My Plan for November

I’m happy to report that October’s meal plan went really well.

We didn’t stick to it 100% – I never do – but we enjoyed most of the dinner ideas written on the calendar, and those we didn’t get to in October, I will fill in further down the line.

Remember, the meal plan is not about perfection. Instead, think of it as supplying options, ideas, and variety.

Here is my plan for November 2020:

November is also my birthday month which creates an ideal opportunity to do some honest self-assessing…how do I want the next 46 years, the next 12 months, and the next 30 days to look, feel, and be remembered?

Yoga with Momma Monty

First up is my physical well-being.

I am the world’s worst – absolute WORST – at consistency and self-discipline which makes diet plans, workout regimens, and fitness challenges a huge recipe for failure.

And yet…they say it is not about falling down, but rather getting back up again, so here I am setting some goals:

• I plan to ride our Peloton at least 20 minutes each day.
• I also commit to the 4 week “Crush Your Core” program led on the Peloton app by Emma Lovewell (my favorite Peloton instructor!).
• Each week I create a new yoga flow for my Tulsa Football boys, and this month I pledge to actually tape it ahead of time and post it to my YouTube channel to share it with the world.
• I will create the Yoga with Momma Monty landing page here at Me & Coach to organize my journey as a yoga instructor.

52 Books

For the first time ever, it looks like I will achieve my goal of enjoying 52 books in a year.

As of today, I’m sitting pretty at 45 down, with 7 to go, and just this morning, I submitted my Book of the Month picks for November.

Icing on the cake: I got to pick a free add-on for my birthday month!

That takes care of my mental well-being.

Quilting with Ashli

Now for my emotional well-being…

Quilting is like therapy for me.

It’s my quiet time. It provides moments of peace. It is when and where I let my mind wander, create, design, imagine, and dream.

This month, I am very excited and also extremely nervous to announce Ashli’s Book 2 Quilt Club:

As I mentioned above, I am not disciplined.

I don’t have great “stick-to-it-ness.”

I will readily admit that the only job I’ve done well for any length of time is that of being the wife and mom around here.

That makes this new project very frightening and way out of my comfort zone.

The fact that I’m truly scared and still going for it also illustrates how important it is to me.

If you like to read, or if you like to quilt, or if you like to visit with friends, or if you like any combination of the three, then you will want to join me.

Don’t worry if you don’t finish the book. And it’s okay if you don’t complete the sewing project. In the end, it’s really about coming together, connecting as friends, and spending time as a community.

Quilt 2 End ALZ

Talking about quilting and community, Quilt 2 End ALZ – my nonprofit to connect quilters with the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease – is really taking off.

Last week, I was honored to be featured as Shannon Brinkley’s guest interview for her blog and newsletter, both of which reach an incredible audience:

Shannon is a world known, international quilt instructor and pattern designer. Her Scrappy Applique technique is very popular!

I met Shannon through her PatchWork digital course which is an extensive guide for quilt store owners navigating the rocky waters of business ownership and development in today’s unique, but immense $4 billion quilt industry.

In addition to loving Shannon’s design work and learning from her business leadership, I am a member of her digital quilt guild, Meander. The monthly themes, the project ideas and instruction, and the kind, supportive members gave me the encouragement to launch Ashli’s Book 2 Quilt Club which before was simply an idea living in my head for a very long time, one I was too timid to share with the world. Now I know it is an idea that is do-able, and one that will be a ton of fun!

My dearest thanks so Shannon – I am looking forward to working together much more in the future.

Spiritual Well-being

Well, friends, you’ve made it to my final key to a joyful, balanced life and the end of this rather long blog post – thank you.

November is known for shining a light on gratitude, giving thanks, and recognizing blessings.

For me, that means embracing my call to serve. On November 10th I am hosting an online ladies’ luncheon to share inspiration, education, and motivation to #ENDALZ. I’d love to have you there; simply click here to sign up: AWARE 2020 Ladies’ Luncheon.

It also means embracing the gifts in my life: my faith, my family, and my friends.

Coach and I continue to participate in church by watching services online. This platform is a tremendous gift as we are still not going out publicly except for doctor’s appointments, to run drive-through errands, and to pick up grocery orders as we work hard to limit our potential exposure to preserve the football season and keep everyone in our bubble safe.

I also receive huge blessings from my Zoom Bible Study group that meets during lunch on Tuesdays. We just completed Just Ask by Sarah Roberts.

When purchased through this Amazon link, Quilt 2 End ALZ, Inc. receives an affiliate benefit to support our mission.

It is a book geared towards coaches’ wives, but one that is incredibly applicable for all. Our group has been so engaged in the format of the book that we are continuing on in the same style of scripture + personal devotional for the remaining weeks of this year. Each week, someone in the group will lead us, so there is not a book to keep up with. If you’re needing something just like this, holler at me. And if you simply need an army praying for you, we’re here for that as well!

Here’s to November 2020

COVID-19 has surely impacted our lives in many ways. We can all list the hardships, the challenges, the negatives. It is truly a gift that a silver lining to the corona virus cloud hanging over us is that throughout the pandemic, my prayer life has grown exponentially.

To where I used to feel awkward or scattered in prayer, I now catch myself praying all throughout the day, giving my fears and worries to God, and finding peace and love in return.

I pray that you, too, feel blessed and balanced this month. I hope that you make your own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being a top priority!

With love and hugs,

Ashli