00:00:00.757 --> 00:00:06.537

What if there was just one simple activity you could do each day and yet have

00:00:06.537 --> 00:00:11.877

a profound impact on your mental health, on your ability to enjoy the day,

00:00:11.977 --> 00:00:17.057

to make the most of every moment, and ultimately to move the needle forward

00:00:17.057 --> 00:00:20.217

on your own personal growth and development goals?

00:00:20.917 --> 00:00:25.577

Now, I'm talking super easy, low stress, and definitely nothing that involves

00:00:25.577 --> 00:00:30.417

anything related to physical activity. That is not my style.

00:00:31.277 --> 00:00:36.217

Do I got your attention yet? Well, good, because today I am welcoming you to

00:00:36.217 --> 00:00:39.017

my version of a summer journaling challenge.

00:00:39.777 --> 00:00:44.557

Now, before you start thinking, oh no, just great.

00:00:44.677 --> 00:00:49.737

Another thing to add to my already packed to-do list. Now Kevin wants me to start journaling?

00:00:50.337 --> 00:00:55.997

Just hold your horses, I promise. The way I do things are not like normal people

00:00:55.997 --> 00:00:58.637

do things. I like to flip the script on life.

00:00:58.757 --> 00:01:03.837

Remember, this is going to be fun, creative, personalized just for you.

00:01:04.157 --> 00:01:08.957

This journaling challenge, if it's what you're into, maybe you like writing.

00:01:09.077 --> 00:01:16.077

Maybe you instead prefer taking pictures, doodling, or posting unique posts on social media.

00:01:16.357 --> 00:01:19.637

It's fit to match your style, your personality.

00:01:20.397 --> 00:01:25.117

Basically, I want this challenge to fit into your life, to become part of your

00:01:25.117 --> 00:01:29.537

summer, to make this summer one that you will remember forever.

00:01:30.417 --> 00:01:34.997

So pour yourself your favorite summer drink, turn up the volume,

00:01:35.197 --> 00:01:38.597

maybe get a little comfortable, and let's dive in.

00:01:39.457 --> 00:01:42.397

This is episode 295.

00:01:45.221 --> 00:01:49.001

Yo, are you ready to flip the script on life? Because those bad days,

00:01:49.081 --> 00:01:50.941

they're just doors to better days.

00:01:51.221 --> 00:01:55.121

And that's exactly what we do here at Grit, Grace, and Inspiration.

00:01:55.281 --> 00:01:58.781

Your host, Kevin Lowe. He's been flipping the script on his own life,

00:01:59.001 --> 00:02:03.281

turning over 20 years of being completely blind into straight-up inspiration,

00:02:03.641 --> 00:02:06.101

motivation, and encouragement just for you.

00:02:06.241 --> 00:02:11.621

So, kick back, relax, and let me introduce you to your host, Kevin Lowe.

00:02:12.801 --> 00:02:19.321

What's up, my friend? Welcome back to the podcast. Man, am I glad to have you here with me today.

00:02:20.201 --> 00:02:23.901

Hopefully you like the new intro to the podcast, keeping it fresh.

00:02:24.121 --> 00:02:31.481

As always, I'm a guy who loves me some variety, so I cannot stick with the same thing for very long.

00:02:31.681 --> 00:02:37.201

So hopefully you are into the new style and direction that we took that little

00:02:37.201 --> 00:02:40.861

intro, making it a little bit fresh, a little bit funky, a little fun.

00:02:42.201 --> 00:02:48.321

Now, here's the exciting part. Not only am I announcing this summer journaling

00:02:48.321 --> 00:02:51.161

challenge, but I also have something really big.

00:02:51.321 --> 00:02:55.441

It's an announcement also related specifically to this summer.

00:02:55.561 --> 00:02:59.341

And you are honestly the first person to hear about it.

00:02:59.881 --> 00:03:03.561

Yes, you heard that. You are the first person to hear this announcement.

00:03:04.041 --> 00:03:10.581

So turn up the volume, lean a little closer, because I want you to hear what I'm about to tell you.

