As we step into the vibrant and sunny days of June, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement for the summer ahead. The warmth, the energy, and the promise of new beginnings always bring a sense of renewal. And speaking of new beginnings, I recently stumbled upon an inspiring idea from one of my favorite people on Instagram, Jess Connally. Jess, a wonderful pastor based in Charleston, is ekmbarking on a 75 Soft challenge as she approaches her 40th birthday. I instantly fell in love with this concept and decided to join in—and I’d love for you to join me too!

What is the 75 Soft Challenge?

Unlike the well-known 75 Hard challenge, which is designed to build mental resilience through a stringent set of daily tasks, the 75 Soft challenge focuses on nurturing ourselves with gentle, caring habits. The original 75 Hard program involves strict rules like following a diet without cheats, two intense workouts daily, drinking a gallon of water, reading non-fiction, and taking daily progress photos. While these tasks can build discipline, they can also exacerbate stress and burnout, especially for women already feeling overwhelmed.

Why Softness Over Hardness?

As women, many of us are already caught in a cycle of high expectations and relentless pressure. We strive to meet societal standards, juggle multiple roles, and push ourselves to the brink. This often leads to burnout and dysregulation, manifesting as anxiety, irritability, brain fog, and chronic fatigue. What we need is not more rigidity but more softness and self-compassion.

Just as a broken arm needs rest and care to heal, so does our nervous system. Instead of pushing harder, we need to allow ourselves to soften, to rest, and to be gentle with ourselves.

Introducing My 75 Soft Summer Challenge

Here’s my take on the 75 Soft challenge, with five daily habits designed to nourish and rejuvenate us:

1. Sit Down for Breakfast: I’ll enjoy a healthy, protein-rich breakfast every day, taking 10 minutes to sit and savor it. No more eating on the go amidst morning chaos.
2. Daily Outdoor Walks: I’ll take a walk outside every day, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. Morning, noon, or night, I’ll make time to enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature.
3. Drink a Gallon of Water: Staying hydrated is crucial. I’ll drink 128 ounces of water daily, adding a pinch of Celtic sea salt and a squeeze of lemon for flavor and extra electrolytes.
4. Slow Reading: I already love reading, but I’ll focus on taking my time with my morning devotional or Bible study. No rushing—just slow, thoughtful reflection and prayer.
5. Daily Joyful Photo: Instead of progress photos, I’ll take a daily picture of myself doing something I love. Whether it’s playing with my kids, baking, walking, or relaxing, I’ll capture moments of genuine joy.

Join Me!

I’ve created a simple tracking sheet for us to use—one sheet covers a month. You can download it, write in your five habits, and track your progress daily. Print a new sheet each month, and let’s enjoy this journey together for the next 75 days.

How to Get Started

1. Choose Your Five Habits: Feel free to adopt my habits or create your own that resonate with you.
2. Download the Tracker: Check the show notes for the tracking sheet.
3. Share Your Journey: Tag me on Instagram, send me a DM, or drop an email. I’d love to hear how it’s going for you.

Let’s make this a summer of softness, of gentle care, and of joyful moments. Here’s to a season of nurturing our minds, bodies, and spirits. Cheers to your summer of softness, my friend—I’m super excited to embark on this journey with you!

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