Five Simple Things (August 2)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This salad.

We've been running back and forth a lot this week and a quick meal has been a salad more than anything else. We have been trying to incorporate some healthy ways to make salads better and peaches have been the side of those salads a lot. Plus, they are just delicious and in season right now, too.

2. This paper.

I've been a subscriber to The Good Newspaper for almost three years now. I love seeing my name in the supporter's section of the paper. The Good Newspaper was founded in 2017 to put a spin on news being reported that was always bad, or gave people a sense of hopelessness. The Good Newspaper is always about news that brings a bit of hope to a chaotic world that we live in. It has articles on everyday life, politics, as well as world wide good changes. These articles help give a sense of purpose in the world. With every day being something negative or disappointing, The Good Newspaper is trying to hold onto the great things happening around the world that help our mental health stay grounded. The print newspaper is $8 a month and the digital edition is $5. You can sign up here and get your name added to the subscriber section of the paper, too!

3. This moment.

I just love them so much! Animals have helped me with my past trauma and abuse. All of my pets, past and present, have shown me so much love and affection that I don't think I would have turned out the way I did from my mental health issues. The love I give them they give back double. The world is such a wonderful place with animals in it. Both of them came from abusive situations, just like me. We are bonded on that aspect and we respect each other's healing. Plus, you can tell a lot of someone by how they treat animals.

4. These roses.

Our neighbors, that always do the most ridiculous stuff, built this haphazard fence to stop foot traffic through our yard. When the wind blows the fence rocks a little, so we decided to place yellow rose bushes on our side of the fence to help with the movement, and to brighten up the area. I'm looking forward to seeing them grow taller and bloom this coming spring.

5. These cover.

This magazine started coming to our house about a year ago addressed to someone else. I normally just flip through them and then throw them away. But this one, I will be keeping. I hope Jill Biden knows how much of a role model she is to women of all ages. I loved all of the first ladies, until Melania. I don't like talking politics on my blog, but she seemed to be the only first lady that didn't really know what to do. Her "Be Best" campaign is strange. I get the message, but the delivery should be better. I loved Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, and I am loving Dr. Jill Biden. I hope we continue to have great first ladies and the time of elegance hasn't ended.

One last thing:

I found these ice cube trays as was going to keep them for myself. I am working on building a bar cart and I thought these would be great additions. But, I decided to give them as gifts this year instead. Since working on the bus and deciding to maybe live in it for a time while we travel, the bar cart is being downsized. I am still going to have one on the bus, but I am working on a new strategy for it. I will share all of those plans soon.

Positive affirmations this week:

Be sure to always give yourself some positive feedback every day. These mantra cards from Dae are a good start to remind you of self talks you should be saying to yourself. These cards are 

Have a nice weekend.

End of July 2024 (1 Second Every Day)

 

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Five Simple Things (July 26)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These tomatoes.

I think my favorite treat from the garden, right off the vine is cherry tomatoes. Nothing says summer more than the smell of tomatoes and the scent the vines give off. I just love it!

2. This sandwich.

Always with the Dagwood sandwiches.

3. This garden.

Our little garden always makes me so happy. Gardening and growing plants and flowers helps my mental health so much. It's a way to be in a place where people aren't talking, or saying things to me that affect me. It's also a great place to think about things without distraction. There's a lot of people, some I'm related to, that say things that hurt a lot. Through years of therapy I have realized that those people don't realize that what they say to someone has great impact. When I am in my garden area I think about those times. We all are guilty of saying things that we don't mean, and have our words come across hurtful. But not taking time to correct those words, is where the disconnect lies. Reaching out to people that you hurt, or that you feel you may have upset, is a way to grow with that person in a better way. Unfortunately, I've had to come to accept that the people that say these hurtful comments, are doing it on purpose. Mostly because, the reaching out never happened over those years. And that's okay. It's more of a reflection of them than it is me. I used to get upset, and cry for hours as to why I couldn't get these people to see me for the person I am and not the image they have of me they created, or allowed someone else to create. It hurts still, but accepting it has been a journey. Being an empath, you try so hard, even at your own expense, to mend these rifts. We try and try, but eventually, we get to a point where that attempt is not met with success and we shut that door. We don't just shut the door, but we lock it. Even through an apology, which we will accept and be grateful, we will never unlock that door again. That is where I currently am with those people. Behind a locked door wondering why, all of these years, they didn't want, or have the key. For now, I will enjoy my garden and spend time with the ones that actually walk through that door. And, Hardy is a good garden assistant likes to taste the snap peas and blueberries. Our garden therapy is good for him, too.🫛🫐

4. These boxes.

This week was a week of gifts. Nécessaire came on Monday, with the best bodywashes ever. Skylar and I love the eucalyptus scent, and Jeff loves the santal scent, but their rosemary haircare options are my absolute favorite! I do miss their metal bottles, though, so I hope they switch back soon. Kiwi Eco Box came on Wednesday and my favorite thing in the box this month is the body brush. I've been needing a new one for awhile now and it was perfect timing. And Misfits Market shipment came and this one was mostly centered around vegetables and fruits. I am looking forward to trying Misfits Market's own brand of organic peanut butter labeled Odds & Ends. We got the crunchy version this week, and it's a favorite in our house.

5. This lunch.

With the sun out and the weather not as hot, Skylar and I decided to have some lunch outside on our picnic table. Of course, where there is food, Hardy is right there to see what he gets. We just love how much he enjoys being with us. He loves us as much as we love him.

One last thing:

We love when we go to Lowe's to grab a few things needed for the bus or the house that they offer these Build and Grow Kids Project Kits from Lowe's. They are a great way to enjoy a quick and easy activity and build something that you can play with, or use. This one was a hit, because we all got to play and keep score. We all tried to beat each other's score and the quality of the activity is great. It is solid wood and actually holds up under competitive gaming that happens in our house.

Positive affirmations this week:

You still have time and you aren't too old. Remind yourself that your life matters and the end has yet to come. Keep going!

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.