00:03:10.581 --> 00:03:19.161

Starting today, I am offering free summer breakthrough coaching sessions to you, my listener.

00:03:19.321 --> 00:03:23.501

Yeah, I have opened up my calendar for this entire summer.

00:03:23.581 --> 00:03:30.101

All of June, July, and August, I have times set aside just for you.

00:03:30.773 --> 00:03:36.673

These are 30-minute deep dive breakthrough coaching sessions between just me and you.

00:03:37.013 --> 00:03:42.793

It's my way of helping you to be sure that this summer is not only fun,

00:03:42.873 --> 00:03:49.013

but it's also a launch pad to be sure that the second half of this year is totally epic.

00:03:49.833 --> 00:03:55.033

So remember, it's totally free. I promise you this is not a sales pitch.

00:03:55.193 --> 00:03:59.353

It is not a sales call. You are not going to get some pitch at the end.

00:03:59.353 --> 00:04:02.933

No, it's literally me just wanting to help you.

00:04:03.393 --> 00:04:07.293

And I've made it ridiculously easy for you to sign up.

00:04:07.833 --> 00:04:12.813

You have two different options. Whichever is your style, that is fine.

00:04:13.033 --> 00:04:20.993

You can either text SUMMER2024 to the phone number 33777.

00:04:21.493 --> 00:04:28.993

Remember, that is SUMMER2024. Now, please be sure that is one word, no spaces, SUMMER2024.

00:04:29.353 --> 00:04:37.333

Text that to the phone number 33777 and you'll get an automatic response with

00:04:37.333 --> 00:04:40.913

a link for you to book your free coaching session.

00:04:41.353 --> 00:04:46.053

Now, maybe you're not into texting and you would rather just have a link in

00:04:46.053 --> 00:04:47.993

the show notes or a web address to go to.

00:04:48.153 --> 00:04:50.493

Well, I got you covered also because

00:04:50.493 --> 00:04:58.653

you can also simply go to gritgraceinspiration.com slash summer 2024.

00:04:59.393 --> 00:05:05.693

Again, that is gritgraceinspiration.com slash summer 2024.

00:05:06.453 --> 00:05:11.053

All of those details, links, and information are all in today's show notes,

00:05:11.213 --> 00:05:14.593

but just remember, summer, it's only for three months.

00:05:14.833 --> 00:05:20.513

Spaces are limited, and so get your space face blocked off today.

00:05:21.555 --> 00:05:25.235

All right, let's get back to the Summer Journaling Challenge.

00:05:25.735 --> 00:05:31.615

What exactly is it and why do you even care about journaling over the summer?

00:05:32.435 --> 00:05:37.735

So basically, this Summer Journaling Challenge is me trying to get you to journal

00:05:37.735 --> 00:05:43.235

every single day this summer, or at least as many days as you can.

00:05:43.435 --> 00:05:46.335

I don't want this to cause any stress or anxiety.

00:05:46.675 --> 00:05:48.955

That is definitely not the point.

00:05:49.695 --> 00:05:52.995

And I want you to remember, it's a journaling challenge with no rules.

00:05:53.295 --> 00:05:57.635

You can write, you can type, you can draw, you can take pictures.

00:05:58.395 --> 00:06:02.875

It doesn't matter. What does matter is that you are capturing your thoughts

00:06:02.875 --> 00:06:05.215

each and every day this summer.

00:06:05.555 --> 00:06:11.275

So the question remains, but why? Why should you join the challenge?

00:06:11.575 --> 00:06:17.435

And why does any of this even matter? And here's the thing is that we can view

00:06:17.435 --> 00:06:23.715

summer is just summer or we can view it as a time for change.

00:06:23.855 --> 00:06:30.975

This pivotal moment that sets us up for success in the second half of the year.

00:06:31.095 --> 00:06:35.195

Yeah, these summer months, they're right here in the middle of the year.

