Carolyn Keeney

Fourteen years ago, I came face to face with one of the most terrifying things I have ever experienced. I have always had a fear of heights, and after a few emergency landings, a fear of flying as well. And, here I was in a tiny tin plane, almost 2.5 miles up in the sky about ready to jump.

You may be wondering… why would I put myself in this situation?

• Was it to appease my best friend, who paid for everyone in her closest circle, to skydive on her bday?
• Was it because my husband and friends at the time had already committed to jumping?
• Was it because 3 people I had working on our new home at the time had overheard me talking about it and shared their unsolicited incredible skydiving experiences and why I should do it?

If I am being 100% honest with myself and others, yes, I suppose pieces of all 3 of these reasons propelled me to jump that day. But, upon reflecting, the biggest reason I set ALL logic and reason aside that day was something else…

I truly wanted to stare my two biggest FEARS in the face and in doing so, make them seem smaller and less scary. I wanted to be able to sit on my next Southwest flight for work, and rather than put my head in between my legs upon take off, ( yep, that was my protocol) be able to sit back in my seat, and remind myself I jumped out of one of these things and lived to tell about it. And, to remind myself that if I can do that, I can certainly sit in a much bigger, probably safer airplane, and get to my destination safely.

Fast forward to today…. the official first day of Fall (9/22/24). Fall is hands down my favorite season of the year, and it is also a time when change is inevitable and may I add beautiful. Fall is the time of year when leaves change colors everywhere, including here in San Diego, and the light just appears more magical and soothing. It is also the time of year when species, including monarch butterflies and ruby- throated hummingbirds migrate up to 2,000 miles to warmer locations. And, do so against significant risks from climate change, predation, and energy depletion. For example, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have to make 18-22 hour non-stop flights over the Gulf of Mexico to reach safety. Imagine enduring that lengthy flight without refueling using those tiny wings? But, they do it every year and have an upwards of 80% migration rate!

And, yes, Fall is also a time when leaves fall to the ground. Daylight shortens, And, people experience disruption in their lives. I am now one of those people. I lost my job recently and I am also in a fight with Mother Nature to not lose both of my parents who are also in a state of free fall. And, unlike me 14 years ago, when I had a parachute and a confident Navy Seal attached to my back, this free fall is longer than 60 seconds. And, on many days, feels like that 60-second terrifying free fall period on repeat.

But, like the Ruby-throated hummingbird, I know if I keep my destination in sight, keep flapping my wings (my nickname is even Bird), and know warmer, more comfortable landings are in sight, I will keep flying. And, do so knowing incredible new adventures await me.

And, so on this beautiful Fall day, know that no matter what is changing all around you, know you are not alone. Relish in the beautiful changing colors, the smell of cinnamon in stores, the little lucky hummingbirds buzzing around you, and know they are all welcoming you and me into a new a season of life.

Happy Fall Y’all.

It’s now been 23 days since I have consumed or done anything unhealthy for my mind or body thanks to the 75-hard mental toughness program and my gritty self + friends!

Now that I have surpassed the mythical 21-days to create a habit, many people have asked me about my experience and what has been challenging to me. And, I can honestly say, not much. I don’t miss drinking booze. I don’t miss gluten. I don’t miss sleeping in past 4:30 a.m, or anything I had to “give-up” or lean into to become the healthiest, best version of me.

But, I do miss my oldest son who just went to college, every day. And, I do miss being anchored to a job and people I loved for 24 years which as of last week I no longer have. But, as we all know change is the only thing constant in our lives.

I feel so incredibly grateful I was introduced to 75 hard before the proverbial wind (& revenue generator) was removed from my sails. And, for anyone reading this who is also undergoing a new stage in their life, or anything challenging, I strongly recommend welcoming a new habit, or if you are already on a roll, a series of habits, you can “check-off” everyday and be held accountable for by others. It has helped me stay focused, determined, and accountable to doing the best I can through some pretty intense life wallops.

So, if you are intrigued about the 75-hard program, and are considering it, I have outlined my 10 top tips for getting started below.

1. Do a practice 75-hard trial week before officially starting so you can work out the kinks.. ie; how to pace yourself drinking a gallon of water, when you need to wake up to get your 1st workout in and get to work on time, what healthy foods need to be stocked in your frig etc,
2. Buy the Book on Mental Toughness from the creator of the program, Andy Frisella.
3. Buy a 1/2 gallon container with a straw to make planning/drinking your gallon of water a no-brainer! I bought a Civago water bottle on Amazon, but any brand will do.
4. Buy a reflective vest for your outdoor early/late night workout. Again, Amazon, any brand.
5. “”Sell” the program to friends/family and get others to join you. I started the program with my 2 cousins (they committed immediately after their mom’s funeral) and my former co-worker and good friend. And, I am thrilled to say 3 other people have started since! The more people you can have in your dedicated circle of influence, the better!
6. Figure out your diet and be realistic about it. Ask yourself, can I sustain this diet after 75-days? My cousin is on an extremely strict diet (no dairy, gluten etc). I choose a gluten-free, no processed foods (sugar) diet but allow caffeine, small amounts of dairy (1/2 &1/2 for my coffee, cheese) etc.
7. Print out a 2.5 month blank calendar and write the program requirements under each day. I love a good consistent check mark, so my calendar is on my frig and I check off each thing daily! Or, as my guy friend, Phil Gibbs recommends ( he has done this program 2x’s!) .. write the items on your bathroom mirror and check them off with a dry eraser pen before you go to sleep each night.
8. Have something you can see/wear daily that reminds you to stay on target. I made #75 Hard black rubber bracelets for everyone on my team. And, the best part is my youngest son (16 yo) asked if he could have and wear one too. He said he wanted to wear it to support me. How cute is that?
9. Be realistic about your 2 workouts. Due to illness and work circumstances, I could only do 2 long walks for the first couple of weeks. You can get a great workout doing hill walks! So, don’t discredit a good walk. Walks counts for your 2, 45-min workouts and those steps add up… I had something like 22,000 steps one day.
10. Start and continue a text strand with the people you are doing it. We started off by texting struggles, recommended books, podcasts (Mel Robbins is incredible) and have added in a daily pic or video to highlight our days.

My goal is to be more consistent with this blog now that I have a little more time to write and reflect. So, be on the lookout for more book reviews, 75-hard tips and tricks, and life mutterings from me as I begin the next exciting stage in my life!