Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. - Max Ehrmann
What a wild and crazy two weeks it has been! Between birthday stuff, finishing the first draft of my first novel, and having my Big Baby get a skin infection, I have been one busy girl!
I did manage to keep walking and moving through the chaos but since Big Baby couldn't go on the trail with me, it wasn't nearly as much fun. But things are clearing up and she will be ready to go with me very, very soon! I know she misses going along.
During this two week period, I have felt a big disconnect within myself. Getting out and walking usually clears my mind and brings me back to a "happy place" but it has taken a lot longer than usual to get there. I believe it's because I have poured so much of my energy into other things and I haven't had much left over for myself.
And, of course, with all the birthday happenings and novel draft completion celebrating, my eating has been less than healthy. I have tried to be smart about it and drink lots of water before heading out to not overindulge but, I will be honest, the birthday cake and nachos got me.
So now it's time to reconnect with myself and return to what makes me "me". I'm eliminating the distractions, minimizing the unnecessary stresses (and it's sources) and keeping only those things that uplift me. Almost like spring cleaning for my soul. And who couldn't stand a little cleaning up from time to time?
I'm looking forward to the week ahead :-)
Happy Trails!
Valeka
I can't wait to walk again next week!!! You always encourage and inspire me without pushing :)
ReplyDeleteAwww! You are so sweet to say that :-) I wholeheartedly believe that encouragement does more for a person than being too pushy with them. I know that's what works for me! Can't wait to get back to walking with you! Hugs!
DeleteCongratulations on finishing your novel...that's HUGE! I understand celebratory eating - I've done that a time or ten myself! I am enjoying the walking and getting out there - it's SO easy to skip it when you're busy! You just reminded me that tomorrow IS a scheduled walk day and to sent the alarm early...no excuses!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann! It's super duper exciting. Still a lot of work to be done but it was a major hurdle for me and I cleared it :-)
DeleteWalking is wonderful and best of all, it's FREE! We just have to get out and do it! But I totally agree - it's very easy to skip when we get busy. I'm trying to find a quick, easy work out that I can do when I can't get out for a walk.
Any suggestions?
Valeka, thanks for making those adjustments to the settings for your blog - I tried several times to leave a comment and couldn't!
ReplyDeleteBut now I can...yay! Wanted to say how much I admire you for getting that whole draft done of your novel.
Love that quote about being gentle with ourselves.
Kudos again, wonderful writer/child of the universe!
I was more than happy to change the comment settings for you, Carole! I didn't even realize I had it set that way until you mentioned it.
ReplyDeleteThank you soooo very much! I'm so happy that I got the draft done. Now the fun of editing begins :-)
I love that - "wonderful writer/child of the universe". It has a great ring to it! Thanks for the smile :-D