Megan's Monday Motivation
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Monday, 12/13/21: Talking about a November recap and fun new journal

Happy Monday!

It’s a new week, which means it’s time for your next Monday motivation newsletter. Read on below for some steps to a happier Monday, a short story and a roundup of positive thoughts to get your week started.

Three Steps to a Happier Monday

Each newsletter starts with three prompts to inspire gratitude and simple intention setting. Take a moment and jot down answers to these three questions. To give an example, I share my answers below.  

Step 1: What are three things I appreciated from the weekend? 

Step 2: What is one thing I can be excited about today?

Step 3: What is my intention for this week? 

GRATITUDE: From my weekend, I am so thankful for one of my best friends coming to visit (so. much. fun.!), the festive decorations downtown and the beautiful weather on Sunday. 

TODAY: Today I’m most excited about going a fun holiday lunch with some work colleagues. 

INTENTION: It is going to be a busy week!! Last week in Chicago/last full week working before the holidays. So, my intention this week is to just focus on taking it one day at a time. (This is also my disclaimer that there *might* not be a newsletter next Monday, but we shall see 😉 ). 

Okay, your turn! And if you want to share your three steps, I am all ears. 🙂

Meaningful Musings: November’s 10 Things

One of my favorite rituals that I’ve picked up this year is to do a quick “monthly recap” at the end of each month. At the end of each month, I scroll through the photos on my phone, reference my calendar and jot down a quick list of 10 things I want to remember. Looking back on these lists really helps me remember all the little things that happen over the span of a month.

It has become one of my favorite ways to mark the time, and I can’t believe there’s only one more left to write for this year! You can read all the previous recaps here. 

Below is my list that I wrote at the end of last month and sharing in case you are interested in trying the activity out for yourself. Can’t wait to hear if you do! 

November’s 10 Things: 

  1. I decorated my apartment for Christmas in November, which is so early! But hear me out… I was home in Florida for the week before and part of the week after Thanksgiving, so when I returned to Chicago on Dec. 1, I wanted my apartment to already be decorated and festive. Plus, I spend Christmas in Florida, so I have limited time to enjoy my decorations.  
  2. Speaking of decorating, I usually buy a few new decorations each holiday season. This year I hung this wreath over my bed and wrapped these lights around my work desk. Love both!
  3. November is a big birthday month in my family (my mom, brother, uncle and cousin are all in the span of 12 days!), and it is just the best. I love celebrating birthdays. So glad I was able to celebrate in person with my mom and brother! 
  4. As I wrote about here, I visited San Antonio for the first time to see a best friend from college and her baby! It was just the best. Not only is it really fun to explore a new city, but it was such a treat to fill up my friendship cup. 
  5. When I was visiting San Antonio, I used my friend’s Nespresso, and I might just become a convert. I love coffee and really like my Keurig Duo (which is a single-serve & carafe coffee maker). But I couldn’t get over the thin layer of froth that appears on top of the coffee when using a Nespresso!! 
  6. I am loving the We Can Do Hard Things podcast right now. My favorite episodes from November include the two about the holidays (1, 2) and the recent interview with Brene Brown. 
  7. I am proud of myself for finishing The President is Missing in November… the book is over 500 pages! It was definitely one of the longest books I’ve read this year, but the fact that I finished it in a couple of weeks proves that it captured (and held) my attention. If a political thriller sounds interesting to you, I would recommend it. 
  8. I needed to transition my makeup from summer to winter, so I tried out the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and like it! Love how it feels lightweight (I don’t like the feeling of anything heavy on my face), and especially for the winter months, I appreciate the extra layer of moisturizer!  
  9. When I was home for Thanksgiving, I got to see one of my friends from high school right after she got engaged, and it was so special! It is amazing to watch new chapters of friends’ lives unfold.
  10. Starting in November, work really started picking up for me, which I think is typical with end-of-year deadlines. I really love the things I’m working on right now, so I don’t mind putting in the extra hours, but I’m trying to find a balance between going all-in and making sure I don’t burn out. Thankfully time off around the holidays will help! 

On My Monday Radar

Sometimes we just aren’t ready to jump into our Monday to-do list right away. In case you want some content to procrastinate with, here is a roundup of a few positive things on my radar:  

That’s all for today! I hope you found something in today’s newsletter that sparked motivation, made you smile or inspired a positive Monday thought. Don’t underestimate the power of starting small… a fulfilling week starts with just one fulfilling day. You’ve got this! 

Let’s make it a great Monday!
Megan

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