This past week was not great. I was a little deep in my sadness, combined with PMS hormones and it was just a bit of a melting pot of mess and emotions. But despite that we did have a lot of wins and positive moments. A proper ying and yang week.
Glimmers
(Glimmers are micro-moments of joy that make us feel happy, hopeful, and safe.)
- I received my Chefs Box order. I am trying out their products and let me tell you I was so excited to receive it. Our afternoons are now so crazy with the extra activities that not having to worry about cooking is a game changer.
- I went on an early morning hike on my own, with Coco. It was very last minute but I am glad I did it, we walked a longer route and it ended up being really nice.
- Emma had her bff’s part on Monday, they went ice skating and I had a lovely chat with the 2 other moms. We se each other a few times a week but we don’t get a lot of time to actually chat.
- Eve and I had a great Friday catch up.
My Weekly Wisdom..
I have started listening to podcasts again, largely in an attempt to stop mindlessly scrolling TikTok.Â
This morning I was listening to a GP in the UK talking about how our bodies have not evolved enough to be able to cope with the world we live in. Which is why so many of us struggle with anxiety, inflammation, chronic illness etc. She now focuses on looking at health holistically and naturally. Rather than just prescribing and antidepressant she suggests changes to diet and lifestyle.
One of the things she mentions a lot throughout the discussion is getting back to nature – getting outside regularly, not just to exercise but to experience the benefits of being in the forest or at the ocean or hiking up a mountain.
I wouldn’t have paid as much attention to this if I was not actually experiencing it. Before Cameron died I started trail walking but very half heartedly, but after he died I started again with purpose. The purpose was not really to get fit but more to walk my way through my grief and it works.
I am now also a lot more aware of what is happening in my body, so when I feel a little lower than normal – I head to the mountain. Some times it takes a few walks for me to feel better but it always comes. I am fortunate enough to have a stunning, safe trail very close to my house that I go to regularly but even if I didn’t knowing what I know now, I would make the effort.
Going for a walk is not the cure all for what ails us. I get it but it does make me feel better and the sense of accomplishment each time I complete a longer trail does wonders for my ego (it has yet to do anything for my waistline however).
So my point? Get up, get outside. Go sit in your garden with your pets. Go for a walk around the block or attempt a new trail. I guarantee you will feel better.
Picture of the Week
I have decided to change this section up and add in my favourite photo of the week. The kittens getting some outside time.
Wise Words of the Week
Words of the Week
I am joining up with the Word of the Week link party this week so my word for the week would have to be EMOTIONS. There were so many emotions this week – happiness, sadness, rage, disappointment, resentment, excitement – all of it swimming around inside me. It was a lot but fortunately, some walking, some meditation, some venting and some chocolate got me through.
Until next week!
Getting outside and experiencing nature is my go to. Even, like you say, if it’s just sitting out in the garden for 10 minutes. I’ve loved yoga for the meditation and the new connections I’m making with people at classes. I like the Blue zone concept, even though there is doubt that they really exist. Your podcast sounds interesting and the sort I’d listen to. Heard one recently with an expert who said that if humans were designed to sit around all day, we’d have evolved to be mushroom shape. Your kittens are adorable. They are looking so intently into the camera. Hope you have an easier week next week.
I am happy that walking does wonders for you. In my head I know that I need to do more of it but I guess I am lacking the motivation. Thanks so much for the reminder though.
Well done on dealing with your emotions. You are lucky to have somewhere to walk. I used to find walking helped me a lot in the past, but I’m in a wheelchair now, and going out is so stressful, I’d rather stick to my garden. I’ve found getting out and looking after my plants has helped a lot though this year. I’ll definitely do it again next summer.
Sorry it wasn’t a great week emotionally. I am glad you have found some positives.
I love the sound of your Chefs Box, I get a Gousto Box with everything to make our meals but it does take the pressure off about wondering what to cook. Your meals look great!
I have always found that when I am feeling down if I get outside even for a short walk I feel a little better.
Aww! The kittens are so cute! x
Although it’s been a tough week, it sounds like there have been lots of little uplifting moments too. Being outdoors is always the best medicine.
The Chef’s box sounds really useful, especially while things are so busy.
Your lovely kittens look like they are thriving.
I hope you are having a good week.
Being outdoors is my go to coping mechanism as well and it works wonders on my stress levels! The Chef’s Box looks fun and delicious.
I love gardening it’s peaceful. Nature is a great healer. I like the look of the Chef’s Box. The kittens are very cute