I am inspired by a recent post over at Modern Mrs. Darcy, it got me thinking of the things – big and small – that are saving my life right now. Mid-winter in Southern Ontario is always a challenge and though this one has not been too difficult in the cold and snow department, it has held it’s own challenges.
CHARACTERS IN MY HEAD |
For a very long time I’ve had the idea to write a book. Last September at my writing retreat and November for NaNoWriMo, I wrote out a few scenes and came up with a group of characters. I wanted to figure out if I’d like the idea enough and the characters enough to spend a couple of years with them (the time it takes to write, edit, edit again, then edit more). Now that I’m fully immersed in the process the characters are becoming more fully formed and they spend a lot of time “talking” to me. Though a bit disconcerting living in two worlds every day, I’m looking forward to finding out how this book evolves.
TUCKER & FINN |
My boys keep a perpetual smile on my face. They are so different from each other and I can’t imagine them without each other. Tucker is so calm and quiet, completely dignified (as much as is possible for a Labradoodle). Finn (another doodle) is the poster mutt for FOMO and spends a lot of time trying to get attention. At 8-months, Finn still has a lot of puppy in him so I expect the silliness to continue for a while.
GREEN TEA |
Some days it’s hard to take in 4L of water! Thank goodness for green tea, or at least those cups I make that I actually drink. With the cold and dry weather we’ve had, I enjoy a few mugs to warm up throughout my days. Occasionally I miss coffee, but quickly remember how much my body doesn’t like it which makes it easier to simply drink the tea.
KUNDALINI/AYURVEDA |
I have been attending Kundalini Meditation for a few years now on as many Friday afternoons as I can manage. Through the breathing and movement techniques I’ve learned I am a much more calm and patient person than I’ve ever been before. Through Jackie, I’ve learned about ayurveda as well. The other evening I took an “Introduction to Ayurveda” course with Celina Close. It is a fascinating system to be sure and remarkably in line with how I look at my own healthy choices and approach to self care. Knowing that my dosha is Kapha-Pitta explains plenty! Now to implement some of the practices learned at the class and get the oils in litre containers!
Cooking for one is tough. I make a pot of rice or quinoa and it lasts for a week (about 5 days too long). For less than $100 ($86 to be precise) I receive six meals each week from efresh meals delivered to my door! The portions are perfect for me – somewhere around 450 – 600 calories each. Certainly far too small for any of my boys so I plan my meal delivery when I know it will only be me at home. They arrive in a styrofoam lined box, completely fresh and tasty. Not a preservative to be found! I have eliminated waste and boredom. Perfect!
TRAVEL PLANS |
With his cousin, Caden is leaving to visit Chloé in Scotland for the Family Day long weekend. I love that the kids – by that I mean my four and their four cousins – get along so very well. Over the holidays I had them all over to the house and like a litter of puppies they were all over each other on one couch. Good couch for not collapsing under the weight, or enthusiasm! Spencer was on the cousin trip last year and I look forward to hearing all about Caden’s introduction to the “motherland”.
CHIROPRACTIC/MASSAGE |
I haven’t had a recurrence in about 8 years but my frozen shoulder is back. I had forgotten how much it hurts! I got comfortable thinking that with no pain it was gone. Now I am seeing the chiropractor four times a week and go for a massage every Friday. Repairing myself is incredibly time consuming but I know once the pain is gone I’ll be able to do so much more than I can right now.
DAILY ROUTINES |
I am not spontaneous so routine suits me, though even that has been out of whack. With purpose, I’ve been spent time the last three or four weeks working on getting back to a daily routine. Consistency is key: up at a consistent time (7AM if the dogs don’t wake me before), to bed at a consistent time (11PM though I’d like to make it earlier), eating meals consistently (even breakfast), drinking at least 4L of water (or green tea) every day.
What’s saving your life right now?
