Morning Walks — A Surprising Move From A Night Owl. | #goals #writing #walking

November 2020

Hi Readers,

I wanted to share with you my most recent victory. 🌟 I walked five mornings in a row! Some people are early birds and others exercise regularly. I have never been either of those people. I’m a night owl that writes novels in the evenings after her family members fall asleep.

I love love love that I’ve been able to write regularly again. It took nine months of patience, adjusting expectations and experimenting with writing schedules for it to fall into place.

The end result of not giving up on my writing, despite multiple delays with my 2020 book releases, is Jilted. I wrote a paranormal romance novella that released on 10/20/20 as part of Soul’s Day Boxset.

My other goal for 2020 was to slim down. I absolutely have a mom body. While I love myself and practice self compassion, I also want to silm down until I comfortably fit in my pre-pregnancy clothes. I decided that, even in November, it is never too late to set goals and do the hard and consistent work needed to achieve success.

Why walking?

• Gentle exercise
• Little to no preparation
• Little to no equipment
• It’s free
• Sustainable
• Improves overall health

Why 6 AM?

• Wake up to tackle a personal goal requires motivation and is motivating.
• Peace and quiet is preferable to wake up in response to my little ones calling for me urgently.
• My little ones are up between 7 & 7:30 AM
• I’m awake and alert before I’ve had my morning coffee and can consider skipping it.

Outside or inside?

• I prefer walking outside because I get to enjoy breathing fresh air, the sights and sounds of nature, and my daily dose of vitamin D.
• One drawback to starting my morning walk in November is that I know winter is approaching and will drive me indoors soon.
• I walk inside my home, following along to a walking exercise program on my TV, when my baby wakes up early, preventing me from walking outside before 7 AM.
• I will also walk inside my home if I oversleep and decide to complete my daily walking session in the evening.

Why daily?

• Good habits happen consistently.
• If I skip one or two days, I am more likely to talk myself into skipping regularly until I’m no longer exercising at all.
• Starting my day in a gentle and peaceful way sets me up for a successful day as a peacefully parenting stay-at-home mom with my two little ones.
• I will see more weight lost if I exercise often, and seeing results is one way that will continue to fuel my motivation to live a healthier lifestyle.

How does this relate to novel writing?

• Both are personal goals that I wish to achieve. Wife. Mom. Writer. Walker.
• Both require commitment, motivation and sacrifice. Less TV and less snacking. More honesty with myself, self-care, and more tracking.
• With practice and consistency, both of writing and exercise will become good habits, making them easier and more fun.

The only way for me to become a successful novelist is to write well and often, to get my stories published and then marketed well.

The only way for me to become healthier is to prioritize my health and well-being by making better food choices and to move my feet.

Thank you for reading this blog post and wishing me well as I strive to become the best mom and novelist that I can. ❤️

Best wishes,

Azaaa Davis