Tired of being tired?

Five Simple Things (September 2)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Bear.

On a recent yard sale hunt looking for random bus things I found this lopsided teddy bear. I gave it a good wash and placed inside Quappy's box to keep her company. She didn't take to it at first, but now she cuddles with it and loves it. I have always loved homemade bears that different people make. I'm sure this lopsided bear's story is a cool one, and now it has more to add to its story, too.

2. These Items.

Kiwi Eco Box on the left and Pyrex silicone reusable snack bag in Star Wars on the right. Skylar just loves Star Wars and this adds to his enjoyment of it. He takes lunch and we add trail mix, small crackers, carrots, or other quick snacks to these silicone bags and go. They are washable, and reusable for endless items, over endless amounts of uses. At this moment Kiwi Eco Box is sending it's proceeds to help with troops on the ground in Ukraine. The founders of KEB are from Ukraine, so they are doing all the can to help in the war efforts. Please consider purchasing a box, or items from their shop.

3. This Route.

Getting better at keeping time for my mile runs. It's getting easier and I am definitely seeing the changes. Progress is key, not perfection.

4. This Day.

 
August 28 marked 45 times around the sun for me. It's a bitter-sweet moment, but I welcome each year, because I'm still alive and I am still thriving. Not all this past year as been great and at times I've really struggled, but I did it and I am super proud of myself for each day I try. Every day I wake up with thoughts that shouldn't be there, but I keep going through all the negativity in my head. Here's to 45! What a year it's been, though. Last year on this day, I had wishes of travel, adventures, new opportunities, and a lot of fun and joy. We did a lot of great things over the past 365 days and it has been such a great year when I look back on everything I did, accomplished, and overcame. This year, following my 45 years, I am hoping and manifesting growth, stability, clarity, and a lot of self-love. Cheers to another year for me around the sun!

IKEA is always the first email I get from companies on my birthday. I'm part of IKEA Family and when it's your birthday you get $10 of a purchase and a free ice cream cone. Twitter gets a close second. One of the positive things of social media is when your birthday is remembered. It really does mean a lot more to me that most people take for granted. It's such fun things that I look forward to each year. And, I love Skylar's personality when it comes to gifts. He is always the best gift-giver and he is clever, too!


5. This Cat.


Eleven a.k.a. "The Snatch" is always so photogenic. She is such a curiously awesome kitty. One of a kind, for sure!

Positive affirmations this week:

Don't ever sacrifice your self-care and peace for others that can't seem to find theirs. There are people in this world, some of them we share bloodlines with, that don't know how to take care of themselves correctly and WILL seek out your peace and good vibes and ride your coat tails. This is not okay and it crosses boundaries. Again, be strong in your boundaries and stand by them. If you have self-care and down time on Fridays, or even Sundays, stick with it. If others in your life can't respect that, it's time to cut them off. You can do this!



One last thing, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) and September 4 - September 10 is National Suicide Prevention Week this year. September 10 this year is World Suicide Prevention Day, as well. There are so many things that can be done on this day, and throughout the week to help those that struggle with suicidal thoughts, but sometimes this time of year is hard for many people and actually could bring about feelings of self harm to those that suffer with thoughts throughout the year. There are things to remind ourselves of and others that find this month and week hard. We need to be forgiving of ourselves and others and allow what we feel to happen and tell ourselves it's okay. Also getting away from the topic is also beneficial. Small walks outside, spending time with pets, and friends does a lot of good. Lastly, reaching out for help is never shameful. Support is always at hand at 988 and 1-800-TALK. We can and will get through this and you are strong, beautiful, and very much wanted. 
Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (August 26)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Cat.

 

This week has been a mountain of hard, but Eleven has sat with me to watch Stranger Things and to just be a comfort to me. It's almost like she can sense when things are rough for me and knows just how to come and sit, and be there, just in case I need her. Wish humans were as empathetic towards others and just listen and be there instead of giving their views, or opinions. Unsolicited opinions are such a huge pet-peeve to me and they don't help anyone. But, at least animals teach us the best way to be there for others and I just love that.

2. These Items.

Along the same lines as above and this week being tough, I bought myself some new pencils, pens, and some crayons. I've also been using this headache balm from Gypsy Soul Organics. I've been using it on all my pulse points, and even on my temples to help with headaches and overall tension.

3. This Cleanout. 

This week we took everything out of our kitchen and gave it a deep cleaning. We also got rid of many things that were just taking up space and we haven't used in awhile. It felt good to downsize and get everything cleaned in a way that makes us feel better about the area. Wish these cabinets were different, but soon we won't even need to care anymore. Looking at open cabinetry in our next location. These closed, dark cabinets are so dated I actually hate them. ☻

4. This Damage.

This will be four times one of our vehicles have been hit right in front of our house. It's getting a bit overwhelming, to say the least.

5. These Meals.



Been getting better at trying out different foods lately. Working with a dietitian to get my eating calories back up to where they are supposed to be has been challenging, but keeping track of what I like, the calories in the food, and how it made me feel has helped a great deal. Eating disorder recovery is a lifelong process, but thanks to counseling it doesn't control me anymore.

Plus, I now have a spice rack of sorts that I've never had before. I'm not quite sure what all these herbs are great on, but I'm learning as we go. I'm seeking progress and not perfection, but I am looking forward to trying some other herbs in some dishes soon.


Positive affirmations this week:

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (August 19)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Ambience. 

Sometimes the light hits just right.

2. This Doormat.

Found this great doormat at our local food co-op and I just love it. It's made from eco-friendly materials like natural coconut fiber, dyed with AZO-free pigments, which is a definitely plus. I went on a hunt online trying to find it and I couldn't, but the brand is Down to Earth and it's their Basics collection, and here are one similar.

3. These Items.


Lots of good things came in the mail this week. Kinder Beauty Box, Dae Hair, Tan-Luxe (recommended to me), and Sephora samples. All of it was great and I am absolutely loving the eye brushes in the Kinder Beauty Box and the shave cream. I am also loving the Monsoon Deep Conditioner from Dae. The tanning lotion came from a recommendation and I love how it feels, and the tan is definitely a look of being sun-kissed.

4. This Cheese.

Cheese samples are definitely my thing.

5. This Kitty.

Always an aesthetic kitty.

Positive affirmations this week:

Setting boundaries will cause your life to change. Speaking from personal experience, you will lose people, even family, you will make people mad, you will also be shunned by the people you thought would love you no matter what. But, the best thing is, those people lack respect for you and setting boundaries calls them on their lack of respect. It's okay to lose people. Once you set those boundaries and practice keeping them, the right people will stay, and the right people will come into your life. Boundaries are your way of creating respect for yourself and self-love. It's hard to lose people with those boundaries, especially family members, but overall, it's their loss, because you deserve so much more than that. You can do this!

Have a nice weekend.