00:06:35.195 --> 00:06:41.795

And we can either use them to waste away the days, or we can use them as a launch

00:06:41.795 --> 00:06:46.495

pad to be sure that the second half of the year is totally epic.

00:06:46.955 --> 00:06:52.695

And so by you taking part in this journaling challenge, not only are you using

00:06:52.695 --> 00:06:57.835

this summer as a launch pad, but it's going to have you enjoying this summer

00:06:57.835 --> 00:07:00.115

possibly more than you ever have before.

00:07:00.755 --> 00:07:04.955

Because how many times do you do things and then you forget all about them?

00:07:05.195 --> 00:07:11.095

You don't remember it, but now you're going to be journaling each day, capturing memories.

00:07:11.335 --> 00:07:14.555

And by the end of the summer, you're going to have something to look back on

00:07:14.555 --> 00:07:21.075

that is going to be a beautiful representation of exactly what your summer vacation was.

00:07:22.383 --> 00:07:29.303

And so my hope is that you'll take me up on this challenge by giving me no more

00:07:29.303 --> 00:07:31.163

than five minutes each day.

00:07:31.343 --> 00:07:34.283

You can do it whenever you want. First thing when you wake up,

00:07:34.323 --> 00:07:38.943

right before you go to bed or smack dab in the middle of the day, it doesn't matter.

00:07:39.323 --> 00:07:44.543

I want you to take just a few minutes to participate in the summer journaling challenge.

00:07:45.403 --> 00:07:50.683

All right. All right, so now for the person who maybe you have never journaled

00:07:50.683 --> 00:07:55.503

before, and quite honestly, it sounds a little weird, a little stupid,

00:07:55.543 --> 00:07:57.143

and you're not too into it.

00:07:57.363 --> 00:08:03.843

Well, I want you to think of journaling as basically just a cool way of capturing

00:08:03.843 --> 00:08:09.603

your thoughts, of capturing the moment right then and now, so that you can go

00:08:09.603 --> 00:08:11.863

back and look at it later.

00:08:11.863 --> 00:08:18.403

Or sometimes it just helps when we got stuff weighing heavy on our minds.

00:08:18.583 --> 00:08:23.203

It just sometimes helps to let it out, to doodle on a piece of paper,

00:08:23.343 --> 00:08:27.363

to write it out, to talk it out amongst yourself.

00:08:28.463 --> 00:08:34.583

That's exactly the power in journaling. Now, as a few little helpful guidelines

00:08:34.583 --> 00:08:39.043

to help you be sure that you get the most out of this summer journaling challenge,

00:08:39.043 --> 00:08:41.923

I want to encourage you to first and foremost,

00:08:42.043 --> 00:08:46.243

set your intention for exactly what you want this to be.

00:08:46.943 --> 00:08:51.283

Obviously, I'm not following up with you. You are the only one who knows if

00:08:51.283 --> 00:08:54.823

you are indeed taking this idea and running with it.

00:08:55.043 --> 00:08:58.383

So be sure that you're doing it for the right reasons.

00:08:58.843 --> 00:09:05.263

Do you want to be sure that you're doing it to be more mindful of each day this summer?

00:09:05.943 --> 00:09:11.243

Are you just wanting to have a creative outlet? Or are you just looking for

00:09:11.243 --> 00:09:13.203

a fun way to document your summer?

00:09:13.623 --> 00:09:19.063

Kevin inspired you to do a journaling exercise, so why not do it, you say? Perfect.

00:09:19.953 --> 00:09:25.673

Now, next step is choose the method. As I said, you can bust out a journal.

00:09:25.793 --> 00:09:27.393

You can type on your computer.

00:09:27.593 --> 00:09:33.993

You can bust out the new journaling app on your iPhone, or you can turn to social media.

00:09:34.313 --> 00:09:39.593

Maybe you would rather capture each day with a photograph that you post on Instagram,

00:09:39.673 --> 00:09:47.033

or maybe it's a well thought out post that you do on Facebook or LinkedIn, whatever your jam is.

