I’ve been sitting on my couch watching Hallmark Christmas movies and sipping coffee before I sat down to write this, and it brought me so much joy. I truly love the magic and traditions this time of year. Some are different (no Nutcracker date with my daughter and no family visits), but so many are the same. It’s the simple things…watching Christmas movies with the fire going, planning our Feast of the Seven Fishes for Xmas Ever, coming up with baking ideas…
And as always, Hallmark on 24/7. I am INVESTED!
On another note, I had my first virtual therapy appointment last week and it was good! It was more of an intake appointment, checking in to make sure I am safe and not dangerous to myself, and also doing a depression and anxiety assessment. We will meet this week again, and over the week I will note down things I’d like to chat about. I am excited to get going and find ways to feel better. Thank you so much for your support via emails, DM’s, comments, texts, etc. It means a lot to me that I can open up and be vulnerable, and hopefully help anyone else that is suffering. Just know, it is OKAY to ask for help.
Let’s dive into 3 things to think about this week, shall we?
1) Last week I was writing in my journal before my family woke up, and I got an inutuitive hit to try this exercise class I had been wondering about. I have been taking these last 6 months since moving to really discover what I wanted to do next when in came to exercise, and I found I really miss the community aspect of a gym environment. I didn’t want to join CrossFit again here at this point (not ruling it out, though!) and I have been intrigued by OrangeTheory. Anyway, I got the idea to just check it out, so I called an booked a free class. For the next 24 hours I was both excited and scared. My thoughts went back and forth the whole day between excited and scared, and the next morning I was sweaty and my heart was beating and I was just…nervous. But I did it, and I liked it. I have missed the purpose of getting out of the house and being pushed to work hard.I missed the purpose of having a place to go, and I missed the gym environment. Sometimes we need to be uncomfotable to find what excites us. It is so important to listen to your intuiton. When you quiet your brain, what does it tell you? It will stear you the right way, and often lead you in a direction you never dreamed. Your intuitive hits should make you feel good versus listening to anxiety (which often tells you things that make you feel worse if you follow those thoughts.)
Your intuition can lead you in a direction that makes you uncomfortable and nervous (like starting something new,) and it will often lead you to a life that is more authentically YOU. When I look back, some of the best things in my life are from listening to my gut intuition. It didn’t mean they were easy, but it felt right deep down. What is your intuition telling you? Can you listen?
2) Can you win each day? What does that mean to you?
I am notorious for setting impossibly high standards for myself and then feeling like a failure if I don’t reach them. So I lower the bar for myself. Start small! Right now, my goal each day is to write 750 words for my book. That’s it. I have lots of other things I would like to get done, but that is my only must get done item. Another thing that I love doing is waking up before my family and drinking my coffee alone while I journal and listen to a podcast. What makes you feel good? There is so much pressure to husttle 24/7, but what if we dial it down?Like, a lot!
Other things I love that make me feel like I am winning…
Family dinner each night
Lunch with my kids since they are home for virtual school
Doing a 20 minute pilates video
Going for a walk outside
Watching Hallmark (;)
Reading (my FAVE activity…I read a ton and I love it.)
What is on your winning list?
3) An exerpt from my journal that I wrote one morning…
You don’t have to play it small, be small, to be worthy. You don’t have to lose weight to be worthy. You are beautiful as is. Accept and love yourself as is. Use you pain and growth to teach others. Your mess is your message! Be yourself, show yourself, uncover yourself. You are supported!
I wrote this for me and for YOU. I hope you know that you don’t need to change anything to be worthy. Often we just need to peel away the layers of pain and shame and limiting beliefs that we have covered ourselves in. It’s time to shed those layers and uncover your true, authentic self. I heart you and I am hear for you.
P.S In case you missed it…
I finally weighed myself
My 10 favorite Hallmark movies
A gift guide for hard to buy Tweens
