The Things That Help
From my last post, you can tell, things are quite overwhelming at the moment. Many big life changes have occurred and Will and I find ourselves in limbo. This is perhaps the most stable we have been in the last three weeks, however, it doesn’t quite feel permanent but it does feel better than sleeping in a hotel and relying upon eating out for all our meals. So, this is a little list of things that help ground me when the ground is constantly shifting and sifting beneath my feet. If you find yourself feeling untethered, for whatever reason, I hope this list might help you too.
As always, thank you for being here, reading along, and journeying with me—it means a lot.
There are things that I reach for and rely on when the world around me seems to be tilting and throwing me off balance. They might seem small, they might seem trite, but to me they help to make things feel a little more right.
My favorite pajamas—bonus points if its a matching pj set. I have curated my collection so all my pj options spark a lot of joy.
Tea, and lots of it. Preferably from my own mugs (for this journey I packed four of my own options and have since added a new tea pot and cup to the collection—only things that spark joy, feel like they can be used for a long time).
When it gets too overwhelming and you find yourself cranky—go to a comfort spot. Barnes and Noble is thankfully all over this country, they almost always smell the same and have similar layouts. I instantly feel better and more like myself as soon as I walk through their doors. Plus their mint tea and cinnamon teas are spot on!
When you can, cook at home. Explore new grocery stores, compare notes, list pros and cons, try new recipes or recreate familiar ones. Buy a cookbook that Will surprisingly likes and try the recipes. The routine of grocery shopping, cooking, and eating at home always makes us feel better.
Get dressed, you are allowed to lounge in your PJs for as long as you need (this is a season of recovery after all) but wash your face, put your skincare on, and get dressed. It can be your pseudo pjs that are acceptable to wear out (shorts, oversized button downs, glorified lounge clothes) but it makes a difference, put your jewelry on, mascara helps too.
Leave the house, even if only to go for a walk and to the grocery store.
Plan something to look forward to—like a 7PM Thursday night showing of Mamma Mia at the movie theater down the street.
Try new walking trails and new restaurants (here’s to looking at you KPOT—a Korean BBQ place)
Buy fresh flowers, put them on a table that is only temporarily yours.
Admire the unbelievable crepe myrtles blooming all around your new town. Let the vibrant shades of magenta, red, lilac, and white astound and inspire you.
Walk barefoot across creaky old wooden floors.
Get a yoga mat—then use it (we are still working on that second part).
Do a little laundry and feel grateful for it.
Live into your dream of reading in bed—before bed and when you’ve woken up.
Actually read the books you have purchased rather than scrolling and wishing you were reading.
Open up the blinds and let the natural light shine in.
Sit with your feelings, let yourself cry when you need to cry, grant yourself rest because a soul doesn’t heal in a week, keep pushing forward, gently.
Remain open to new possibilities, be delighted by Divine glimmers, and give thanks when they come and you receive them.
Journal, write, take pictures, share (no matter how messy or imperfect).
Give thanks, and try to sleep well, let yourself wander, write, or read if you find yourself wide awake at 12AM.
Watch Formula 1. Get anxious when Lando isn’t delivering.
Be patient and kind to yourself.
Take a breath and keep trying.
Here is to a new season, a time of transition, overwhelm, and beauty—this list helps me be a little more grounded in the present so I might receive her gifts!
Peace and Blessings,
Margaret
