What's Saving My Life Lately
three things that are bringing me joy
In the spirit of Kendra (aka The Lazy Genius), about once a quarter I share what’s saving my life lately.
We’re in the middle of soccer tournaments, jumprope tournaments, homeschool activities, art shows and the hectic nature that is the holiday season as an artist. These three things consistently brighten my day in the midst of the craziness and help me feel more like myself.
My Morning Routine
I’ve been a homeschool mom for many years now and my morning routine has undergone a lot of iterations over the years. In seasons when we had newborns or foster kiddos, my mornings looked very different than they do now. My current season includes older kids who still need a lot from me, but they no longer wake up in the middle of the night (usually). Making time for some quiet in the morning allows me to make it through the day with grace, for my kids and myself.
Currently my morning routine includes:
non-fiction reading (I aim for about 30 minutes)
short scripture study
gratitude journal
strength training (I love the classes on the peloton app and try to do a 20 minute class each morning)
I have about 60-90 minutes by myself in the mornings these days. It hasn’t always been this way! If you’re currently in a season full of tiny people, or health issues, or kids who don’t sleep through the night (We’ve been there! It’s so hard!) here’s a gentle reminder that this too shall pass and before long your routines will change, the needs of the people you care for will change. New struggles will arise, as will new joys and delights.
Routines exists to serve us, not the other way around.
If you don’t feel settled in a morning routine that brings you life, I encourage you to consider adding one or two short things to the beginning of your day that help you feel more like yourself. Maybe it’s reading a short devotional before you get out of bed in the morning, or listening to an audiobook while you get ready for the day. Maybe it’s journaling for 5 minutes or drawing a quick sketch or knitting a row or watching a favorite show uninterrupted. You get to choose! Please choose something that actively brings you joy, not what you think you “should” be doing.
Afternoon Walks
Around this time of year I always set the goal to take an afternoon walk every day. I feel that pull during the colder months. Where I live it’s too cold to comfortably go outside first thing in the morning. Though I have done that in certain seasons, it’s much more enjoyable to walk in the afternoon sunshine.
Sometimes my kids go with me. Other times I walk on a nature trail while they’re at sports practice or music lessons. My goal is simply to walk daily. The sunshine and movement serves as a reset for the rest of the day.
You’ll find me walking outside mostly every afternoon, rain (or snow) or shine from now until probably May, when I’ll switch back to mornings. It’s one way I’ve found to significantly hold off the blues that are so prevalent in locations with hard winters like ours.
Weekly Mah Jongg Date with Friends
This may place us decidedly in the mid-life age category. My husband and I have been getting together with our dear friends on a weekly basis for over a year and a half to play mah jongg.
Our friends come to our house after our younger kids are in bed (ideally; though the kids interrupt on a regular basis). We play one round of mah jongg, have a treat (we alternate whose turn it is to provide the treat), and then play another round of mah jongg.
It’s been such a delightful addition to our busy weekdays! Knowing we have an hour or so to catch up with friends and eat a yummy treat gives us something to consistently look forward to.
What is saving your life lately?
Around Here
Reading:
The Small and The Mighty by Sharon McMahon
You’ve seen this book everywhere, I’m sure, and with good reason. Sharon is a talented writer and has a knack for breaking down historical events in a way that is both enlightening and entertaining.
I’ve seen criticisms saying that they didn’t like the informal writing style, but that didn’t bother me at all. It felt like Sharon herself was sitting beside me, telling me these powerful stories.
This would make a great read aloud/ assigned reading for a high schooler. It’s very approachable and interesting.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Oh, my heart. I re-read this for my beloved #ZoomwithMindy book club. I first read it many years ago, when it was brand new and loved it then. It was even better this time around. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of how much we as women need each other.
That theme was extra-powerful to me throughout this reading. It made me incredibly grateful for the strong women in my life.
Completely heartbreaking and stunningly written, this book deserves its place as a modern classic.
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
This was just okay for me. It was much lighter than I expected. I enjoyed the writing and loved some of the characters and the ways they found and supported each other.
One main theme running through this book is infidelity/inability to trust a partner. It’s an ongoing joke in the book that I just hated. The love interest has slept with SO many women. Like so many. Jane (the main character) is constantly worried that he’s cheating on her. I kept hoping that aspect would get better but it didn’t.
Overall this was a fun, light read. A good palate cleanser in between heavier books.
Listening: I’ve been on a Mumford & Sons kick this week, as well as the soundtrack from Jekyll & Hyde which I haven’t listened to for years.
On YouTube: My Lake Powell Quilt is finished!
On Instagram:
Flip Through My Latest Completed Art Journal
In the House/Yard: We painted our newly-eight-year-old’s room a very happy pink this week.
In the Shop: Christmas Redwork Kit
Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!
Heidi