Self awareness

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Self-awareness
noun

1. Conscious knowledge of one’s own character and feelings. ​

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That’s one of the words I have written in my journal with capital letters. I have to remember that. It is a word on my list of “To Do’s” in 2020. Listen more. Listen more to what my body is telling me, instead of being too obsessed with the ‘tick-all-the-boxes’ style. Being better at doing what feels right. ​
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I saw a patten over the past year, that have made me realize, that I havn’t really always been honest with myself, which has caused me various of problems. So I thought that if I could change something in my behavior, I would see improvements and most importantly be a happier Malene.

​That’s all easy to say, but to do? Well, more of a challenge.

When I woke up Sunday morning I wasn’t feeling particular fresh or eager to train (an easy endurance ride was planned). Not even a good morning coffee could get me pumped. ​​

It’s not so easy to stop and feel. How am I today? What decisions can I take today that will bring me closer to my goal tomorrow?
My January training has been going great, 3 continuous weeks of work, a week of rest and now back to work. In my week of rest I joined the national team camp, in the Calpe area, for 4 days. So out of the 7 days, doing that week, I had 2 harder rides with the DK-team. It felt good to ride with the group I know so well, and catch up. Maybe it wasn’t ideal to do a trip in the middle of the week where I was supposed to rest up, but on the other hand maybe that was perfectly ideal?
I came home Saturday late in the afternoon, did the grocery and went to bed. When I woke up Sunday morning I wasn’t feeling particular fresh or eager to train (an easy endurance ride was planned). Not even a good morning coffee could get me pumped. ​

So I decided to listen.
How am I today? I’m a bit tired honestly.
What was the purpose of this week? The intention was to rest and feel ready for another block of training.
If the intention was to rest up, and I don’t feel fresh to go for this ride. Maybe the best decision, that will get me closer to my goals, is to skip today?
I ended up walking 2 hours in the forest instead, cleaning trails. ​

So when my I looked back at my week Sunday evening and reflected on it, a smile formed on my face. What a nice week. Seeing the national team, train with them, laugh with them, and then complete the week with sticking to one of my goals. Being more aware of, me. 

When Monday came around I felt eager to get back at it.

Now January is almost over and I’m proud that doing the first month of the year I sticked to one of my own resolutions. I actually listened. Jay me :)

/Malene ​

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​Sponsor Orbea:

P.S. This goal was also something I spoke with Orbea about earlier this year. If you want to become a Orbea Ambassador read on;

"To find my goals for 2020 I have to look back at the previous year’s ups and downs. What can I change to get better? How can I challenge myself? 2019 was in many ways an insane year for me. From World Cup podiums to injuries.
So I have decided that in 20’ I want to have more mental awareness. Listen more to myself. Ask myself every day ‘how are you, Malene?’.
I think a more mindful approach to my 2020 will take me far. And will be a part of what can lead me to the big Olympic dream"

If you share your challenge with Orbea, you can become Orbea Ambassador for the 2020! You can submit here: https://a.cstmapp.com/p/883160?lc=fremicro1