I started the year off with nine books. I enjoyed them all. 

Before We Were Us was the first book I read this year. Three of the four contemporary romances that I read are a complete series: Memory Lane, Rocky Road and Uneasy Street. I loved the entire series very much.

I listened to The Count of Monte Cristo because it was such a HUGE book. I knew I could listen while I did other things and I could speed it up if I wanted to. It was really in-depth that at times it was hard to keep track of all the people and situations. Things all fell into place towards the end of the book. 

The two suspense novels were not from the same series, but they were from the same author. Unexpected Danger and Deadly Secrets kept me on my toes trying to figure out how it would unfold. 

The two historical novels were very different. To Love a Beast was a fun Beauty and the Beast retelling. It is now one of my favorite retellings. Against the Rain is number five in a six-book series that takes place in Alaska. The family dynamics is such a draw for me. Can't wait for book six to come out. 

You can check out my full reviews with their individual posts. And follow me on Goodreads. 

I've got so many wonderful books on my TBR pile, and it just keeps getting bigger. My goal is to read one classic each month that I haven't read or haven't read in a while. I want to read some of the older titles each month along with the newer books and new releases that I can't help but get. I love supporting the authors and gracing my shelves with beautiful books at the same time. I do read a lot on my kindle with KU. It helps me decide what I need to get for my shelves. Honestly, I'd love to be able to get all the books, but I have limited shelf space and funds. That doesn't seem to stop me in MANY cases. 

I can't wait to share with you the books for February! I have a book review I need to write and am in the process of reading two other books.  

As always, 

~A Simple Texas Girl living life on the Jesus Way! 

I intended to get this running journey started back in December, but one day turned into a week and a week turned into a month and well, you get the idea. I let the last two months pass without making sure that my daily habits were on track with my goals. I can't even say that is the first time that has ever happened. Far from it. 

I have all sorts of excuses, but the fact is, I just didn't "feel like" doing anything. I gave into those feelings. It's true that we let ourselves down more than anyone else in our lives. I really want to change that about myself.

Today, I chose a simple run that wouldn't ask me to push myself beyond what I felt like I had to give. After not working out or running this past month and most of December, I knew I didn't have much to give. With this run, the fastest RPE (rate of perceived exertion) is a 3-4. It was the slowest I've ever run. Most of the time my RPE of 4 leaves me with at least a 15-minute mile. I have to count this as a win since I completed the run with very little walking. I may not have gone very fast, but I did keep going. I was thrilled to get outside today in the sunshine, even though it was still only 50 degrees. 

On Saturday morning, I will be running a 10K and I know it will not be in the time that I wish it could be. I am not in the shape I need to be in, and I haven't been running consistently to have a time that I will be thrilled with. Is that going to make me quit and just throw in the towel? NO WAY! I am going to give it my very best and come out a winner in my eyes, if no one else's. My family will be proud of my no matter my time. They have always been my biggest supporters. 

If you would like to check out the workouts and running program that I am doing, you can find out more HERE. This is an affiliate link but it will not cost you extra to use it. It will just help me because I shared. 

Time to start fresh and work on my routine for better physical and mental health. Here are my Routine goals. 

• Going to bed early each night so I can get enough rest
• Fueling my body with healthy foods and cutting out unhealthy ones
• 5-6 Lifting workouts that are 25-40 minutes day
• Running 3-4 times with varying types of runs EVEN if I have to use the treadmill
• Walk the days that I don't run at least 30 minutes
• Rebounding twice a day for ten minutes each
• Taking Magnesium Breakthrough and Beef Organ Complex supplements
• Magnesium bath once a week, especially after long runs. 
• Lymphatic lotion nightly on my face and neck
• Rowe Casa Organics Hormone Kit each night
• Spend time each morning in Bible study and prayer
• Close out my day with time in the Word and journalling 
• Spend no less than one hour on my WIP 
• Limit TV to the weekend with no more than 2 hours
• Limit social media time to posting once daily on all platforms and no more than 30 minutes to connect with friends 

I may add to this list over the next few months but for now, these are things I am going to make happen daily. I will show myself grace when needed. 

I've spent too much time NOT taking care of myself. Not that I didn't have time, because I did. Everyone has more time than they realize. Every minute we are scrolling reels; we are using our time for something that doesn't benefit us. Every minute spent doing something that has no value or benefit for us or someone else, is time we could have used for something that matters to us. 

I want to make this the year that I do the things I've dreamed of doing for so long. I can't do those things if my mind and body aren't in the best shape they can be. When my body isn't functioning like it should from lack of rest, nutrients and movement then my mind can't function correctly, either. That isn't how I want to live my life. 

For the month of February, I will be focusing on these routines and making them an everyday part of my life, again. No excuses. These things will be non-negotiable. They will help me reach my goals and will help me be the best ME I can be as I continue to live this life on the Jesus Way with my husband, kids and grands. They need me to be the person I am supposed to be. I have so many things I am tired of putting on hold for the "right time" or "later". It's "later" now! Time to start doing those things and living those dreams that God gave me.

As always, 

~A Simple Texas Girl living life on the Jesus Way!