Monthly Check-In: A Healthier Me
Month: February
Year: 2026
How This Month Went (The Big Picture)
February felt rushed, heavy, and honestly a little depressing — but February often carries that weight. I’m weary of winter. Even though we had a few warmer days, it almost made it harder; the tease of sunshine only stirred my longing for spring. I’m craving flowers, bright colors, warmth on my skin, and the simple joy of walking outside without piling on three extra layers. This month felt “blah” in many ways, but there was one beautiful bright spot: celebrating my granddaughter’s first birthday. Sophia turning one filled my heart in a way the gray skies couldn’t dim. I am so proud of her and so incredibly blessed to be her grandma — and that joy lifted my spirits more than anything else this month.
What Went Well
Celebrate the wins, big or small. Nothing is too minor to count.
- I bought a treadmill.
- I got to see my Sophia twice!
- I’ve taken steps to lessen my phone/social media time.
What Was Hard
This is a judgment-free space. Name the struggles without shame.
- Emotional eating was hard.
- That lead to a 3 lb weight gain and that was hard.
- Seeing myself in pictures from Christmas was hard.
Habits I’m Working On
The habits I’m intentionally building or strengthening.
- Getting in the Word each morning, even if it’s only a few quiet minutes to center my heart before the day begins.
- Being more mindful of how much I eat — paying attention instead of eating out of boredom or habit.
- Making small, sustainable exchanges — like using just a dash of French vanilla creamer combined with oat milk in my coffee instead of all creamer. It’s helping me slowly adjust to less sweetness while still keeping that creamy comfort I enjoy.
Habits I Need to Let Go Of
The things that aren’t serving my health or peace.
- Ice cream every night. I crave it, but I’m choosing to let that habit go and replace it with a cappuccino instead — far less sugar and a better trade-off.
- Letting go of lazy habits that keep me stuck instead of moving forward.
- Letting go of doom scrolling and the mental heaviness that comes with it.
Mental & Emotional Health Check
How this journey affected my mindset, emotions, and self-esteem.
- What thoughts showed up often?
A lot of “I’m tired of this season” thoughts. I felt restless, bored with winter, and ready for change. I caught myself thinking about how slow everything feels right now and how badly I want light, color, warmth, and forward movement. There was also a quiet undercurrent of wanting more — more energy, more joy, more purpose — even while feeling a little stuck. - What helped my mental health this month?
Seeing my granddaughter Sophia — especially celebrating her first birthday — truly lifted my spirits. Making small health changes, like buying the treadmill and adjusting my coffee habit, gave me a sense of control and momentum. Creating a plan for my future also helped; vision always brings hope. And even a few warmer days reminded me that winter doesn’t last forever. - What didn’t?
Too much time inside. Doom scrolling. Giving in to nightly sugar cravings. Letting boredom turn into mindless habits instead of intentional choices. Those things didn’t add peace — they just added heaviness.
Faith & Reflection
Where God met me this month.
- God met me faithfully in His Word this month. As I’ve been more intentional about spending time with Him each morning, I’ve started to notice a gentle pruning — especially in my thought life. I’m thinking more about God and His truth, and less caught up in those circular mental conversations that never lead anywhere good. There’s a quiet shifting happening in me. I’m more aware, more anchored, and more determined to live my life from the throne — grounded in His authority, not my emotions.
Accountability Corner
(Sharing with grace, not shame.)
- Change this month: Up 3 lbs
Lessons Learned
This month taught me that my body responds to small, consistent choices more than dramatic overhauls. I don’t need extremes — I need steadiness. A treadmill in the corner. A little less creamer. A little less sugar. A little more awareness. My body seems to thrive when I treat it gently but intentionally.
It also showed me how easily habits form around comfort. Ice cream at night, scrolling when I’m bored, staying wrapped in the dullness of winter instead of moving through it. My habits reveal what I reach for when I feel restless or low.
And my heart? It reminded me that I crave hope and forward movement. I need vision. I need light. I need the Word. When I give my heart truth and purpose, it steadies. When I don’t, it drifts. This month taught me that tending my heart daily isn’t optional — it’s everything.
Looking Ahead to Next Month
One or two realistic goals for the coming month.
- Walk on the treadmill at least 4 days a week for 20–30 minutes. Nothing extreme — just steady movement to build consistency and keep momentum going, even if winter lingers a little longer.
- Keep my morning Word habit simple and non-negotiable. Even 5–10 focused minutes each day, choosing faithfulness over perfection and anchoring my heart before the noise begins.
Closing Thoughts
February felt gray in more ways than one, but it wasn’t empty. Even in the rush, the boredom, and the heaviness, there were quiet shifts happening beneath the surface. Small habits were planted. Thoughts were pruned. Vision was formed. Joy showed up in the face of a one-year-old little girl who reminded me that new life is always growing somewhere.
If this month felt slow or “blah” for you too, maybe that doesn’t mean you’re failing — maybe it just means you’re in between seasons. Winter doesn’t last forever. Light returns. Flowers bloom. Energy comes back. In the meantime, we keep showing up in small, faithful ways.
Here’s to steady steps, gentler thoughts, and living from the throne — anchored, hopeful, and expectant for what the next month will bring.
Invitation
If you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to hear from you.
What worked for you this month? What are you struggling with?
Faith Love n Joy 