Reflection - Statement of Goals and Choices

The most insightful source I encountered during this project was the article by Kumari (2025), which clearly outlines how untreated anxiety and chronic stress manifest not just emotionally but also physically through fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and even weakened cognitive function. Reading this helped me name and validate what I’ve been feeling in my daily life, and reinforced how necessary it is to take even small steps toward managing my mental health.

The area where I invested the most effort was in developing a practical and achievable plan. At first, I thought about making some big changes, like dropping a class or cutting back on my work hours. After deeper reflection, I came to the conclusion that the initial options wouldn’t support me in the long run. Instead, I’ve decided to execute a smaller yet more impactful change by dedicating just a small bit of time each day to purposeful quiet time by myself. While this may seem like an apparent commitment, the clarity and purpose driving this decision materialized from significant reflection and internal back-and-forth.

If I were to recreate this project, I would start my research earlier. I underestimated the depth of the connection between self-care and overall functioning. I could have benefited from having more time to explore additional perspectives on the subject, such as those in occupational health or mindfulness practice.

Looking ahead to MWA 2, I know that consistency will be my biggest challenge. There will be nights when I’m tempted to skip the balcony time in favor of cleaning, studying, or collapsing into bed. To counteract this, I’ve set an alert on my phone and plan to journal each night right while sitting outside. Even a single sentence reflection will help track my mindset and encourage accountability.

I've realized that even the shortest commitments can create significant and lasting ripple effects, especially when they are consistent. This project isn’t just about taking care of myself mentally, it is also about showing my kids how to maintain a balanced and intended practice. Additionally, it’s a way for me to prove to myself that I can reclaim my personal space without sacrificing the progress I’ve made.