GIST - The Sunday Edition # 163

Things I am grateful for today:

1. cooler temperatures

2. moments of laughter that take my mind off the depressive episode that I have been enduring the past couple of weeks.

3. good friends

4. coffee

5. good things to read

GIST - The Sunday Edition # 162

Things I am grateful for today:

1. An unscheduled, unexpected day off. It has been a nice day & I have managed to get some things done.

2. Coffee time in the afternoon with my sister.

3. Fall is starting to arrive in the form of orange/gold/red leaves & cooler temperatures in the early mornings/evenings.

4. A big pot of chili in the crock pot for supper later tonight.

5. Random text messages through the course of the day from Chris. ❤️

Things aren't always what they seem

It's been a rather trying week. I had the last two days off from work and I managed to get things done that I had been wanting to do: rearranging some dressers, cleaning out my closet, setting up my desk. I cooked dinner one night; we went out the second night.

I find myself a bit anxious as today goes on. I'm not sure what has the anxiety increased; I only know that I really don't like it. I think it may have to do with Chris going on a work trip this next week but I'm not totally sure. Deep breathing exercises have helped some but there's still anxiety there. I'll get through it as I always do but it's disconcerting to feel this way without knowing the reason why.

GIST - The Sunday Edition # 161

Things I am grateful for today

1. coffee

2. The ability to finally accept compliments graciously when they are given.

3. new series to read

4. The butterflies who are still flitting around the flowers. I know they will be gone soon so I am enjoying them now.

5. being loved.

....

The moon will be full tonight. I'll be sure to step outside after dark to watch it for a few minutes. There's something magical and soothing about seeing the moon hung low in the sky in all her glory.

I'm approximately 3 chapters from finishing A Game of Thrones. I went ahead and requested book 2 & 3 because once I got past the first few chapters in the first one, I flew through the rest of the book. I have tried to read the series at least 4 times and always get hung up on the size of the books without ever actually starting one. This time was different and I absolutely love the story and can't wait to continue it. I have not seen a single episode of the show so for me, it's unspoiled.

I'm looking forward to Saturday because I will have the day off from work. I have no idea what I plan to do yet but I'm sure part of it will include letting Elizabeth drive somewhere because she is all about the driving these days.

The rest of my book awaits.

Tired

I was going to post a picture & no words today because I have been up since 3:30 this morning but the app won't let me post a photo. That's slightly annoying. I'll figure it out later. For now, I am going to take my incredibly exhausted self to bed.

And then...

The news continues to be nothing but bad in the world. It's draining & depressing & sometimes, I just have to step away & regroup. A lot of people call that privilege to be able to do that & while I understand that it is a privilege to be able to shut down & not partake of what is going on in the world, it's also a form of self care. I can't be effective to anyone or anything if I don't take care of myself first. And so, that is what I will continue to unapologetically do.

A short list

I had different ideas for a post today but with all the horrific news in the world today, I decided to instead post a short gratitude list.

1. Baby hummingbirds have taken up residence in the flowering tree beside the shop & they are so adorable. And so tiny.

2. Elizabeth has driven a handful of times now & she is doing so very good with it. I am proud of her.

3. I made million dollar spaghetti for supper & it was amazing. Time consuming but amazing.

4. I got to spend some time with my sister this evening & as always, it was just what I needed after a trying day.

5. A phone call with both my best friend, April, and my mama today. I love them both dearly.

GIST - The Sunday Edition #160

Things I am grateful for today

1. The weather has temporarily turned cool & crisp giving me a taste of what autumn will feel like when Mother Nature decides to stop throwing hissy fits and making it still feel like summer.

2. The Calm app which I have used for 110 (!) days in a row is helping me to handle the curve balls that life likes to throw in rapid succession. I'm infinitely grateful that I took the time to actually start a meditation practice and to continue with it.

3. My solitary coffee time in the mornings.

4. The butterflies and the hummingbirds that are still flitting around the flowers. They'll be gone soon as the weather cools off so I am enjoying them while I can.

5. A new book series to immerse myself into thanks to my coworker Valerie. She's gotten me hooked on some reading that I wouldn't have picked up on my own and I'm glad because the books are well written and the stories are both interesting and entertaining.