Overall, meditation helps me to slow down and just be. It's enriching and refreshing to choose a passage of scripture from the Bible, read it, and meditate - or chew on its words, meaning, application, lessons, and history. Not only do I feel refocused by its words, but it also strengthens my faith. Meditation weaves the scripture into your heart in a more permanent manner than regular reading.

Taking a Zero Waste day was challenging, and it made me think of all the unnecessary waste I make that could be avoided like paper towels, napkins, and plastic dishware. It actually made me eat healthier, because I avoided packaged snacks and candies and only served myself what I could eat. However, it was easy to take food from a larger package and say that I didn't make waste, even though someday it will eventually be used up and thrown away. My zero waste day cut down on quick-use packaging, but how would I avoid packaging of bulk foods or fresh food items over the long term? It was a great, but tricky experience and I would love to learn how to sustain a low-waste life!

I do think I was addicted to sugar. I probably still am, but I have found some food/drinks that I can eat that have less sugar. The most challenging part is finding healthier options when you're busy from sun up to sun down. It's very convenient to grab a soda or carb out when you're busy.

I went to some local restaurants and businesses that I had not gone to before. I also visited my local famers' market.

I think I felt accomplished by exercising daily. At least if I did nothing productive that exercising was something I could be proud of.

I didn't realize just how much water goes into everything I own and use. Much of my water footprint comes not just from me turning on the water at home, but from all of the food, products, and other items I use daily.

I discard food that I don't know how to prepare or preserve. Watching YouTube videos about food preservation and pickling helps enormously. Additionally, using AI to help craft recipes from pantry items is a huge game-changer.

Truth be told i always fight the urge to start little campfires in the backcountry. It's very important to me as it brings great memories and starts conversations, but even a little campfire can have a big impact on the ecology of the area. Additionally, let's stick to trails and not damage areas that don't need to be damaged.