%20(13).png)
monday
I didn't post a weekly notes blog last week, and I didn't do any journaling. This is a habit and practice I want to change. I want to get back to documenting all parts of my days, reflections, life. Writing is like an extension of me, and it feels so effortless compared to other mediums of expression. So this week I'm going to challenge myself to write, as often as I think to, but also at certain times of the day.
It's currently 5:59 am and I jumped out of bed around 5:30 am this morning. The moon was shining through my window and I wanted to wake up with the world while it was still dark. On that note, I'm moving to the patio to write as the sky is still a glowing, deep, indigo teal and the street lamps are still on. One of my favorite times of day to savor. Birds keep flying over, I hear the crickets and birds are chirping all around. The air feels like a layer of humidity and coolness at the same time. I hear a mourning dove. It's like I'm in a forest with the abundance of sounds I hear. There is a cool breeze. I can't wait for this morning walk I'm about to embark on.
I had my period last week and I typically dwindle off my walking routine during that phase of my cycle, so it always feels like this grand thing, getting back to my walking routine. It's something I get excited for because sunrise walks have truly been life changing. And just missing that part of my routine for a week is noticeable. I'm still doing my 75 days of slowing down challenge and today is day 22/75. During the first few weeks, I was focusing on getting outside more and increasing my step goal. I started at 5,000 steps with the goal of increasing to 10,000 but by that point I started my period. I was averaging around 8,000 steps a day though. It just became part of my daily routine to get outside as much as possible, and I craved walks more.
I have so many goals and habits I'm trying to work on right now, at times it can feel overwhelming, so this week I hope to find more structure. It's interesting that this is occurring right now as I'm doing a "slowing down" challenge, but I know everything happens for a reason. I want to stay mindful through it all. Today is June 1, so I'm wanting to slow down for Summer, but I'm also experiencing this big creative wave I want to ride, and theres just so much I want to prioritize.
Yesterday was a good example of this. It was the best beach day. And at the same time, I had the creative energy and desire to document it, which in turn, yielded one of my favorite videos that I've created. I want to find a balance of being in the moment, but also documenting because that's also a huge passion of mine.
It's slowly getting brighter outside, so I'm going to pack a snack and head out for a walk. And I'm hoping it's going to be close to an hour and a magical one.
__
I'm back from my walk. It wasn't one of my favs in terms of magical experiences I've had in the past, but I'm glad I got outside. It was only a 30 ish minute walk, but I'm at nearly 2,700 steps which is about half of my step goal for today. My step goal through wednesday this week will be 5,000 as I ease my way back into a walking routine, and then I'll start to slowly increase it so that by next week I can be averaging 8,000 steps again.
For breakfast I had an oatmeal bowl with peanut butter powder, honey, hu dark chocolate chips and frozen cherries. I discovered this combination when I ran out of wild blueberries and it's pretty good. Its summery for sure. I'm also just working with what I have until I go grocery shopping. I planned out the rest of the meals and snacks for the day - bean tacos with guac, a veggie rice bowl and I have some fun gluten free treats to snack on like the simple mills cookies, gluten free oreos, and fruit riot grapes. I also have some veggie broth to finish up and some brussel sprouts I could eat between meals. Really random, but working with what I have.
It's 7:30 am and I'm feeling exhausted. For the last two nights I haven't slept the best, and I'm wondering if it was the moon phase. It was a full moon and it kept shining through my window and waking me up. I kept tossing and turning too. So maybe today I'll lay down even if its just to rest.
On that note, before the day begins, I want to just sit here and be. Enjoy the sounds of nature on my patio, then do some deep breathing, nervous system regulation, maybe a guided meditation, before I sit down and make a plan for the day.
___
I found a guided meditation on YouTube and did some breath work and nervous system regulation techniques. I felt so relaxed afterwards. I definitely want to make that part of my morning routine every day, and I'll probably listen to the meditation again today. I'm feeling so overwhelmed with everything I want to make time for. I scheduled the day out, but it still doesn't feel like there is enough time for everything I want to get done. But my main priority is presence and calm, so I'm going to lean into that through every task and activity.
tuesday
today was much different than yesterday. I woke up super early and got out for another sunrise walk. This one was magical. I knew it would be when I saw the clouds from my patio. It was like being a kid on Christmas morning, anticipating the magic that was to come.
today also flowed more easily. I didn't follow a schedule, but I still got some things done. was it the most productive? no. but that space between every task or action was much needed.
wednesday
I've been dealing with a chronic pain flare over the last few days and I feel like stress is the culprit or at least exacerbating it so I'm going to have a relaxing day.
I took all the pressure off myself to get certain things done or to make my day a certain way, and I just let it flow. I also started the morning with meditation and stretching and I truly think this helped. When it comes to my experience with chronic pain or chronic illness, staying in gratitude is key for me. Recognizing this as an opportunity to slow down and reconsider how I pursue my days, looking at this as an opportunity to sit in stillness, to really nurture my body and give it what it needs, to get back to grounding activities and habits, to notice the beauty that is all around even in the midst of suffering...
Comments
Post a Comment