Good morning all!!

It's 10:20 am in California. I started with my steps just before 6 am - and I had 5k of them in by 8 am!!!

Then - it was time for me to get some work done, and I'm having one of those days - you know???

The days where you wake up and just think "TODAY IS A GOOD DAY"

I'm actually ashamed that I don't wake up feeling that way even more. Because @melinda010100 and I were talking in the comment section the other day and we were just remarking about life, and the challenges we face, and how things could always be worse.

Before I continue - let me just make a little side comment here. Most of you know that that I love posting - but my absolute HEART is in the comment section, because that's where things go from a one-sided dissertation (posting) to a connection (conversation between two or more hearts). And have you noticed that there are a lot of cool things happening in the comment section? I think that's because there are people that are READY to find ways to connect again after this year of feeling stifled.

I see it - I read it. I am ALWAYS perusing in the comment section and giggling at the little inside jokes and banter that I see. If its something that I think someone else will enjoy, I'll tag them. People like @wil.metcalfe are doing HUGE things to try to show that comments are SO valuable that THAT is where he spends is Hive Power supporting most! It matters :) Connection matters.

So I'll quickly show you where I walked (it was actually last night, and I held it for today's post) and then I'm going to talk about how we are going to take this DreemPort challenge to a new level :)

Take a look at the beauty here. This is Hume Lake - and I could spend an entire post about the feeling that I get when I'm here... but I want to save my words (and your attention span hehe) for the challenge!

So just soak this in and imagine the overwhelming majesty and peace that you would feel here. I guarantee you its whatever you imagine and more!!!

Breathtaking, right? It's just so massive.

This lake was NOT drained at all. For whatever reason, it has NOT been affected by this drought like the other lakes. Don't ask me why? It's about 40 minutes from my house and I do not know why. All I know is that I was so happy to see this lake filled to the brim. It restored some of my sanity, I'll tell you!

And this is the same lake - but viewed from a distance. You can still see the devastation from the fires ... last year? hmmm maybe year before. The trunks are all still blackened where the fires raged, but you can see how nature renews also! Doesn't that make you feel hopeful? It does for me. Cycles and balance. I love it.

Now... back to the Challenge and how we will step it up.

hehehe I think @sofs-su was nervous that I was going to add in something too challenging! LOL but don't you worry Sofs - you were part of the inspiration to this addition!

For me - these kinds of community things are so fun! When we can get lots of people involved and connecting, but too often, we lose sight of what the heart is. Don't you think? The fun can be overshadowed with other things that creep in. And I just want to make sure that I'm always taking every opportunity to be intentional in the way that I direct the things that I begin.

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So here we go!

This week is business as usual, right?

We are seeing more people join in - which is a BLAST for me to see. I love when joy is contagious!
But we are ALSO seeing that people are just pushing themselves a bit more!

Remember that there is NO MINIMUM step count for this. You know what I've found? If you require a minimum step count - that will push people away who would normally join in. But if you make it about what they can do - THEY will surprise you (and themselves) every time.

Let me take just a second to shine the light on @sassycebuana. hehehe Last week she joined in, and took a light walk around her neighborhood. She had a bit over 200 steps but wrote such an amazing post that she was one of the winners!!! This week? She did over 2000 steps. That's 10x!!!!

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Amazing!!! What does that tell you!

We have such ability to push ourselves and shine on! Sometimes, we just need to begin and let go!

For the first week also, there were so many people who made me laugh, and made me think and make me happy to have launched this. But two people stood out in my mind (well actually 3 more did too hahaha but let me just focus on 2 LOLOL to save your attention span that I'm sure is already beginning to wander hahahahaha)

@silversaver888 - do you know how she used her steps? To go visit a friend. (This made me think of you too @kaerpediem !!!! Even though you didn't join - you are ALREADY DOING IT!) She was intentional about using her steps to not just fulfill a challenge -but to make it matter, and to touch the heart of someone.

@sofs-su - do you know how she used her steps? To reconnect with her boys. And oh my goodness -that post made me LAUGH!!! As a mom, I know those treasured moments when you get to connect with your kids again. And what BETTER way to get steps in - than to orbit your children and their joy!!!

oh I know I said only 2 - but please... let me tag a few more people?? hehehe

@tatoodjay - He is actually a community leader and didn't have to join in! He's already HOSTING a challenge ahahaha but he did!!! He showed up and he actually wowed us with something different!!!

@amberkashif - she wrote the FUNNIEST post and showed SUCH creativity!!! and she downplayed that she had nowhere to walk!!! Because she felt as a stay at home mom, walking only from one room to another, doing mom things, and being restricted by covid would make it too difficult. And she wowed us with her funny post, and I just got a notification that she is back again for this week!!!

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Ok - last one.

I did not know until this week, that @melinda010100 wasn't able to walk because of her MS. She told me that I could get my steps in for her hehehe but you know what? We don't have to walk to be active. And from what she shared - she is still VERY active!

So please - if anyone is NOT joining in because they don't have the ability to walk anymore? PLEASE join us and move your arms! or you head! hehehe do some dancing in your chair and sway back and forth and share THAT with us. This isn't about steps. It's about doing something as several communities- in joy - sharing that connection. and we want YOU!! 😍

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So.... your mission should you choose to accept it.

START THINKING about next week's DreemPort challenge.
There are only 2 left!

Next week - I want you to ADD IN why your "steps" (or activity) mattered for the week! BE CREATIVE. It does not have to be a walk to someone's house. Perhaps you were moving around your kitchen, getting activity in - BAKING something for someone. Perhaps you used your steps (or activity) to send a funny dance video to cheer someone up?

Whatever you are planning - make your "steps" matter and wow @actifit. Take awesome pictures of whatever you do for @tattoodjay, and make @elizacheng (and all of us) FEEL that smile spreading across our faces.

Make it matter!!! 🤗

Love you and see you next week!

All of the challenge posts will be entered into DreemPort today!

Everyone who is currently helping us test on DreemPort will be randomly assigned groups to read and curate and rank! (If YOU would like to do that - let me know and I'll get you what you need to join in there)

The rankings will be announced tomorrow after all the scores are in! Then - winnings will be dispersed! hehehehe Very fun! Get your thinking caps on for next week please!!!