Friends, I’ve missed you. I’ve been in the midst of two of the biggest leaps of my life: publishing my novel (after 10 years) and moving across country.

As my feet sink into the soil here, I have started something with my family at the suggestion of a friend. We have marble jars.  I’ve picked a few “either or” habits I’d like to start. Here’s what’s on the back of my door.

After about one month, I’ve added 10 push ups or 10 burpees or 30 abs daily. When I do these things, I get a marble in the jar.

When it’s filled, I pick a prize of my choosing. Prizes are fun, especially when you get to choose them.

Here’s a video I made for you about the marble jars.

Where do you start?

I have three resources for you

#1 – This Zen Habits article is the BEST short and simple article I’ve ever read on getting healthy. I have about 8 friends who are trying this approach with me. Think about inviting a few folks to join you if the post speaks to you.

# 2 This Zen Pencils comic moved me like nobody’s business. Here’s a snapshot of just the beginning:

To view the full comic by Gavin Aung Than, click here. The basic idea is to ask what your world would be like if you took 10-15 minutes a day to do something you love. I saw Gavin speak two years ago at the World Domination Summit in Portland. If you have a moment and want some inspiration, check out this video about Gavin and Zen Pencils too.

#3 Carrie Hensley’s free 30-day yoga un-challenge is a gentle way to introduce yoga into your life for 10-15 minutes per day. I’ve been doing it for four days. Every day, I learn something new, not just about a yoga position, but also about breathing and not judging myself. This is a great way to introduce yourself to yoga because she gives lots of options for adjusting poses to your comfort level. The videos are all in one place so you can see them from day 1. You can sign up here.

That’s it folks. Grab a jar, a box, something and toss a penny, a marble, a paperclip into it.

Trust me when I tell you that you’ll remember your habits.

And there may be days when you pass on your habits and that’s okay too.

So what do you think you’ll find inside that marble jar when it’s filled up? A healthy, happy you?

Sending you love, marbles and a big prize!