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If you haven't heard much from me lately, it's because I've been BUSY!

Busy doing #75Hard!

75 is a crazy-intense-life-changing-awesome "mental toughness" challenge.  I've read that only 1% of people who attempt this challenge complete it...and your girl here got herself in that 1%.

Welcome to issue #56 of
{Upgrade with Nelly} 

In this weekly newsletter, I write about self-care, personal productivity, business, relationships, creativity, and how to pursue your dreams and goals while fulfilling other responsibilities. 

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1. The 75 Hard Challenge - the overview

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you have probably seen me post non-stop about 75 Hard most recently. This challenge is what has been on my mind.

I'm not even sure how I first heard about it or what initially got me interested in participating, but at some point, 3 months ago, I decided to give it a try....

This article originally appeared in {Upgrade with Nelly} newsletter issue #6 (February 11, 2020)

Gratitude

Last week I set the following goal:

Be grateful
Pause more often.  
Notice blessings.
See the cup half full.
Judge others favorably.

It was fairly easy for me to be happy about my blessings and to feel good when things are going well. I have been "practicing gratitude" for a while by saying blessings before I eat, thanking everyone who holds the door for me, and without any effort enjoying a sunny day.

When it came to annoying or unhappy situations, however, gratitude did not come as smoothly. I hate housework: loading the dishwasher, folding laundry, changing beddings, and tidying up toys are not my ideas of a good time.  I highly dislike all of it...and yet, I love a clean house.  This morning as I was noticing myself feeling very annoyed and overwhelmed, I decided to reframe.    
I'm grateful that I have a big family and a big home.  (instead of: why...

This is issue #49 of {Upgrade with Nelly}  

Let's talk about self-care, personal productivity, business, relationships, creativity, and how to pursue your dreams and goals while fulfilling your other responsibilities. 


1. More.

In the busyness of life, among paying bills, and meal prep, and errands, and doctor visits, and vacuuming, and other basic life maintenance tasks, which consume the majority of our time and focus, be sure to pause from time to time.  To pause and reflect on your BIGGER vision to ensure that you stay on course.

Keep reflecting on your values, true desires, and sincere needs.

What do you want more of in your life?

Right now I want MORE of: 
Green vegetables in my diet
Relaxed happy moments with my kids
Sleep
Doing good for others
Fresh produce
Lemon water
Writing time
Reading time
Quality time with my husband
True friends
Time outdoors

Pause.  Reflect.  Yes, YOU!
Make your list.  Do this Now.




2. Less.

In the busyness of life, among our...

Last week's newsletter resonated with so many of you.  I'm glad I did not hold back and shared all of my remedies for recovery.  If you missed that issue, as always, I will include a link to it in the resources section at the end of this newsletter.  Please share it with anyone who needs the resources. 

 Today I'm sharing with you my mental recovery protocols. 

But let's not get stuck in Corona-Ville.   Enough is enough.  It is December - a new month - and it's time to set brand new goals.  No matter what November has been like for you, you can set brand new goals to upgrade your life.  In today's issue, I will walk you through it.  


This is issue #45 of {Upgrade with Nelly} 
 

Every week I discuss self-care, personal productivity, business, mindset, relationships, creativity, and how to balance busy home life.  


Know someone who would enjoy the newsletter? Share it with them.



1. Surviving COVID + the...

This is not a typical issue of "Upgrade with Nelly".  Today, for me, was not a typical Tuesday.  Normally my husband would be in the office, my older girls in school, my toddlers in daycare, while I would run errands in the morning, coach clients in the afternoon, get a workout in during the evening, and in between put finishing touches on a newsletter about goals, habits, and productivity.  No, this has not been a typical day nor a typical week.


I have tested positive for COVID-19!


As I'm slowly recovering, I share with your some of the behind-the-scenes.  The reason for transparency is to offer some insight, hope, and resources to anyone going through this, as well.   (Please share it with a friend who needs this right now)


This is issue #44 of {Upgrade with Nelly}  


Please excuse any typos, grammar issues, or incomplete thoughts.  I can't even believe I managed to write this issue given the situation. 


Know someone who would benefit from this?...

Psychology, spirituality, health and fitness trends, and productivity studies, as well as, my own life experiences inspire this newsletter.  Every week I discuss self-care, personal productivity, business, mindset, relationships, creativity, and how to balance busy home life.  


Welcome to issue #43 of {Upgrade with Nelly}

1. Inspiration 


Some people actively search for inspiration by looking to the gurus, the experts, the masters, and the influencers.  They watch YouTube videos and TedTalks, read blog articles (like this one), and buy many many books.  Will these inspire you?  Yes!  If you are open.  Do you know what else works? Simply being present with people, observing your environment, and noticing your feelings.


Here is how I have been allowing inspiration into my life this month:


- A friend called to say hi while she was taking a speed walk around the park.  I had not yet taken my afternoon walk that day and had an infinite...