This quote expresses perfectly how I am trying to approach life right now. The temptation to just curl up inside my own little world and block out everything else is so strong. We all have heavy things we have carried into this year and then more heavy things are continuously being heaped upon what we already carry. But if we want to feel true joy and sorrow, to grow and stretch in our lives, we have to enter the busy world and mingle with the highs and the lows.

I’ve talked a bit already this year about some of the heavy things I’ve been focused on so I’d like to take today to highlight some of the joys I’ve been experiencing as well!

• Entertainment: I just finished watching the entire series of Schitt’s Creek this week! I know I’m late to the party on this one, but if you are looking for something quirky and funny to take your mind off the heavy stuff…definitely check it out on Netflix. Another one I’d recommend is Ted Lasso on Apple TV. I described it to my mom the other day as “the least anxiety inducing show I’ve watching in years.” Very funny, very light-hearted and heart-warming.
• Food: I generally have something small for breakfast at home, but I’ve found myself out and about on a few mornings over the past couple weeks, grabbing breakfast on the go. If you are a Starbucks fan – check out their new Portobello and Kale egg bites. They are DELICIOUS!
• Exercise: I should probably say “exercise” since it’s more about getting outside and moving than working out. But I’ve been walking for at least 1 mile every day. Even on the days where it’s been freezing outside and I didn’t want to go…I inevitably have a better mindset just a few minutes into the walk and feel so refreshed when I get home. If you are feeling a little in the dumps, seriously try just going for a short walk outside. And drink a glass of water…you’re probably dehydrated.
• Books: I’ve been listening to Michelle Obama narrate her book Becoming during my walks. I’ll include it in my January book report in a couple weeks, but so far I’m really enjoying it. I’ve found I don’t really like audiobooks unless it’s a memoir narrated by the author themselves. Or anything by David Sedaris because he is just the best at reading his own essays.
• Downtime: I love taking a bath to relax and unwind, especially in the winter when I’m cold 90% of the time. Recently I’ve been using Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salts or Foaming Baths. There are a ton of different scents to choose from and they’re relatively cheap as far as bubbles and salts go. A good lavender scented bath at the end of the day can be transformative as far as I’m concerned.

These are all small things that have brought me some relief and joy over the past couple weeks and I hope you’ve also had some relaxing, refreshing, and diverting moments in your life. It’s not to say we should distract ourselves completely from what is happening around us and to us, but we also need to stop and take stock of what has made us smile in the midst of the hurt. And to make sure we are caring for and nourishing all parts of ourselves so we can continue to move mountains this year.