January 3rd, 2026
I Started, I Wrote, and I’ve Changed
Saturday. I’m up early, still in bed I lay. I think how thankful I am for my bed and the many, many things I have now — small and large. I’m thankful for rest, healing, and great sleep. I’m thankful for food and for drink. I’m thankful for discipline, consistency, and persistence.
I’m thankful for change (smiles).
I get up, reach for my water and notebook. I have a few things to do today, nothing pressing, so I’ll pace myself.
First, I need to knock out laundry. This pop-up hamper with handles is awesome. I toss a few more things from the floor, my notebook, and Dear Writer — I can read while I wait. I put on my walking shoes and my coat, and I’m out the door.
San Francisco has been rainy but bright. We have microclimates here. I can see down the hill from where I’m standing — no rain, just sunlight. Getting out early, getting this done also doubles as my cardio.
Up the hills I go. My hamstrings and glutes feel every step as I toss the hamper into my other hand as if I’m holding a bride to the room. I march, thinking about my goals and how I’m grateful things are finally good.
Almost forgot — passing a small shop, the wise lady here is always really nice to me. I grab some Tide and a protein shake since I left without eating. I get to the counter and I’m greeted with, “How are you, sir?” A smile, gentle and sincere.
I smile back and answer, “Well! On my way to the laundromat. How is your morning?”
“Good.”
I pay for my things, and as I’m leaving she says, “Have a good day, sir.”
(Smiles.)
As I continue my walk, I pass a lady. We meet eyes and exchange our smiles. She nods and I nod. Happy. I wish more people were like that.
Making it in, the place is quiet. I think maybe a customer or 2. I load my things, take a seat, and dive into my reading. I’m learning and enjoying the lessons Maggie has filled this book with — all sorts of help. Pen in hand, ever so often I take notes.
Before I know it, the machine has stopped. Wow, was I reading for 40 minutes? I guess I was.
I toss my things into the dryer, hit medium heat, and go back to continue. I stop after 4 chapters — I don’t want to finish too soon. I turn on Mr. Hill. I downloaded a video from the Master Key Society: Lessons and Laws. I listen deeply, focusing and hearing clearly.
After a short while, I pull my things from the dryer and move them over to the counter so I can fold and think.
After taking my clothes home, one maybe two more errands. I get those done and come back home.
I have a new cast iron skillet I need to season. This is my first time, and it went well.
Meal prep will consist of sirloin, bells and onions, jasmine rice for my carbs. Against the grain I cut, turning my steak into strips. I’ve charred my veggies, now to flash fry these 4 batches and combine.
Everything came out wonderful. I should have bought a cast iron sooner, but now that I own one, I’ll take care of it. This should last me a lifetime.
I fill my containers. The skillet I wash with water and dry on the stove. I add a drop of oil, rub it in. Now my cleanup is done.
To my bowl of rice, I add the steak and veggie mixture, topping it with avocado, fresca, and sour cream. I say my grace and — what a treat. The steak is perfect, and the char on the bells is just how I like. I’m turning out to be a not-so-bad cook (smiles).
I say my grace and dig in.
While eating, I can’t help but think: Today is my 30th day.
I’ve done it. I’ve challenged myself to write for 30 consecutive days. Nobody made me do this. This is something that in my mind, in my heart, I knew I needed and wanted to do. And when I started, I told myself, “I’m just going to do it.” Unplanned. I believed in myself, and I told myself, “Just do it!”
And well, I’ve been doing it.
I’m, to my knowledge, a writer. I’m an author. I am consistent. I’m learning, and I promise I’ll get better.
In all, and I haven’t spoken on this till now: I, in fact, have been journaling consecutively since October 30th, 2025, to this very moment.
I, in fact, have done what I’ve written. I’ve documented my changing. I have the proof. Literally, I am the proof.
My writing won’t stop here. Though my challenge is complete, I’m working on something big, and I can’t wait to showcase it to you guys.
Thank you for taking time to read into my journey. I’m thankful and grateful for you.
I have learned so much about myself. Still learning, always learning. I’ve been diligent, disciplined, consistent. I’ve been persistent. I persevere. I believed every step of the way that I’ll get better.
I did. I do.
For we walk by faith and not by sight.
“Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health.” — Psalm 30:2