00:09:47.593 --> 00:09:52.613

What I want you to do, though, is to be sure that it's something that means something to you.

00:09:53.033 --> 00:09:56.713

Something that you can be sure that you can look back on at the end of summer

00:09:56.713 --> 00:10:02.493

and that you have this full library to reflect upon and to see all the cool

00:10:02.493 --> 00:10:05.153

things that you did over the summer.

00:10:05.253 --> 00:10:08.033

The experiences you had, the memories you made.

00:10:08.793 --> 00:10:14.133

So choose your medium or listen. It's up to you. You can switch it up.

00:10:14.413 --> 00:10:16.653

Maybe a couple of days you write in a journal.

00:10:17.033 --> 00:10:22.013

Another day, you take a picture, maybe even go an extra step and find a way

00:10:22.013 --> 00:10:26.273

to print out that picture and stick it in the journal, almost making it like

00:10:26.273 --> 00:10:28.853

a scrapbook. How cool would that be?

00:10:29.213 --> 00:10:32.293

There's literally no wrong way to do this challenge.

00:10:32.713 --> 00:10:38.433

You just got to make a decision to do it and choose whichever method you want to do.

00:10:39.313 --> 00:10:44.133

Now, my next little tip is to try to make this part of your routine because

00:10:44.133 --> 00:10:49.833

chances Chances are, after the first few days, you're probably going to forget all about it.

00:10:49.953 --> 00:10:57.453

Even if you were super into it on day one, by day four, you're like, I just don't have time.

00:10:58.293 --> 00:11:02.373

Remember, this is easy, simple, not time consuming.

00:11:02.853 --> 00:11:08.173

Maybe plan out each morning that when you wake up, you're going to reflect on

00:11:08.173 --> 00:11:11.133

the previous day and you're going to write about it.

00:11:11.725 --> 00:11:17.945

Or maybe it's each evening and you scroll back through your phone and you find

00:11:17.945 --> 00:11:22.445

a picture that really captured a moment that day that you want to remember.

00:11:22.805 --> 00:11:27.245

And you figure out how in the world you print out a picture from your phone.

00:11:27.345 --> 00:11:29.425

I'll let you figure that one out on your own.

00:11:29.885 --> 00:11:34.465

Whatever it is, I want you to carve out the time to really be sure that you

00:11:34.465 --> 00:11:36.245

make the most of this challenge.

00:11:37.065 --> 00:11:43.665

My last little tip is I want you to relax, to reflect, and to realize this is

00:11:43.665 --> 00:11:46.305

supposed to be meant for you and no one else.

00:11:46.725 --> 00:11:51.965

I want you to get rid of the stress that you're already thinking that this is

00:11:51.965 --> 00:11:55.305

causing because you're like, but Kevin, I'm not a creative type.

00:11:55.505 --> 00:12:00.505

I don't like to write. I don't like to take pictures or draw little doodles in my notebook.

00:12:01.345 --> 00:12:05.585

Remember, no one has to see this. This is literally just for you.

00:12:06.245 --> 00:12:11.865

And you know what? Matter of fact, you don't even have to go back and reread

00:12:11.865 --> 00:12:16.805

any of the things that you write or look back and see any of the little things that you drew.

00:12:17.305 --> 00:12:22.945

What matters is the moment here and now, the moment that you're doing the thing.

00:12:23.225 --> 00:12:26.545

That is what's going to move the needle forward in your life.

00:12:27.405 --> 00:12:32.665

And to be honest, that's exactly what this whole challenge is about. out.

00:12:33.085 --> 00:12:39.545

So at this point, I want to give you some ideas, some prompts for journaling,

00:12:39.665 --> 00:12:45.925

some ideas for photographs, for just different ways to maybe do this.

00:12:46.045 --> 00:12:49.585

Because doing it every day, it might seem a little daunting.

00:12:49.745 --> 00:12:57.545

But with a few little extra tips and ideas, hopefully you will get started on the right foot.

00:12:57.965 --> 00:13:02.565

And remember this, maybe you got more questions. You want more ideas.

