared with friends at Starbucks including the baristas.  Challenge, I was disappointed by a friend who touts himself as an excellent handyman but failed to show up for a job at my 93y/o mother’s house. 

[SereneSeagull]

Baking is such get generous gift.  I’m Sure that was a welcomed one. Sorry about the handyman friend.  Hopefully there’s a good explanation.

[JackieC777628]

one small win you have had this week: lost 3 pounds intentionally on a autoimmune diet! 😀 and one thing that’s been harder than expected: losing weight at age 54 😞 

[TNTMOM]

Hang in there!  Today I went swimming --- 50 lengths --- just did it.  Never mind how I look in my bathing suit.  I felt so good afterward... I really want to stick with moving everyday --- I think it is going to help my anxiety.

[SereneSeagull]

Congrats @JackieC777628 

[RobinS265398]

One small win is I try to strike up a conversation with someone when I'm out and about more often than I used to. I have social anxiety and feel awkward.  

[ChristeneH988503]

I do too but my meds are working well enough that it's easier to start up conversations.

It makes life more fun.

[SereneSeagull]

Excellent ! @RobinS265398 Thats a leap!

[DianneD423]

 I finished a chapter of my coding homework early this week but I forgot about the discussion board which is now late lol. With menopause, this seems to be the norm these days!!! Anyone have any great advice about menopause and its pitfalls? My mom passed when I was 27 so I don't have an older female figure to ask, not to mention no one really ever told us about this stuff anyway! I feel like a crazy person half the time and my husband is really questioning my mental health and anger issues these day 😂

[TNTMOM]

Go to aarp.org and type "menopause" in the Search Box ---- there are several helpful articles.

[RobinS265398]

I'll pray for you.  Menopause has been rough for me.  I'm 55.  I have had it all: brain fog, mood swings, hot flashes, sleep onset insomnia, weight gain, and  crying spells. I'm trying natural remedies: wild yam cream, vitex (chasteberry), red clover, and if you do not have Hypothyroidism, also Maca Root is helpful. 

[GeraldineM929296]

Walking 10,000 stops a day. Going blind in my left eye.

[SereneSeagull]

Congrats on your steps, @GeraldineM929296 . Thats great!  Wonderful sense of accomplishment too!  Endorphins are released, and you feel good.

I know someone that had a blindness in an eye.  While disconcerting, they were able to overcome the challenges and did well adapting.  Definitely a blow, but was quite interesting how well they were able to deal as if it hadn’t happened..  I think our bodies are amazing how they do that naturally sometimes.  Keep on keepin’ on! 

[GeraldineM929296]

Thank you!

[DeniseM153174]

One small win today was to set up boundaries with certain individuals that are not capable of being authentic and caring friends. 

[l342409g]

This is often so true. A lot of people are only seeking what will benefit them. Maybe thats what sets me away from a lot of people.

[SereneSeagull]

I applaud that @DeniseM153174 !  It’s your life to live, and we don’t have to accept or invite anyone into our lives that causes an unhealthy, unwelcoming environment for us that we don’t want.  Nicely done!  

[JackieC777628]

Agreed. Good words to live by. 

[gw7821]

I asked and was added to a chat thread for one of my gym classes. If our teacher is absent the group entertains meeting anyway to work out together. 

[RobinS265398]

That's good news. I'm glad to hear you all meet anyway when the instructor is away.  That's a dedicated group.  I hope to find one like you have.  

[SereneSeagull]

Proactive involvement and then inclusion!  Congrats on reaching out to do this, @gw7821 !

[chrysgoodell]

I set up an extra therapy session.

[SereneSeagull]

Awareness of our own needs, is a positive approach, nicely done, @chrysgoodell !

[AmandaM216150]

My win is going out for lunch twice. 

[SereneSeagull]

I totally enjoy taking myself out for meals!  A wonderful, peaceful, gloriously justified self love.  Enjoy every minute, @AmandaM216150 

[AletaM448736]

Wins: Learning to embrace AARP, learning to play online games, and easing into retirement.  

Hard: All of the above! Seriously!  🤣

[SereneSeagull]

Time to chillax, @AletaM448736 , and enjoy!

[SandyJ15397]

Practicing mindfulness meditation