"It's a challenge that's up to [you]. Nobody's going to give it to you."

"It's a challenge that's up to [you]. Nobody's going to give it to you." Those were the words of advice Crowe opted to share with the 16-year-old Cavill, but their bond didn't end there. While Russell Crowe was preparing packages for both Cavill and Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, he found two identical photographs of his character from Gladiator, which he signed for them. On Cavill's, he wrote "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," a saying originating from a Chinese proverb by Laozi. "Basically," explains Crowe, "if you want it, go and get it." From Collider.com

How true are these words?! Russell was a large influence on Henry at the impressionable age of 16, and Henry has carried that with him. He's talked about this encounter on numerous talk-shows. These follow the path of a growth mindset. A way of thinking which allows you to look to your future and imagine the things you can't do... YET.

Getting into shape physically and mentally requires that single step into the unknown challenge before you. You have to want it, and focus on attaining the goal. I've now added these quotes to a list, which are motivators when I'm feeling a little down on my progress.

This past week has been full of work, family time, and an attempt at my own Cavill Challenge. I focused on making sure I packed healthy foods for work, and preparing homemade meals for dinners. Today, I started the day with two hard boiled eggs with everything bagel seasoning. If you haven't tried that combo... you're missing out! I paired this with some raspberries, and a slice of toast with peanut butter. This is a HUGE step for me. Actually eating breakfast is a struggle sometimes as my body doesn't truly "wake up" until about 10am. So I'm counting this as a win! The interesting thing I've noticed since I've started eating breakfast regularly, is that I'm actually hungry when it hits lunch time. I'm sure it has to do with metabolic processes in my body...which I 100% don't claim to understand the science behind. Check THIS SITE for some information about why you might be more hungry after breakfast.

I've also done two sessions of somatic yoga since my last post. Let me tell you... if you haven't done a whole lot of stretching in a long time, it's gonna be tough. Somatic yoga is a way to wake up your nervous system and say, "Hey, let's get going!" I really enjoyed this video which talks about the practice from Di Hickman. My body really is going to need the reeducation she talks about!

I plan to continue with this for the next week. Coming in my next post, I will be including the exact practice I followed and also a full food journal. I'm getting real with you, and myself. Part of this blog was to hold myself accountable. By writing about my experience, I hope to help myself stay on target and in turn... try help others with starting their Cavill Challenge.