00:13:02.865 --> 00:13:06.485

Well, do you know the best way to be sure that you're in touch with me?

00:13:06.825 --> 00:13:10.585

It's to be sure that you're on the newsletter list for this podcast.

00:13:10.925 --> 00:13:16.465

I send out a weekly midweek pick me up every Wednesday and you're able to respond

00:13:16.465 --> 00:13:19.265

to that and talk back to me.

00:13:19.505 --> 00:13:22.365

That is the cool thing about the newsletter list.

00:13:22.665 --> 00:13:26.105

If you're into that, be sure to check out today's show notes where there is

00:13:26.105 --> 00:13:31.225

a link for you to sign up for the newsletter list and to get that midweek pick

00:13:31.225 --> 00:13:36.245

me up and so that you can write me back and say, Kev, I need some help.

00:13:36.405 --> 00:13:38.765

What else can I write about? All right.

00:13:39.165 --> 00:13:44.285

Journaling prompt number one. When you sit down, just think about it and write

00:13:44.285 --> 00:13:46.965

about it. What are you excited about for this summer?

00:13:47.869 --> 00:13:55.129

Sit down and draw out what is your perfect day going to look like this summer? Is it out on a boat?

00:13:55.389 --> 00:13:57.949

Is it at home just playing with your kids?

00:13:58.269 --> 00:14:01.729

Is it on the beach relaxing and sunbathing?

00:14:01.989 --> 00:14:07.809

Why not bust out the colored pencils and draw exactly what that perfect day is going to look like?

00:14:08.309 --> 00:14:13.569

Another journaling prompt. What's the most important thing to you right now in your life?

00:14:13.569 --> 00:14:16.569

Life as the summer goes along where did

00:14:16.569 --> 00:14:19.449

you go yesterday what did you do last

00:14:19.449 --> 00:14:25.229

week jot it down write about it capture that memory in words so that you can

00:14:25.229 --> 00:14:31.309

go back to it again write down what you loved about it what made you smile what

00:14:31.309 --> 00:14:37.889

made you laugh jot it down this is your spot to remember those happy, amazing memories.

00:14:38.769 --> 00:14:43.649

What are three things you're grateful for right now, today?

00:14:44.349 --> 00:14:47.669

Just jot them down. You don't have to make it a big, long paragraph.

00:14:47.889 --> 00:14:53.769

Just literally write one, two, three, and fill in the blanks with three things

00:14:53.769 --> 00:14:55.909

that you are grateful for right now.

00:14:57.109 --> 00:15:03.909

Remember, you probably have a phone handy at all times, just like most people.

00:15:03.909 --> 00:15:06.389

Snap a picture while you're at the beach.

00:15:06.589 --> 00:15:10.429

Snap a picture while you are out at lunch with friends.

00:15:11.009 --> 00:15:13.969

And post it on social media if that's your jam.

00:15:14.089 --> 00:15:17.889

If you're doing the social media type route with this challenge,

00:15:18.169 --> 00:15:22.409

don't hesitate to capture a moment with a photograph.

00:15:22.829 --> 00:15:28.549

Now, I don't think that we need to live our lives behind the screen of our phones.

00:15:28.749 --> 00:15:34.609

Absolutely not. But for this sake, if you just want to capture the moment so

00:15:34.609 --> 00:15:41.329

that you can remember it, remember every little detail, either record a video or snap a photo.

00:15:42.169 --> 00:15:46.589

Another journaling prompt for you to think about here at the start of summer

00:15:46.589 --> 00:15:49.489

is what is something new you want to try?

00:15:49.849 --> 00:15:53.069

Have you ever tried to go wakeboarding before?

00:15:53.249 --> 00:15:58.269

Or what about even just riding on an inner tube pulled behind a boat in the middle of a lake?

00:15:58.829 --> 00:16:02.609

What are you wanting to do outside of your comfort zone?

00:16:03.089 --> 00:16:07.369

Write it down. Remember, it's not like you're committing to it.

