Natural Reset Reflection

Wow!

It's hard to believe that we've been challenging ourselves in all kinds of inspiring ways for

FOUR weeks now.

I think the hardest part has been consistency for me. I've stuck with it though - challenging myself and often time my family each and every day for each and every challenge. Some days were harder than others but I have to say that the end of each week felt incredible!

Here is a recap of all of the Natural Reset Challenges:

Week 1: Feb 20 - 26

Get Outside and Play (Everyday!)

Week 2: March 1 - 7

Flying Solo

Week 3: March 13 - 19

Disconnect to Reconnect

Week 4: March 29 - April 4

Zero Waste

Each week brought fresh perspectives and enlightening moments.

But a thought that continually ran through my head this past month was, "whoah, you can accomplish soooo much in ONE week if you really set your mind to it!".

WEEK 1: Get Outside and Play (Everyday!)

I have so many amazing memories from this week and so do my kids. We hit the beach (on the warm days, the cold days, and the rainy days) for seven days straight! In Ohio, the weather this time of year is all over the place - but we went for it and it was awesome.

What really made me smile was how much they looked forward to our trip each day. And how different each day's play experience became. They challenged themselves without even realizing it. Each day they took in the beach. They noticed the changed weather conditions and how it affected how they would play that day. Save for one day we didn't bring any toys other than a bucket and shovel so they mostly found ways to interact with the environment. And interact they did, in so many simple, tangible, creative ways. Ways that only kids know how to do. I learned so much from watching them that week, I really did.

WEEK 2: Flying Solo

Who knew that spending whatever little bit of time I was graced with each day, alone, outside, could do so much good for my soul! For starters, I began to feel a huge amount of gratitude for stolen moments alone. At times I was gifted with time for a walk, while other times I sat on the front steps in the cold, dark night sipping coffee and looking at the stars after the kids went to bed. Each day / night was different. I wasn't sure what I would do ALONE outside. I mean, my typical experience these days is filled with laughter and crying and lots and lots noise. It was so QUIET outside alone. It was a little unnerving to walk through the woods without two beautiful balls of energy making laps around each step. It took me some time to let go and not feel like something was missing. But eventually I did...

Experiencing the outdoors, even if it means standing in the backyard while your child naps, is such a great time to take a deep breathe and mediate on you for a moment. Or better yet, take that time to ponder your place in the vast sea of stars. That moment to tap into the world is not to be missed and I was reminded how important it is to keep this challenge going for myself.

WEEK 3: Disconnect to Reconnect

Unplugging each night after the kids were asleep was my challenge to myself this week. Each evening I really should be picking up a book, making my art, having real conversations, or tending to other more tangible authentic experiences. But social media can slowly creep in and steal some of that time away (or too much of that time!) if we are not mindful of it. TV can seem relaxing but can become a habit. Whatever device is your vice ~ I found that by turning it off I regained inspiration and motivation. Who doesn't need more of that, right?

Although this was a challenge only for myself, I would love to extend this one to the whole family for a week soon and see what comes of it. We could all use less screen time and more real time. I will keep you posted on that one ; )

WEEK 4: Zero Waste

Just wrapping this one up and I although we didn't come close to "0" trash output, I am so proud of what we did accomplish! Going into this week I was intimidated and unsure. How was I ever going to get my family to cut back and make lasting changes in just one week!? Well I am happy to report that we did it!!

I think making a plan for this week was crucial. I mapped out what we would change and how and set out to tackle one thing each day. Here is how it went down:

1. Take name off junk mail lists (less trash in, less trash out)

2. Declutter (clothes, kitchen cupboards, toys, etc.) and Donate

3. Compost (we started our first compost pile this week!)

4. Start a Garden (plans are in the works AND we picked our first radish from our windowsill!)

5. Cook More

6. Paperless Kitchen (invested in cloth napkins and kitchen towels ~ put the paper towels away!)

7. Plastic Free Kitchen (used reusable bags while we were out, bulk bins at the grocery store, farmers market shopping)

SO EXCITED about our progress this week. We cut our kitchen trash in HALF!

So to reflect on the challenge as a whole I would say it was a HUGE success. I'm kind of sad it's all over but am very happy to have ended the winter season and transitioned into spring on such a positive note.

Sometimes people get so caught up with having kids in the picture that they let it stop them in their tracks. They put themselves into survival mode. But I think having kids can be such a motivator for positive change. And they are so willing to be a part of that change. Each week, my kids were excited for the challenge, whether it involved them directly or not. Keep them in the loop, they will thank you for it later. Keep them involved and it will make lasting memories for all of you. These challenges certainly created some great moments for us.

Hope you enjoyed the challenges as much as we did. Even if you didn't get a chance to participate directly there are always chances down the road if you want to take any of this with you for later on. I know I will come back to it time and again for sure.

Hope this spring brings sheds some new light on whatever you set your mind to...