Finding renewed motivation, inspiration and strength

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

In order to be in the presence of mind to allow ourselves to savor and enjoy daily pleasures, we sometimes (Frequently) need to step back a little and observe ourselves then reset and adjust so that we may continue on our chosen paths. 

This week has raced by in the blurry start of a new term and slotting back in to a more demanding schedule. While I began the week with all the best intentions to continue my rather more Zen attitude and not get fraught about minor bumps and mishaps, it didn't take me long to resume, un wittingly, some old habits and thought patterns. 

My determination to:

Focus on positives, and be truly grateful ALL the time

Be acutely aware of my thoughts and intentional manifestations

Eat clean- and more balanced diet with less "treats"

Throw myself more sincerely into my exercise regimen

Write and read more

Take time for tea and rest, prioritize sleep and be ok with pausing through the day to recuperate

All rather too swiftly seemed to take a bit of a back seat as the swirl and hustle of daily family life pushed its way to the forefront. I didn't forget them, but would have to keep reminding my self of them, sometimes rather guiltily. 

Sometimes we just need to look in a slightly new direction to regain that spark on inspiration and drive and then we are off again. Such was my feeling today. It helped it was the weekend and I love waking up on a Saturday morning with the weekend stretching out ahead of me, and time on my side. 

One of the "tools" I implemented today - on the back of realizing many poor food choices this week have been brought on by being over tired and too hungry by the time lunch/dinner rolled round- was to prep lots of nutritious salad and vegetables to throw into salads through the week. I diced, grated and chopped capsicum, radish, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, and stewed some home grown rhubarb for breakfast or desert treats. To know its all there within reach ready to go in the fridge feels healthier already and I feel so organized and re motivated because of it. 

The other thing I'm actively working on is giving myself breathing and brain space to write and decide and mull over what I want to write about. Sometimes life gets so jolly busy and I find my brain just frantically listing all the things I have to do I feel there's no space left for creativity or reflection- and that's a pretty slithery slope. Its so important to make time for these things we hold dear and value without them becoming a chore or evoking feelings of guilt, anxiety and inadequacy. 

I so want to write more and more- as well as devour books, but the reality is, practicality mid winter as we are- I'm shattered by 8pm, and all I can manage is to clear up the kitchen, take a shower or bath and re set for the next day, snatching a few minutes in bed to read before my eyes droop and the alarm abruptly wakes me at 5am. 

So we also need to afford ourselves some grace. The feeling of accomplishment and renewed determination from preparing those vegetables, taking a fresh walk, and knowing I have managed most of what was on my to do list today has left me excited for the healthy dinner I have prepared and looking forward to snuggling up later in my beautiful linen sheets to enjoy my book for a while longer than I manage on a school night.  And that's enough. That's ok for today. That's what I needed. 

Its helped enormously this week to buddy with another friend on her health and wellness journey and to hold each other accountable as well as support one another. Its also great comfort that we all have days it doesn't quite go to plan, we cave and eat that biscuit- or 3, but the important bit is to move forward. Learn but don't dwell. Progress not perfection. 

I also felt strongly on my walk my desire and sincere urge to want to WRITE. I hold tight to my vision, my dream,  of working from home, rising early and writing in the peace of a sleeping household while in my robe with coffee, taking my dog for a walk (I don't actually have one yet but its a lifelong dream to have my own pooch) , coming home to write a bit more, do some chores, prepare nutritious food and spend quality time with my family when they all come piling through the door. One day this will all be so. But for the time being, I need to keep my vision alive, stay motivated, keep feeling excited about the future, without wishing away the present, as this, each moment, the every days, are the equally important path to get there. LIFE

I can look forward to a long walk in nature early tomorrow with a dear friend and her pooch- I can borrow the feeling of being a dog owner for a couple of hours.

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