00:16:07.409 --> 00:16:10.869

You don't have to tell anybody about it. This is just for you.

00:16:11.429 --> 00:16:16.609

In the middle of summer, it's, of course, Independence Day here in America, the 4th of July.

00:16:16.989 --> 00:16:20.049

How are you going to celebrate? What are you going to cook? What are you going to do?

00:16:20.609 --> 00:16:22.409

Write it down in your journal.

00:16:23.491 --> 00:16:27.391

What are some of your favorite summertime memories as a child?

00:16:27.731 --> 00:16:33.351

Were they from vacations? Were they when you were just at home sleeping till

00:16:33.351 --> 00:16:34.751

12 o'clock in the afternoon?

00:16:35.211 --> 00:16:40.911

Because you had nothing to do. School was over and you were free to just rest,

00:16:41.011 --> 00:16:43.751

relax, and sleep in as long as you wanted.

00:16:44.071 --> 00:16:47.931

What were those favorite memories? Jot them down. Capture them.

00:16:48.571 --> 00:16:54.351

Now, my last little journaling prompt idea is maybe you're actually somebody

00:16:54.351 --> 00:16:56.791

who you're over the heat already.

00:16:57.051 --> 00:17:00.791

Summer's barely even begun, but you're like, you know what? I'm ready for the

00:17:00.791 --> 00:17:04.371

fall. I'm ready for some cooler days, some pumpkin spice back at Starbucks.

00:17:04.991 --> 00:17:09.591

We'll write it down. Maybe your summer journal is going to look different than

00:17:09.591 --> 00:17:14.531

anybody else's because every day is literally going to be you talking about

00:17:14.531 --> 00:17:19.651

how much you can't wait for this hot, sticky, summer weather to be over.

00:17:20.191 --> 00:17:25.711

Whatever your style, whatever your jam, this is your journal to capture it in.

00:17:26.271 --> 00:17:29.711

So the question is, are you going to do it?

00:17:29.751 --> 00:17:35.711

Are you thinking about it? Maybe at least even just a little bit to embark on

00:17:35.711 --> 00:17:37.151

this summer journaling challenge?

00:17:37.811 --> 00:17:41.831

Remember, you can do it every day if you want. That's the hope. That's the goal.

00:17:42.031 --> 00:17:46.271

But you don't have to. I don't want this to to be stressful on you whatsoever.

00:17:47.091 --> 00:17:51.771

I want this to be fun. I want this to be just a part of your summer,

00:17:51.831 --> 00:17:56.071

something that you look forward to each day, getting to jot something down,

00:17:56.251 --> 00:18:00.811

getting to take a photograph or posting something on social media,

00:18:00.991 --> 00:18:07.811

some way that you're capturing the memories made over this amazing time of year called summer.

00:18:08.311 --> 00:18:16.451

And remember, if you want to take things to another level by grabbing hold of

00:18:16.451 --> 00:18:20.411

that limited space, limited time, limited opportunity.

00:18:21.291 --> 00:18:26.171

Free 30-minute breakthrough coaching call? Well, book yours today.

00:18:26.551 --> 00:18:32.991

Remember, you can text the word SUMMER2024, all one word, no spaces,

00:18:33.331 --> 00:18:39.671

SUMMER2024, text to the phone number 33-777,

00:18:39.811 --> 00:18:45.171

or you can check out the link inside of today's show notes that will take you

00:18:45.171 --> 00:18:52.611

to the URL of gritgraceinspiration.com slash summer 2024.

00:18:53.231 --> 00:19:00.411

I am here to help you be sure that this summer is absolutely epic and ultimately

00:19:00.411 --> 00:19:07.591

a launchpad To be sure, the second half of 2024 is going to blow away all expectations.

00:19:08.411 --> 00:19:12.671

Until next week, get out there and start journaling. And more than anything

00:19:12.671 --> 00:19:16.011

else, just be sure that you are enjoying the summer.

00:19:16.080 --> 00:19:34.802

Music.