January: Strength, Discipline, and Progress
Dear Faithful Companion,
As January draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the progress I’ve made since the beginning of the year. It’s been a month of discipline, routine, and small victories that are slowly accumulating into something greater. While the road to self-improvement is never without its challenges, I’m proud of the consistency I’ve maintained—especially in keeping up with my new habits.
Since the start of the month, I’ve been excited to be back at the gym, committing to three early morning sessions each week before heading into the office. Indeed, the alarm rings early, but by 8:00 AM, as I sit down at my desk, I already feel accomplished. There’s a certain power in knowing that while others are just starting their day, I’ve already conquered a workout and set the tone for success. Even better, I’ve started to see and feel tangible results. Working through my plan with diligence, I’ve shed 3.5 lbs in the last two weeks—an achievement I credit to meticulous food tracking and conscious eating.
Tracking macronutrients has been an eye-opening process, reinforcing how crucial it is for both weight loss and diabetic care. Every calorie, carb, fat, and protein I log helps me understand my body's needs and ensures I stay within my goals. Keeping my carbohydrate intake in check is especially important for managing blood sugar levels, and maintaining a good balance of protein and healthy fats helps with satiety and muscle recovery. Jesse and I have been working together to make subtle but impactful changes to our diet, cutting out excess fats and sugars where we can while still keeping our meals enjoyable. A healthy body is a major priority for me this year, and while I know the journey won’t be easy, I have ambitious goals in mind that are well worth the effort.
Beyond physical health, journaling has been another pillar of my self-improvement. Taking the time to write a few days a week has been invaluable for my mental health, allowing me to decompress, reflect, and engage in a bit of creative expression. I know not every entry is profound or particularly well-written, but that’s not the point. These words are for me alone—a space to process thoughts and track my own growth. Posting my entries on my blog has also been a great tool for accountability. With this entry, I mark my 18th journal post of the year and officially close out the month of January.
Mia Hamm once said, “Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed.” This quote fits perfectly into my mindset as I navigate my personal journey. I’ve made real progress, and I am taking the time to acknowledge it, but I know this is just the beginning. The success of this month is not a resting point—it’s a launching pad for the next phase of my efforts. Whether it’s fitness, nutrition, or journaling, the goal is to keep refining, pushing further, and striving for more.
Speaking of progress, I’m also thrilled with how the library renovation is coming along at home. The built-in bookcase is nearing completion, the room has been painted, and the fireplace now boasts an epic stone wall and mantle that command attention. The electrician has been in to prepare the wiring for the bookcase lighting, and in just a few weeks, he’ll return to install the brass fixtures. Soon enough, the shelves will be filled, the space furnished, and the walls adorned with carefully selected artwork, including an incredible local artist’s print that Jesse gifted me for Christmas. I can already envision the library’s transformation into the refined, old-world sanctuary I’ve imagined.
Verbum Ultimum: Steel is forged in fire, not comfort. Each effort sharpens the blade—each challenge tempers the mind. Press forward with purpose, for the best is yet to come. A strong foundation is not built in a day, nor is true progress measured by grand gestures alone. It is in the daily discipline, the quiet choices, and the relentless pursuit of something greater that transformation occurs. Every tracked meal, every early morning gym session, every journal entry—each one is a stone laid in the structure of a stronger, more capable self. Reflect on what has been accomplished, but never mistake movement for arrival. Adjust, refine, and press forward. The road ahead is long, but the destination is worth every step.
Until next we meet, with ink as my witness and virtue as my guide.
JCB
