Dubai Fitness Challenge 2017
You see this picture? You'd think I'm happiest person on the planet. You'd think I would've had such a great day, that I had no struggles or worries on my mind, and that everything in my life was perfect.
In reality, this picture was taken around midday in Dubai. It was hot, I was very uncomfortable and felt like I needed an hour long shower. I was cranky and hungry, which isn't a good combination. I was worried about a million things, and a million other scenarios of what-ifs roaming around in my mind. I still chose to smile for the picture and enjoy the moment.
Because, I knew I wasn't going to get this moment again. It's not everyday that I get dressed up and takes pictures. It's not everyday I would be surrounded by people who care about me, enjoying the little things with me. So I chose to put aside all my worries to enjoy this moment.
Here's the thing to remember about people who smile a lot. They go through hard times too. They're struggling too. Life is not easy for any one of us. Life hits you when you least expect it, and pushes you down. It will overwhelm you with what would seem like the entire world's burdens laying right on your shoulders. You will feel like your world is crashing down. Whether it's financial problems, career problems, relationship problems., etc.. etc.. life will keep pushing you and forcing you down to see how much you can take.
You will feel like you're the only going through tough times because you might see people smiling around you and enjoying life. That's not because their lives are perfect and yours isn't. The only difference is that they chose to enjoy the present moment, instead of wasting it worrying about tomorrow. Those who smile a lot choose to cherish and appreciate every minute they have, because it will not come again.
We choose to rejoice in the smallest of moments, like finding the perfect parking spot in a busy mall, or waking up to a clear blue sky. We choose to overcome the hardships by finding and focusing on the positive. It isn't easy. It is intentional. It requires hard work.
Like with anything in life, being positive requires dedication to see and feel yourself progress. With the Dubai Fitness Challenge starting today, and being someone who already works out everyday, I decided to use the challenge to develop a stronger, more positive mindset.
I have decided to improve my mental fitness every day for 30 days. Fitness of the body goes hand in hand with fitness of the mind. In order for one to improve, the other has to improve as well.
So here's a list of the 30 things that I will do to improve my mental health:
1. Write down 10 things I'm grateful for.
2. Take a hot bath listening to my favorite music.
3. Pick 5 books about topics I'm interested in and read them throughout the month.
4. Delete/unsubscribe from all the unnecessary emails.
5. Help out a stranger.
6. Go the entire day thanking people for the smallest of things that they do to help me.
7. Write a list of short-term goals under a timeline.
8. Write down the best thing that happened to me today.
9. Smile at every stranger that walks by.
10. Gift one of my favorite books to a friend to read.
11. Practice gratitude.
12. Take a long walk outside without my phone.
13. Watch the sunset by the beach.
14. Clean out my closet.
15. Donate all the things I do not use/wear to people who need them more. Through the Happy Feet Initiative, Shoe Mart is accepting all used shoes and donating them to the people who really need them. How many of us have shoes that we haven't worn in a long time? Take time out of your day to clear those out and donate them to help those in need.
16. Compliment a stranger.
17. Go on a digital detox.
18. Write a Thank You letter to someone I appreciate.
19. Get to know a waiter of my favorite restaurant. I've found that they are the kindest and funniest people.
20. Practice gratitude again.
21. Catch up with an old friend.
22. Drink water instead of getting the regular cup of coffee.
23. Learn a new skill. For me, it's riding a bike. I believe I have postponed that quite enough :)
24. Laugh. Intentionally laugh at things that might not be as funny. Laughing is a stress-relief in itself.
25. Wake up 30 minutes earlier and write down 3 things I will enjoy throughout the day, no matter the challenges I am faced with.
26. Practice breathing exercises.
27. Listen to a motivational speech
28. Conquer a fear
29. Sit up straight. Take notice of my body language when at a desk, or in a meeting. Sitting up straight has been proven to improve self-confidence.
30. Practice gratitude again and again.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Like I mentioned, they go hand-in-hand. By the end of this month, let's all aim to be healthier and continue the dedication to a healthier lifestyle!
I'm just trying to change the world. #payingitforward















