Hey all, That reflection I had promised is on the drafting table for what feels like the last time (fingers crossed) and it’s going to be a real piece of work. Like sit down, pour yourself a drink, take a break in the middle piece of work. Less so because it’s earth-shatteringly smart and insightful and more because it’s longer than the line to get into Trader Joe’s during this pandemic. Hopefully not as brutal. You could probably only read it in one fell swoop within the time you are standing in that line anyway.
'What is something that has been grounding you or gets you excited for your day despite the sad amount of sunlight we are getting?'
Baths, by candlelight, at the stroke of midnight. In fact just the other day, while perusing the diverse and mysterious aisles of our local pharmacy, I came across something I've desperately been needing: bubbly bath soap. Until that faithful day - in my laziness and my frugality - I had been siphoning my girlfriend's expensive body wash to use as bath soap. It accomplished nothing but producing lackluster bubbles, and had the net effect of eroding the trust that my girlfriend and I had spent seven years building. I am happy to say I am now the proud owner of a eucalyptus and spearmint bubble bath concoction; my baths are better than ever, my relationship is stronger than ever, and I once again have something to ground me as I trudge through what is left of this miserable winter.
This is most definitely not the best answer, but stress is what gets me out of bed. We’re being honest here, right? Things that calm me down are most definitely warm showers, ice water, a certain panjore lychee candle ;) , and kissing my cat on her flat lil forehead (despite her whining and perhaps scratching my face).
I feel this. Stress is an *excellent* motivator, as long as you have some sort of system in place to help you step away from it. At the end of the day, small joys like yours keep you rooted in who you are doing all this for 💙 (Plus, we all know that the space between a cat's two ears is the perfect size for planting a lil kiss! Thanks, evolution!)
'What is something that has been grounding you or gets you excited for your day despite the sad amount of sunlight we are getting?'
My skincare routine really has been there for me, it's just me and myself pampering my outer appearance and trying to mend the anxiousness in my internal self. I also have been part of a book of the month club and have actively been trying to branch out of my favorite genre (fantasy romance) by reading other genres. Not gonna lie, it's really hard, I have put down the books more often than picked them up, but I'm trying to carve out time in my breaks at work to at least read 2-3 chapters. Have a great week :)
I won't lie, reading your response motivated me to get out of bed this morning!
Branching out of what we know we like and are used to is scary, so I'm so proud of you for wanting to do it anyway and not being easily discouraged even though it's hard. A book club also sounds like such a great way to meet other people & stay connected when socializing has taken a backseat for a loooong time.
"Trying to mend the anxiousness in my internal self" -> I love this for you. I want this for myself!
'What is something that has been grounding you or gets you excited for your day despite the sad amount of sunlight we are getting?'
Baths, by candlelight, at the stroke of midnight. In fact just the other day, while perusing the diverse and mysterious aisles of our local pharmacy, I came across something I've desperately been needing: bubbly bath soap. Until that faithful day - in my laziness and my frugality - I had been siphoning my girlfriend's expensive body wash to use as bath soap. It accomplished nothing but producing lackluster bubbles, and had the net effect of eroding the trust that my girlfriend and I had spent seven years building. I am happy to say I am now the proud owner of a eucalyptus and spearmint bubble bath concoction; my baths are better than ever, my relationship is stronger than ever, and I once again have something to ground me as I trudge through what is left of this miserable winter.
I'm so happy to hear you've found a product that you love and have reestablished trust with your girlfriend :) don't do that again :)
This is most definitely not the best answer, but stress is what gets me out of bed. We’re being honest here, right? Things that calm me down are most definitely warm showers, ice water, a certain panjore lychee candle ;) , and kissing my cat on her flat lil forehead (despite her whining and perhaps scratching my face).
I feel this. Stress is an *excellent* motivator, as long as you have some sort of system in place to help you step away from it. At the end of the day, small joys like yours keep you rooted in who you are doing all this for 💙 (Plus, we all know that the space between a cat's two ears is the perfect size for planting a lil kiss! Thanks, evolution!)
'What is something that has been grounding you or gets you excited for your day despite the sad amount of sunlight we are getting?'
My skincare routine really has been there for me, it's just me and myself pampering my outer appearance and trying to mend the anxiousness in my internal self. I also have been part of a book of the month club and have actively been trying to branch out of my favorite genre (fantasy romance) by reading other genres. Not gonna lie, it's really hard, I have put down the books more often than picked them up, but I'm trying to carve out time in my breaks at work to at least read 2-3 chapters. Have a great week :)
I won't lie, reading your response motivated me to get out of bed this morning!
Branching out of what we know we like and are used to is scary, so I'm so proud of you for wanting to do it anyway and not being easily discouraged even though it's hard. A book club also sounds like such a great way to meet other people & stay connected when socializing has taken a backseat for a loooong time.
"Trying to mend the anxiousness in my internal self" -> I love this for you. I want this for myself!
Thanks for sharing, have a great week yourself ❤️