Challenge Accepted

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited

In this Issue:
Challenge of the MonthOn the NightstandIn Case You Missed It: 3 Dimensions of a Good LifeWhere in the World is Steph? 
Challenge of the Month
 
If you’ve been with me for a while, you may know that most months, I take on a new challenge.
I wrote my book The Try-Angle chronicling my journey of trying 50 new things in my 50th year — and while it made for an amazing year, it wasn’t sustainable year after year!
That’s when I started doing monthly challenges. I thought I’d share what’s been going on in 2025, in case you feel inspired to take on a new challenge yourself!
 
Here’s a peek:
 
January – One mindful meal a day (no TV, phone, reading, etc.)
 
February – Draw (copy or original) a cartoon a day (this was my Bestie’s idea!)
My first creation is pictured above: worms don’t have arms… in case you needed an explanation. Geez.

March – Write a Haiku a day (5–7–5 syllables, the Bestie and I took turns giving each other daily prompts)
 
The topic here was: Patience
 

Patience, slow, breathe, thinkStep back, step away, step upPatience serves us well.
 

 
April – Mobility challenge (a structured set of exercises)
 
May – No-car challenge (I’m going to live the month like I don’t own a car)
 
Guidelines for my challenges:
 
I aim for at least 25 days a month (a tribute to 2025) — it’s enough to build a habit but leaves wiggle room for life!
 
I purposely cover different areas: creative, physical, intellectual, community, etc..
 
I mostly fly solo, but love partnering up when it happens to work out.
 
I rarely plan ahead — most challenges present themselves naturally by the first of the month (sometimes prep or supplies are needed, though)
 
I allow myself permission to skip a month (but I rarely do — it’s too much fun!).
 
I’m open to challenge suggestions from others — it helps stretch my comfort zone! (The no-car challenge was suggested by my son… took me a year, but I’m finally doing it!)
 
Why do it?
 
It makes life more fun, interesting, and challenging (in a good way).
It helps me grow as a person.
It sparks new interests I may want to pursue.
It deepens respect for others who excel at these things.
It creates bonds when shared with others.
It makes me feel happy and proud.
It aligns with the 3 Dimensions of a Good Life.
 
Over to you…
Would you consider challenging yourself to try something new for a month? If so, I’d love to hear about it! And, of course, make your own guidelines.

 
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On the Nightstand
 
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano – It’s not often enough I give myself the ‘luxury’ of immersing deep into a fiction book, but I enjoyed every moment of this one. Added bonus for her explanations of the characters based on people from her past, that was super interesting to me. Did you know (or care) that I’m a ‘character’ in a book called Trusted by Lea Brovedani – what a surprise that was! #TrueStory
 
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In case you missed it, 3 Dimensions of a Good Life ?
 
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Where in the world is Steph?
 
I’m off to Seattle this week, celebrating Nurses Week!
Let’s give a big, loud, heartfelt shout-out to all healthcare professionals across the board — the ones who step up when we need them most.
 
Consider sending a quick note to someone you know in a helping profession. Let them know you see them, appreciate them, and recognize their hard work. They don’t hear it enough.
Here’s my latest speaker reel. Who do you know who is planning an event in 2026 – it’s not too early to book – the calendar changes fast!

Colleges and polytechnics

RDP and Olds College ranked among top 50 research institutions in Canada

4h ago

Christmas Tradition

CPKC Holiday train to arrive in central Alberta on Dec. 8

6h ago

Near Millet

Wetaskiwin RCMP respond to fatal collision on Highway 814

6h ago

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited