tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59985212258632141842024-03-13T13:50:20.694-04:00most days i winDaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-28823179889474266892016-04-28T21:45:00.000-04:002016-04-28T21:45:38.542-04:00On returning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8qozDv4lME/VyDOAGNBhyI/AAAAAAAAG1s/8WpG5oq6x102OHDGieI34y3HOwzA7awVACLcB/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8qozDv4lME/VyDOAGNBhyI/AAAAAAAAG1s/8WpG5oq6x102OHDGieI34y3HOwzA7awVACLcB/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not quite sure what to say. It's been so long since I've shared my adventures (such as they are) with you. One moment I was busy blogging and sharing my goals and projects, and the next moment I was closing my computer and stepping back. It just didn't feel right anymore, and I'll tell you why. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Things sucked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now before you kindly reassure me that I'm so lucky to have had the time off from the stress and chaos of full-time school or that I am blessed to have the experience of staying home with my daughters, please know that I <i>know </i>all this. And in between all the times my year off from school has sucked, I've loved the time I've spent with my children, and the quiet hours at home while they're at school. But this doesn't change how I've felt this past year, and I don't want to brush these feelings aside anymore. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had taken a break from my midwifery program for a few different reasons, but mostly it was about taking a year or so to become my healthiest self. Midwifery is demanding, parenting is demanding, and I wasn't getting any younger. I was out of shape, in pain, struggling with my moods, and in need of a reset of sorts. I believed that I owed it to myself to spend some time getting healthier in order to both meet the demands of life and to enjoy the hell out of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But then life got hard and I wasn't ready for it. There I was, with all this time in front of me, and yet I couldn't seem to find a single moment with which to devote to the changes I knew I needed to make to my life. Yes I was working and spending a lot of time with my girlies, but I also had a lot of freedom that just brimmed with possibilities. I would go to bed at night with big goals and plans for the next day, but then the next day would come and nothing. All I felt was unmotivated, grumpy, and still out of shape, in pain, and struggling with my moods. Nothing seemed to change. So I'd just take a nap and see if tomorrow was better. And it wasn't.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking back, there were many reasons why I felt so low this year. It was a shock to my system to go from a hectic midwifery placement to life at home and I needed more for an adjustment period than I realized. I was struggling with Alyce and all of her new eight-year-old needs. I'm not the greatest at self-motivation. And also--the biggest reason--change is fucking hard. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But here are a few things that I've learned about myself this year:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>It's dangerous to spend too much time on my own. I am one of those tricky extroverted introverts and if I'm not careful I'll stay home in a quiet house for too many days in a row. Do you know what I do while I'm home by myself (besides obsessively clean)? I dwell. I sit on the couch and dwell. And that's not good for anyone. I have the kind of job where I work by myself, but even leaving the house to go work in a coffee shop or library forces me out a good rut. And friends--I need more time with my friends. They soothe my soul.</li>
<li>I need get more exercise. I've surprised myself lately with regular walks and I'm always in a better and more productive place after these excursions. Fresh air + moving my body cures so many ills. </li>
<li>I need structure. Like I REALLY need structure. Cue my husband rolling his eyes because all he ever does is tell me this. </li>
<li>I'm a good parent. While Alyce might find it terribly annoying that I'm around all the time, I know deep down that she's needed me this year. Shira has been overjoyed by my omnipresence and it's nothing short of magic to be loved that hard. </li>
<li>I need to be okay with doing hard things. I started the year with so many big goals and then I crumbled under the pressure because it was difficult. It isn't easy to quit smoking or to change how you eat. But I'm starting to see that life won't fall apart just because things get hard. I have to believe that I'm stronger than I realize. </li>
<li>I really just want to be a midwife. How wonderful that I've taken this year off school and realized just how badly I want to be a midwife! </li>
<li>It's okay to take a year off and hate it.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So why am I back? Because I think I'm feeling better. I have four months left before I return to school and I'm ready--really ready--to move forward. Spring is in the air, there's sunshine on my face, and I'm ready to go. I've decided to show up here and again and share my days and efforts and challenges with you all over again. Maybe you are too, and we can do this together.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Get ready for goals you guys. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-17295067379801935972016-04-25T21:24:00.000-04:002016-04-25T21:24:16.171-04:00Taking Stock: April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJWrer445yM/Vx62PZGcUJI/AAAAAAAAG1M/UHWZJHTU22w0UzZlnXCcrpSi37jf3b-BgCLcB/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJWrer445yM/Vx62PZGcUJI/AAAAAAAAG1M/UHWZJHTU22w0UzZlnXCcrpSi37jf3b-BgCLcB/s640/099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Oh, hello there. I've been away (for a very long while) but I think I'm back now. I thought I'd dip my toes into the water with a little taking stock. I hope you've been well all these months! I've missed you.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few other things I've been up to lately:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Making: <i> </i>I just made my first dress for Alyce! Now I'm back to knitting my first sweater for Shira.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cooking: Passover dinner. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Drinking: Trying to drink more tea (but the pull of coffee is always so strong). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wanting: Some sunshine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking: At the flowers poking out from the earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wishing: That I had enjoyed my year off from school more. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enjoying: That I still have four months left.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Waiting: To leave for my first trip away with Matty in nine years. We are going to Athens and Rome! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Liking: My new routine of walking in the mornings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wondering: If I'll remember anything when I return to midwifery school this fall.<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/11/another-month-another-plan.html"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Loving: My morning snuggles with Shira. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pondering: What life will be like as a non-smoker.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Considering: Getting my nosed pierced again (much to Alyce's horror).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Buying: <a href="http://www.mec.ca/product/5035-057/toadco-muse-dress-womens/?q=dresses">This </a>dress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Watching: House of Cards, my newest guilty pleasure.<br />
Hoping: For courage and confidence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Marvelling: At Alyce's growth this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cringing: At the news of pretty much everything these days. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Needing: Some time with good friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Smelling: Spring!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wearing: Skirts and dresses, never pants. Comfort over pants wins every day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following: My children around. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Noticing: That I need to get out more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Knowing: That I've needed all this time to myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thinking: About fixing up my bike.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Admiring: The faces of those I love. <br />
Sorting: Through everything. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bookmarking: The pages of so many cookbooks (like <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Jerusalem-Cookbook-Yotam-Ottolenghi/dp/044901567X">this </a>one, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Family-Cooks-Recipes-Craving-Incredibly/dp/1623362504/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461632953&sr=1-1&keywords=The+family+Cooks">this </a>one, and <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Homemade-Kitchen-Recipes-Cooking-Pleasure/dp/0385346158/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461633024&sr=1-1&keywords=the+homemade+kitchen">this </a>one.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coveting: All of the shoes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disliking: My sore feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Giggling: At my ridiculous children. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Feeling: All of the feelings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Snacking: On popcorn.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing: The rain. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Do you want to take stock? I got the idea from <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/taking-stock-2/">Pip</a>.<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo </div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-37042027747910476412015-11-12T16:30:00.002-05:002015-11-12T16:30:33.371-05:00Taking Stock: November<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Xvh5pZAtQ/VkUE6yWl6WI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/txAnBtAxAeQ/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Xvh5pZAtQ/VkUE6yWl6WI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/txAnBtAxAeQ/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello there! At the last minute this week I ended up working overnight with tiny newborn twins! Not a bad way to spend a couple of nights. I loved watching them calm each other down when they were able to snuggle together. <br />
<br />
My last minute work threw a wrench in some of my plans, so I'm feeling a little behind on some of my projects for the week. It happens. I'm hoping to spend tonight in the kitchen cooking up some gluten-free meals for the next few days and prepping some greens. I also expect not to stay up too late tonight because my sleep needs a reset after working overnights. While I was able to close my eyes now and then with the twins, mostly I was up snuggling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few other things I've been up to lately:</b><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Making: <i> </i>Almost finished the scarves for the girlies, and I'm about to start my very first sweater!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cooking: Lots of vegetables, she says hopefully. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Drinking: Coffee. I'm so predictable. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wanting: A personal chef.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking: At the few remaining leaves holding on for dear life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wishing: That I could remember more what it's like to be seven. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enjoying: No longer having cable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Waiting: For the snow. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Liking: The feeling of hibernation brought on by the darker evenings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wondering: How I'll feel at the end of <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/11/another-month-another-plan.html">my first month</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Loving: The music that has been filling our house lately. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pondering: What life will be like upon my return to midwifery school. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Considering: Painting the girls' room pink.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Buying: Little gifts of Hanukah, less than a month away.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Watching: Gilmore Girls, for the first time. How did I never watch this before?<br />
Hoping: For the discovery of a morning routine with the girls.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Marvelling: My goofy children.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cringing: At too much time spent of Facebook. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Needing: A bit of a social media break. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Smelling: Roasting vegetables in my oven.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wearing: Scarves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following: The Celtics, because Matty gives me no other choice. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Noticing: That Alyce's needs are changing now that she's almost eight. This is all so new to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Knowing: That we will figure it out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thinking: That I wished I'd gone to the gym today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Admiring: Rainy, grey days. <br />
Sorting: Through the kitchen and adding some gluten-free baking ingredients.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bookmarking: Soup recipes, like a madwoman.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coveting: A vitamix blender.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disliking: Depression.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Giggling: As much as I possibly can.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Feeling: All over the place.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Snacking: Chips and fresh salsa.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing: My snoring cat. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Do you want to take stock? I got the idea from <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/taking-stock-2/">Pip</a>.<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo </div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-62940945901684772002015-11-10T16:39:00.001-05:002015-11-10T16:39:59.468-05:00Another month, another plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-om5CS4quCng/VkJEUPSOttI/AAAAAAAAGvs/uwa3L4a-a8E/s1600/blow%2Byour%2Bown%2Bmind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-om5CS4quCng/VkJEUPSOttI/AAAAAAAAGvs/uwa3L4a-a8E/s640/blow%2Byour%2Bown%2Bmind.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello friends. If you've been following on since the summer, you know that I've been <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/07/goals.html">trying to make some really big health changes.</a> The short version of the story is that I have fibromyalgia and depression, and the consequence for me is feeling as though I inhabit the physical body of an unhealthy 98 year old, instead of the healthy and vibrant 38 year old that I so badly want to be. Emotionally, I too often full like a slug.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The good news is that I'm unwilling to continue this way.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I want to live a long, long life. I want to be a great-grandmother one day. I also want to take on a very demanding career as a midwife, <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/05/pause.html">for which I'm training now</a>. I have chosen to believe that I can do all of these things, so here I am, willing to make the necessary changes in my life in order to allow for these dreams to come true. <b>I have the motivation and passion to blow my own mind and succeed.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spent an hour with my naturopathic doctor last week dreaming up a plan. Having consulted with my family doctor earlier in the week, who kindly informed me that I am currently at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and could I please start eating better and lose some weight, I was finally ready to accept that I needed a new plan. I explained to my naturopath, who has watched me struggle now for two years, that I was feeling seriously overwhelmed by the enormity of all these changes I wanted to make, and she told me that I can do anything for a month.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>Just one month</b>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And you know? I think she is right. I'm strong and committed and eager to feel good, so I can do this. <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/healthtober-because-you-can-do-anything.html">Healthober </a>didn't work out as planned, and that's okay. <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/healthtober-update.html">I learned a lot about myself that month</a> and it's time to try something else.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I now have a plan. No gluten. <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/06/how-to-quit-smoking-in-only-753-days.html">No smoking</a>. Exercise four times a week. Eat a ton of greens. Take my supplements (chosen for my fibromyalgia).</span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one month is intended to bring about a victory. While we learn so many important things from our failures, we still also need to win sometimes. When we devised this plan we decided upon the things that had a chance to make me feel better in four weeks. This isn't to say that I'll drop my plan upon completion, or that my next steps might not look different, but I wanted my plan to be guided by reasonable, doable changes that will bring about some successes.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This plan for eating and exercise is intended to address both my physical and mental health. <a href="https://glutenfreegirl.com/2013/02/on-why-i-am-so-happy-now/?v=3e8d115eb4b3">Gluten sensitivities have long been linked to mood problems</a> and we all know that exercise makes us feel better. Eating real food, moving my body, and not smoking is going to have a positive impact on my life.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I am driven by a belief that I can feel better and I'll sing it from the rooftops until I do. </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is there something you want to change, something you can do for one month? We can do this together. Share your goals and let's declare our commitments together!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be well!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">xo</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-68384505322939412482015-11-09T14:39:00.000-05:002015-11-09T14:39:52.924-05:00It's Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnCqJala6-Y/VkC6EGFdnwI/AAAAAAAAGuo/uHJ8JUY7iDI/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnCqJala6-Y/VkC6EGFdnwI/AAAAAAAAGuo/uHJ8JUY7iDI/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lso_shtYRU/VkC6J-jPDnI/AAAAAAAAGuw/DkD0DSIEeJg/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lso_shtYRU/VkC6J-jPDnI/AAAAAAAAGuw/DkD0DSIEeJg/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB2bYpi9DgU/VkC6ECIOx3I/AAAAAAAAGuk/-kCszEfqgHM/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB2bYpi9DgU/VkC6ECIOx3I/AAAAAAAAGuk/-kCszEfqgHM/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JlKOB9T93I/VkC5vSm3t0I/AAAAAAAAGuQ/gcm2crum8g8/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JlKOB9T93I/VkC5vSm3t0I/AAAAAAAAGuQ/gcm2crum8g8/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk2jkbcUAmI/VkC58tKic7I/AAAAAAAAGug/z0vognohCz0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk2jkbcUAmI/VkC58tKic7I/AAAAAAAAGug/z0vognohCz0/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp67yQHEqmA/VkC7Qzda41I/AAAAAAAAGvA/PtLARZrNQ6U/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp67yQHEqmA/VkC7Qzda41I/AAAAAAAAGvA/PtLARZrNQ6U/s640/004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello lovelies! It's Monday again, already, just like that. I read a book with the girls this weekend about a girl who loved who loved Mondays because they were shiny and sparkly. While she loved all of the days of the week for different reasons, I especially love her take on Mondays. It's like she knows me.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've still been feeling a bit blue this week, but nevertheless the week was full of some important moments. I had roughly one billion health-related appointments that took up most of my time, but they were important for many reasons and will all help me move forward with my health goals in different ways. Around our house we were busy talking about/playing/watching basketball, as Alyce decided to try out for the basketball team at her school. She had never played before but she tried out with all her might. She didn't even seem to mind when she didn't make the team. I'm so proud of her courage. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some things that have cheered me up lately include, though are not limited to: my mother's cooking, the beautiful weather, time with Matty, coffee dates with good friends. This week looks promising, with the exception of the dentist appointment I have today. I have plans to spend time with friends, time set aside for cooking, my mum's birthday to celebrate. The girls' birthday party season begins this upcoming weekend (their social calendar boggles me) and so we will prepare with many homemade cards. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My list of the week:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Bake a chocolate birthday cake for my mum and a gluten-free alternative for me. (I'm thinking peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.) The girls are home from school this Friday so I expect that I'll have some help.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cook lots and lots of greens! More on that soon.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li> Clean out the girls' room while they're at school, with the goal of donating some of the toys they don't use anymore. This will probably not go over well.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>My mood over the past few weeks has kept me from posting here with any regularity. It's my goal this week to post every day during the week. It's a big project, but I'd really like to try. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Moving my body in the following ways: three days at the gym and impromptu dance parties in the kitchen. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
Alright, let's get to it. This week isn't going to start itself. What's on your list?<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. Are we friends on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mostdaysiwin/">Instagram</a>? <br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-31815277978660217142015-11-02T21:52:00.002-05:002015-11-02T21:52:27.488-05:00It's Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M-8NdDgkuA/VjfCDICNgeI/AAAAAAAAGtw/SW57lQANH5k/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M-8NdDgkuA/VjfCDICNgeI/AAAAAAAAGtw/SW57lQANH5k/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xwGzR8tvjM/Vje-KJJK03I/AAAAAAAAGtU/tTqBp0BMFso/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xwGzR8tvjM/Vje-KJJK03I/AAAAAAAAGtU/tTqBp0BMFso/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKDAl5dA04U/Vje-JyQ7_SI/AAAAAAAAGtI/brDao_s1Ew0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKDAl5dA04U/Vje-JyQ7_SI/AAAAAAAAGtI/brDao_s1Ew0/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuVBFkI9eP0/Vje-KTPfp0I/AAAAAAAAGtQ/FykFwAH42nY/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuVBFkI9eP0/Vje-KTPfp0I/AAAAAAAAGtQ/FykFwAH42nY/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHnpIpQgRAc/Vje-LvRFdHI/AAAAAAAAGtg/0IYvg5-X35g/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHnpIpQgRAc/Vje-LvRFdHI/AAAAAAAAGtg/0IYvg5-X35g/s640/051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Monday, lovelies! Did you have the greatest Halloween? We did, most definitely. Alyce and Shira were a vampire and skeleton, respectively, and I think they were just the right amount of scary. We went trick-or-treating in the neighbourhood and it was so good to see familiar faces everywhere we turned. We've lived in this community for three years now and it's really starting to feel like <i>home</i>. Such a nice feeling. Oh, and we forgot to carve our pumpkin, but you can't win them all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another week. <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/some-things-to-do-when-youre-in-slump.html">I'm feeling better</a>, trying hard to be gentle with myself on the one hand, while (gently) pushing myself to move ahead with things that help me to feel like myself. I sat down this morning and wrote my intentions for the week and they include going to they gym five days this week. (In related news: I went to the gym this morning, suited up for my water aerobics class with the seniors, only to find out that my class was cancelled. Sigh. It wasn't a total waste, though, because I took myself out for coffee instead.) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My reintroduction to exercise has been a bumpy one over the last few weeks--it feels amazing to move my body again, and even to sweat (even though I hate sweating), but my sore feet yell at me throughout my workout, no matter what I do, and I end up icing my feet most nights after working out earlier in the day. I should probably see someone about my feet but I'm so exhausted by the thought of seeing ANOTHER care provider about ANOTHER pain problem. Story of my life these days. End rant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/some-things-to-do-when-youre-in-slump.html">Last week </a>I wrote about missing school, but I'm also beginning to notice that time is speeding by at an alarming rate. Did anyone notice that it's November already? Good grief. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So here is my list for the week:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Check-in with my family doctor and my naturopath about my moods and some strategies for dietary changes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Get my hair cut!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Visit with a good friend, who will be helping me to get started on knitting my first sweater. I'll be making this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flary-cardigan">one </a>for Shira in purple.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Bake some banana bread. I've been making <a href="http://www.sweetamandine.com/2010/03/before-i-knew-it.html">this one</a> for years, though I substitute the vegetable oil with coconut oil and I add chocolate chips. Obviously. This time I'll be using gluten-free flour instead of the whole wheat.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Soup! Butternut squash and <a href="http://www.sweetamandine.com/2010/03/before-i-knew-it.html">tomato lentil</a>. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
My week feels full, but in a good way. What about you? What's on your list this week?<br />
<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo<br />
<br />
P.S. Another <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/its-monday.html">Monday</a> post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeqKXoDN2bw/VjKF-7wiTjI/AAAAAAAAGsk/JRQFenhKnlY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeqKXoDN2bw/VjKF-7wiTjI/AAAAAAAAGsk/JRQFenhKnlY/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-74320145686634750132015-10-28T22:50:00.004-04:002015-10-28T22:50:52.418-04:00Some things to do when you're in a slump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E91kvO80zR8/VjD9DYTtThI/AAAAAAAAGsM/SkhuIRbW0TY/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E91kvO80zR8/VjD9DYTtThI/AAAAAAAAGsM/SkhuIRbW0TY/s640/021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I'm 38 now. I had the nicest birthday filled with tiny celebrations over the course of four days. I am eternally grateful for all the goodness I have in my life. And all the delicious cake. And tiny little gifts from Shira. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm having the quietest couple of weeks, in part because I've been sick with a bad cough, but also because I'm feeling like I need a lot of alone time lately. No wait, let me be honest. I need a lot of alone time right now because I'm struggling with my depression. It happens. It's not the "I can't get out of bed" depression, but more like the "I'm walking from room to room wondering how to get started so I just sit down on the couch and knit" kind. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You guys, I miss being in school. I just want to forget about getting healthy and strong and instead go out and learn to be a midwife. Blah, blah, blah, I know <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/05/pause.html">this break</a> is good for me, but I'm really struggling. This liminal space is filled with so much discomfort. While I <i>know </i>that taking this year off from school was a good decision, it's not been an easy one. I'm working a little bit each day, but most of my time I am left to my own devices to make my days my own. I have all this time to fill with Getting Healthy! but I often end up feeling overwhelmed by it all, and then I find myself daydreaming about reproductive physiology or starting IVs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In these moments I need too work hard to push myself out of my slump</b>. (This isn't to say that depression is just a slump. It's a mental illness. But for me, when I'm doing other things to support my illness, like taking the medications that work best for me, I know that there are other things I can do every day that can help make a difference.) Here's a list of things that work for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br />Some things to do when you're feeling slumpy</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Move </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've all heard it before, but seriously, go for a walk. Or to a yoga class, or run like crazy on the treadmill. I am the worst at not following this advice, but I'm working on it. I've got the gym membership now and I'm exercising on the most regular basis I have in years. I let myself stay home today and snuggle on the couch when I know I should have pushed myself to get out and exercise. Tomorrow I will push.</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Commiserate </b><br />
<br />
Call your best friend. Let someone make you laugh. Do not dodge their phone calls when they reach out to you because you're feeling blue. Push yourself to answer the phone. If you're feeling even more daring, make a coffee date to laugh together in person. Last week I did just that with a dear friend and it did amazing things for my mood. And we ate scones and jam, which was an added bonus. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Eat your vegetables</b> <br />
<br />
Just say no to the leftover birthday ice cream in your freezer, says the woman with personal experience. Decide to make yourself at least one nourishing, healthy meal and consider it a victory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Clean </b><br />
<br />
Clean your house. Or maybe that's just me. And I don't mean do the dishes (though that might not be a bad idea while you're at it). I mean clean out your bedroom. Change the pictures on your wall. Rearrange your living room. Tiny fresh starts can do wonders for your soul.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Reinvent</b><br />
<br />
Dye your hair. Get your nose pierced (it's on <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/38-things-on-my-birthday.html">my list</a>). When I'm feeling slumpy I'll sometimes put on red lipstick just to fake it and it helps.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sit with it for a day</b> <br />
<br />
Give in for a day and binge on Netflix. Invite all four cats into your bed to snuggle while you cry over another episode of Grey's Anatomy. Knit a scarf. Read a book. Do absolutely nothing. Indulge in a day of being gentle with yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you're in a slump, I hope you're feeling better soon. It happens. We can do this.<br />
<br />
Be well.<br />
xo<br />
<br />
P.S. Another post on <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2013/02/im-feeling-bit-chatty.html">depression</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-69715605310861101652015-10-26T12:01:00.003-04:002015-10-26T12:01:50.670-04:0038 things on my birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VX-VjLEdM_I/Vi5JUBzGxXI/AAAAAAAAGrg/UEWCy2y0VvU/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VX-VjLEdM_I/Vi5JUBzGxXI/AAAAAAAAGrg/UEWCy2y0VvU/s640/043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtsGf4kp_jg/Vi5JbxuCvUI/AAAAAAAAGrs/s9BOtgmX0J8/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtsGf4kp_jg/Vi5JbxuCvUI/AAAAAAAAGrs/s9BOtgmX0J8/s640/025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2E-81kDFNI/Vi5Jb2BUj0I/AAAAAAAAGro/gIKLa3KY0oI/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2E-81kDFNI/Vi5Jb2BUj0I/AAAAAAAAGro/gIKLa3KY0oI/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello lovelies! Today is my 38th birthday. I have been showered in celebrations all weekend (filled with cake, cupcakes, good wine, and good family and friends), and now I'm enjoying a quiet day home to myself. You all know how much I love birthdays and goals, so today I wanted to share some birthday goals. This is a list of things I'd like to accomplish this year, some big, some small, all important to me.<br />
<br />
Do you ever do this on your birthday? What's on your list?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>38 things </b> <br />
<br />
1. Finally finish watching Six Feet Under.<br />
2.Go to yoga class once a week.<br />
3. Host a fabulous dinner party with some of my favourite people.<br />
4. Go away for a weekend with Matty.<br />
5. Eat <i>way</i> more greens.<br />
6. Take the girlies to hear live music.<br />
7. Ride a bike.<br />
8. Ice skating!<br />
9. Write more thank-you notes.<br />
10. Not adopt anymore cats.<br />
11. Not smoke. Ahem.<br />
12. Go for more walks in the ravine near our house.<br />
13. Drink more tea.<br />
14. Knit a sweater.<br />
15. Learn how to make a gluten-free pie crust.<br />
16. Keep up with my book club.<br />
17. Floss.<br />
18. Watch more movies.<br />
19. Take the girlies camping.<br />
20. Say thank you more. <br />
21. Catch more babies.<br />
22. Declutter the house.<br />
23. Play more board games.<br />
24. Eat more brunch.<br />
25. Keep rocking water aerobics with the seniors of Toronto.<br />
26. Attend a festival.<br />
27. Visit with old friends.<br />
28. Read fiction.<br />
29. Nap when I need it.<br />
30. Get my nose pierced.<br />
31. Walk somewhere everyday.<br />
32. Get some really warm mittens and enjoy the winter.<br />
33. Teach the girlies to cook.<br />
34. Write letters.<br />
35. Get regular massages.<br />
36. Have more date nights with Matty.<br />
37. Love hard.<br />
38. Reach my goals.<br />
<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xoDaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-16027138714110595192015-10-22T16:47:00.001-04:002015-10-22T16:47:57.973-04:00Healthtober! An update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ebf06P-eus/Vikw7_fFJ1I/AAAAAAAAGqw/s30j2gsDHic/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ebf06P-eus/Vikw7_fFJ1I/AAAAAAAAGqw/s30j2gsDHic/s640/011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/healthtober-because-you-can-do-anything.html">Healthober </a>was my own tiny mission to kickstart myself into action. I'd been stalling and stalling for months with all the health changes I wanted to make. I had chosen to tackle some of my goals on a smaller scale for one month to see how I felt. It's a great idea, isn't it? Because you can do anything for a month. Right? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not exactly. But here is what I have learned:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Planning is key</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Things didn't work out as planned. Or more to the point, I didn't plan anything at all. I came up with some very doable goals, but I didn't follow on those ideas with actionable steps. (I come across this advice in so many places, but have promptly ignored it every chance I get.) Take my goal to give up gluten, for example. I started the month with a kitchen filled with gluten-filled foods and didn't make any preparations in advance to ensure alternatives. I had assumed that I would "wing it" and, shockingly, this plan didn't work out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first few days were good, with me getting by on what we had, but at the first sign of needing to rush out of the house I reached for the only convenient food on hand: gluten. The lure of convenience got me every time. I realize now that I need to spend time preparing the kitchen for how I want to eat. This means brainstorming ideas for quick gluten-free breakfast, snacks, and lunches (dinner always feels easier to me, since it feels normal for me to cook veggies and meat). I know now that I need plenty of sliced up cheese, nuts, washed fruits and veggies, and granola bars available to me before I begin. I also need to sharpen my gluten-free baking skills so that I can have muffins and breads available when I crave (which I always do because they are so delicious).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Goals need to be specific</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I'm devoted to eating less sugar, then I need to come up with a game plan for what "less sugar" actually means. Does it mean taking two days instead of one to eat a bag of wine gums? Probably not. Does it mean sweetening my oatmeal with a little maple syrup instead of heaps of brown sugar? Probably. For me to decrease my sugar intake I need to think about all the places it sneaks into my diet, some obvious (chocolate covered almonds), some hidden (processed food).<b> </b>I've always been terrible at maintaining boundaries, but if I'm going to successfully reduce my sugar load I need to grow a backbone.<br />
<br />I should probably make a plan for this (see above lesson learned). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Make your goals a priority</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my goals was to practice being gentle with myself physically. I am happy to report that I made some progress (hooray for progress!) on that front.<b> </b>At the beginning of the month I was confronted with a flare-up of my fibromyalgia that through me for a bit of a loop. But I parked myself on the couch for two days, took some advil, and relaxed--in other words, I did exactly what I needed to do to get through the week and it worked. It wasn't the easiest choice at the time because I had to let go of some commitments those days, but it was important to me that I didn't let one flare-up turn into a month of pain (as I have done many times in the past).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes I'm all talk when it comes to self-care, but I really tried this month. After months of pushing through the pain and straining my sore body, I decided to make getting better a priority. Let us all try to be so gentle on ourselves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D55q6BBjyvE/Vikv0qXdIUI/AAAAAAAAGqs/sdTxBWc6X2k/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D55q6BBjyvE/Vikv0qXdIUI/AAAAAAAAGqs/sdTxBWc6X2k/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Healthober, as ridiculous as it sounds, was a big deal for me and I'm a little sad that I didn't follow through with it as I'd imagined. But you know what? I had other successes, like FINALLY getting some much needed exercise. Also: not smoking! I've quit again, and I've decided that this is it. I'm as eager as ever!<br />
<br />
My birthday is around the corner, which means: new goals! Coming soon.<br />
<br />
<b>What lessons have you learned about making changes? Are you good at planning for your goals? If you have any comments or suggestions, I'd love to see them in the comments. </b><br />
<br />
Be well.<br />
xo<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. You might also be interested in these posts!<br />
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/09/goals-in-messy-life.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/09/goals-in-messy-life.html">Goals in a messy life</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/08/on-gaining-momentum.html">On gaining momentum </a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-66711992494076787792015-10-19T21:06:00.000-04:002015-10-20T10:02:37.486-04:00It's Monday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfxzJWbogpk/ViRMXc7HbjI/AAAAAAAAGpg/6KDjZ0GS5Z8/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfxzJWbogpk/ViRMXc7HbjI/AAAAAAAAGpg/6KDjZ0GS5Z8/s640/057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBl-AwwH7nw/ViRMNX8whQI/AAAAAAAAGpM/czPIUverxHU/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aBl-AwwH7nw/ViRMNX8whQI/AAAAAAAAGpM/czPIUverxHU/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's Monday! Again! I missed my weekly Monday update last week (it was, deliciously, Thanksgiving here in Canada) and it's busy around here, but I'm back at it now. I think an update is in order. So what's been happening here the past couple of weeks? Evening trips to the ice cream shop (who needs summer anyway) and afternoons spent reading at the park in stunning fall weather.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xFmrYU7-gQ/ViRMMqyhPoI/AAAAAAAAGpI/MbhrV3pPPO0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xFmrYU7-gQ/ViRMMqyhPoI/AAAAAAAAGpI/MbhrV3pPPO0/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, and we went for more ice cream because we were celebrating that we bought a new car! We all love it, especially Alyce, who will give tours of the car to an willing passerby. Buying a car felt like a very adult-type thing to do, and it's had Matty and I busy planning our finances over the next few years (when I will graduate!). We are both eager to learn how to best manage our money, something we've always struggled with. It's time for me especially to put on my big girl pants and figure out exactly to pay for the rest of midwifery school. If only following your dreams was less expensive!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4y3wQhnGMWQ/ViRMNAJCrGI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/dT2dx_lv7o8/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4y3wQhnGMWQ/ViRMNAJCrGI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/dT2dx_lv7o8/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week, in an historic moment I will remember always, I actually joined a gym and started exercising. Like actual sweaty, uncoordinated exercise in a room with other people. I turn 38 next week and joining the Y was an early birthday present from Matty. It's not the easiest for me to exercise with my chronic pain, but I'm going slowly. Just this morning I took a water aerobics class with thirty 75 year old women! I fit right in.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everything and everyone keeps reminding me that exercise will help with my fibromyalgia symptoms, so here I am moving forward with another goal. It feels amazing. Also: 2003 called and wants its yoga pants back.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3kFdhnn7H4/ViRMXh1n-jI/AAAAAAAAGpk/ISj3hnm3bcw/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3kFdhnn7H4/ViRMXh1n-jI/AAAAAAAAGpk/ISj3hnm3bcw/s640/016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLxe53ArBho/ViRMX-CHhwI/AAAAAAAAGpo/36rK85KWKkg/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLxe53ArBho/ViRMX-CHhwI/AAAAAAAAGpo/36rK85KWKkg/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have been enjoying some beyond beautiful fall weather and the girls and I soaked it all in in a walk along Bloor street last week. We coveted pumpkins and gourds, felt the sun on our faces, and even stocked up on Halloween decorations. We couldn't have been more fall if we tried. I'm in heaven.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLvzTR1Aiu4/ViRMYvFUXwI/AAAAAAAAGp0/8kEZWHShcfk/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLvzTR1Aiu4/ViRMYvFUXwI/AAAAAAAAGp0/8kEZWHShcfk/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alyce has taken to handstading her way everywhere she goes. She started gymnastics this fall and is over the moon excited about her newfound skills. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that she did 1000 handstands this weekend. Shira has also been busy being a gymnast, though she is self-taught. Her technique is both avant-garde and wildly entertaining for everyone involved. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br />This week is about keeping up the momentum</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My goals this week aren't big ones, but there is some urgency behind them. Work is picking up again, both my teaching and doula work, and I want to stay ahead of the game as much as possible (something my <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/09/is-fear-holding-you-back-how-to-move.html">procrastinating </a>self can often let get out of hand). I'm starting now to finally find a rhythm in my days at home and I would like to keep building in some good work habits amidst all the chaos of staying home with the girlies. And now that I've become a person who exercises, I hope to develop a routine for getting in a workout most days of the week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My list to-do list this week includes:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Heading to the gym four days this week. I'm trying out a lot of different things to see what hurts the least and I think the elliptical puts the least amount of pressure on my legs and feet, so I think I'll alternate between that and water aerobics with the seniors. I have been going in the morning after dropping the girlies off at school, which I prefer to going in the evening, when all the tough-guy body builders hog all the weights.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Planning for my birthday weekend! We are having a dinner party/sleepover at the home of a good friend. It's the best way to spend my birthday. I'm in charge of planning breakfast the next morning and I'm thinking maybe challah french toast, fruit salad, and muffins for the early risers.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li> Calling my Dad on his birthday! I always, always forget. I've got it written down in more than one place, so here's hoping I remember this year.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Healthy meal prep: I'm inspired by <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2014/hs-meal-prep-for-the-upcoming-week/">Shutterbean </a>to take one afternoon a week to prep my food for the week ahead. I'm really great at buying great food to fill our fridge, but kind of terrible at the follow-through of actually cooking it. This week I'm going to cook chicken for salads, <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/10/breakfast-apple-granola-crisp/">breakfast apple crisp</a>, make a pot of quinoa to keep in the fridge, and do some serious vegetable roasting. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What is on your list this week? Share in the comments and let's help each other get things done!</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
P.S. Are we friends on <a href="https://instagram.com/mostdaysiwin/">Instagram</a>? We should be.<b> </b></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-75036961569209024922015-10-09T16:40:00.000-04:002015-10-09T16:40:15.087-04:00The twenty best things I've ever done in my life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO3dpkcHfW0/Vhgk8ExsooI/AAAAAAAAGoo/xZynLISr9Z0/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO3dpkcHfW0/Vhgk8ExsooI/AAAAAAAAGoo/xZynLISr9Z0/s640/001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you ever have those days when you start to dwell on all the mistakes you've made? Like that time you decided to get a credit card in university and wound up paying piles of interest on a pizza you ordered <strike>five</strike> ten years later? Or when you stayed for too long in a relationship that was terrible for you? Or when you decided, sure I'll try one cigarette--<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/06/how-to-quit-smoking-in-only-753-days.html">what could possibly go wrong</a>?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think we've all had those days, but they aren't very useful. They don't make us feel good, they aren't very motivating, and for dwellers (like me) they can ruin a perfectly great week. So today I wanted to think about all the good decisions I've made in my life. And wouldn't you know it, at the time some of those good things felt a whole lot like mistakes. I guess a little failure isn't a bad thing after all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The twenty best things I've ever done in my life</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Marry a man from Alabama. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Then have two delightful daughters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Start my PhD (because I met Matty on our first day of the same doctoral program).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Quit my PhD.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Finally go to <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2013/04/yes.html">midwifery school</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Catch a baby. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Tell my dear friends how much I love them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Spend a summer "working" in Whistler when I was twenty.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. Leave a relationship that made me feel like shit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Get a library card.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. Watch my mother in the kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12. Move far away all by myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13. Learn to say no.*</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
14. Dance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
15. Accept that I'm introvert.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
16. Love my children with abandon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
17. Talk through the night until the sun came up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
18. Speak openly about <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2013/02/im-feeling-bit-chatty.html">my mental illness</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
19. Be a feminist. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
20. Love hard.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*Work in progress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What would you add to your list? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo<b> </b> </div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-42466345282527662002015-10-06T11:26:00.000-04:002015-10-06T11:26:20.539-04:00Start where you are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGpiRgupMkQ/VhPkDHOfBxI/AAAAAAAAGn4/CtIJ5RsTGjE/s1600/Start-where-you-are.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGpiRgupMkQ/VhPkDHOfBxI/AAAAAAAAGn4/CtIJ5RsTGjE/s640/Start-where-you-are.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Start where you are</i>. I love this. As someone who likes to set goals and think about the big picture, I needed this reminder today. It's easy to get lost in all the things we want to be, but the only way to get started is to accept what you are now. Ask yourself what can you do today, just today, to accomplish your goals one step at a time. I am lucky enough to have a fridge filled with vegetables, so today I am going to cook some healthy food that includes heaps of vegetables. I am run down with a cold and need the nourishment. What a great place to start.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>What can you do today?</b><br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image Via <a href="http://andthenwesaved.com/start-where-you-are/">And Then We Saved</a></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-18761475763201566572015-10-05T15:04:00.001-04:002015-10-05T15:04:30.474-04:00It's Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqVgS6K4AxI/VhKFnq7feFI/AAAAAAAAGmk/bET9dn4bkeI/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqVgS6K4AxI/VhKFnq7feFI/AAAAAAAAGmk/bET9dn4bkeI/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v9WoL6kS4Y/VhKFg-IN3uI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/mhr5qpiRlD4/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v9WoL6kS4Y/VhKFg-IN3uI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/mhr5qpiRlD4/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's Monday all over again! How are you? I mean, really, how are you? Was it a good weekend? Or do you wish you had a do-over? If so, think of this week as a new beginning. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me the past week has been a little all over the place. First of all, let's take a breath, <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/10/healthtober-because-you-can-do-anything.html">Healthtober</a>. While I'm always pretty excited to get started, I can sometimes get ahead of myself (the danger of being an eager goal-setter). So things didn't go exactly as planned. On Thursday I felt a soreness in my lower back and by Friday I couldn't move. Fibromyalgia does this to me sometimes and I had no other choice than to be gentle with myself (which was also one of my goals for the month, so look at me!). I was in no place to organize and prepare healthy and gluten-free food and that was okay. Instead I booked an appointment with my chiropractor and massage therapist. And I took a nap. How's that for self-care?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmT6Lcf_FRo/VhKFgYZ-ZPI/AAAAAAAAGmM/kNzad0t158U/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmT6Lcf_FRo/VhKFgYZ-ZPI/AAAAAAAAGmM/kNzad0t158U/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCXdG5UxaK4/VhKGixnZpUI/AAAAAAAAGm0/l1jNrRGLjgc/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCXdG5UxaK4/VhKGixnZpUI/AAAAAAAAGm0/l1jNrRGLjgc/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week, then, is about recharging, slowly and surely. My back is already feeling better and I'm committing myself to some yoga this week to stretch out all these sore muscles. I'm in a baking mood (says the woman who is always in a baking mood) and I'm eager to try out some gluten-free muffins and banana bread. And for dinner tonight I'm making some macaroni and cheese (with rice pasta) and kale salad. I'm winning at this week already. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My to-do list for the week includes:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>A massage! </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Writing. Lots of writing. I've been really inspired by <a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/magic-lessons/">Elizabeth Gilbert's</a> new podcast on creativity and I'm feeling really encouraged to write more. My goal this week is publish three blog posts before the weekend. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Have lunch with a great friend. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Baking a lemon pie for Thanksgiving. I might be the only person on the planet who doesn't like pumpkin pie. But I can't lie, it's just who I am.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Yoga. My plan is to two different studios this week and see what I like. Try as I might, yoga at home as a solo practice just doesn't work for me. I need the encouragement of a room filled with people all trying to do the same thing. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li> Resting. I'm feeling a bit better physically, but I know myself and if I don't get some extra rest right now, I'll pay for it later. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXQRSwMP5VI/VhKFPhDa5gI/AAAAAAAAGmE/FPjsbNK1hmc/s1600/nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXQRSwMP5VI/VhKFPhDa5gI/AAAAAAAAGmE/FPjsbNK1hmc/s640/nap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>What can you do for yourself this week? </b><br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo<br />
<br />
P.S. Thank you to everyone who has asked about how my presentation went at the midwifery student conference this weekend. I presented on a panel with two fellow students about my experience with depression and anxiety as a student midwife. I think we started a great conversation. Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-41562645086064793142015-10-01T17:04:00.000-04:002015-10-01T17:04:10.043-04:00Healthtober! Because you can do anything for a month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K78H8GrkkAo/Vg2VNNoo8yI/AAAAAAAAGlM/syQaci7hAM8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K78H8GrkkAo/Vg2VNNoo8yI/AAAAAAAAGlM/syQaci7hAM8/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So I do this every time.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did it during school and I am doing it again while on my 'break.' I am working too hard and pushing my body beyond its limits. For a month I have worked too many overnight doula shifts, too many for <i>me</i>, a person whose body is in need of some care. An accumulation of very little sleep + not looking after myself physically or emotionally means that I'm currently a heap of mess on the couch. Everything hurts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No more, I declare. Or Matty declared, last night as I was crying to him about how much it hurt to <strike>walk </strike>shuffle across the room. He looked at me with those encouraging "when are you going to make some good changes?" eyes and suggested that maybe we need a new approach. "It's time for healthy October!" he proclaimed, or more appropriately, Healthtober (trademark pending). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whatever you'd like to call it, join me in making October a month filled with good healthy choices, whatever that means to you. For Matty it means working to lose a few pounds and getting outside for some exercise. Let's cheer him on! For me it means getting some good sleep, eating some good food that involves a whole hell of a lot more vegetables, and cutting back my sugar intake about one billion percent, which still leaves me with a little sugar. I need a little sugar because how else am I supposed cope with not smoking, because you guys! I'm not smoking!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My Healthtober goals include:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>No gluten! As per the suggestion of my ever-patient naturopath. It's only taken me two years to actually give up gluten. Two years, guys. I'm hoping that giving up gluten might help with some of my fibromyalgia symptoms.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Significantly less sugar. I know I might have better results with an actual limit, but I can't do it all at once. My goal is to be mindful of not reaching for sugar at every opportunity. Speaking of reducing sugar, did you see <a href="http://torontoist.com/2015/09/the-parkdale-sugar-guy-reaches-1000-days/">this</a>? High fives.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Resting when my body needs it. That means not too many overnight shifts, not going to crazy with projects at home. Gentle is the word of the month. Since I'm not great with being gentle on myself, I'll need a lot of reminders. </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>To enjoy as much of the beautiful fall weather as humanly possible. Walks, even short ones, will do me well.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can do this! I can do anything for a month. There are, however, two important exceptions, and by exceptions I really just mean there are two days during which I will eat gluten with abandon. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away and it is hands down my favourite holiday, and I will be eating any and all of my mum's cooking. And at the end of the month is my birthday and there will cake--gluten and sugar-filled cake. I think that's only fair. You only turn 38 once.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So who is going to join me for Healthtober? What healthier choices would you like to make? Share your goals in the comments, or at the very least, please share your most encouraging thoughts. I'll need all the help I can get.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
P.S. Do you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/mostdaysiwin/">Instagram</a>? I'll be posting updates there as I go.</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-405382802949427792015-09-30T14:43:00.003-04:002015-09-30T14:43:56.162-04:00My go-to list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--HTE6022U9A/VgGmHPEyPcI/AAAAAAAAGjM/3GEc8KHDBL0/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--HTE6022U9A/VgGmHPEyPcI/AAAAAAAAGjM/3GEc8KHDBL0/s640/086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You guys! Fall is here! It's really, really here!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was thinking today about my go-to list, the things in my life where I don't have to make decisions, I just <i>know </i>what it is that I'll choose. Some people might call me predictable, but I'd rather call myself saved from decision exhaustion (when we waste a bunch of time trying to decide between too many options). There is a time and a place to try new things, but there are also those times when you need an easy answer. I have no time for waffling in front of a barista, I just want my double americano. Do you have a list like this? No? Then you need one. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought I'd share a few things from my go-to list:</div>
<br />
Coffee: The darkest roast available, preferably in the form of an americano<br />
Tea: Earl Grey with milk <br />
Wine: Chianti <br />
Citrus fruit: Pink grapefruit<br />
Vegetable: Brussel sprouts<br />
Chocolate chip cookie recipe: Smitten Kitchen's <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/01/chocolate-chip-cookies/">Favourite Chococolate Chip Cookie</a><br />
Comfort food: <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2012/03/food-on-thursdays-macaroni-and-cheese.html">Macaroni and Cheese</a> <br />
Easy dinner: Roast chicken<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy place book I read again and again: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mists_of_Avalon">The Mists of Avalon</a><br />
Magazine: Bon Appetit <br />
Cookbook: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Contessa-Back-Basics-Ingredients/dp/1400054354">Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics</a><br />
Food blog for baking: <a href="http://joythebaker.com/">Joy the Baker</a><br />
Food blog for whole foods cooking: <a href="http://www.mynewroots.org/site/">My New Roots</a><br />
Blog that inspires my writing: <a href="http://www.sweetamandine.com/">Sweet Amandine</a><br />
Blog for inspiration: <a href="http://rachelwcole.com/">Rachel W. Cole</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Moisturizer: Coconut oil<br />
Self-care: 90 minute massage<br />
Journal: Moleskin (I currently have <a href="https://well.ca/products/moleskine-ruled-soft-notebook-large_107018.html?gclid=CPLmirXGi8gCFQooaQodHC4BoA">this colour</a>)<br />
Netflix obsession: Re-watching Grey's Anatomy<br />
Way to spend a free Sunday: Farmer's market, brunch, park, nap, dinner at home.<br />
Flowers: Daisies<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Care to share your own list? What things do you instinctively reach for when it comes to making a decision?</b><br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo<br />
<b> </b><br />
P. S. Do you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/mostdaysiwin/">Instagram</a>? Come say hello!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-26316467338823538872015-09-29T18:30:00.002-04:002015-09-29T18:30:33.007-04:00It's Tuesday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJv4npmSNUY/VgsGhx78rQI/AAAAAAAAGks/km_3ApxoLeo/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJv4npmSNUY/VgsGhx78rQI/AAAAAAAAGks/km_3ApxoLeo/s640/007.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello lovelies! I was so busy writing about <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/09/is-fear-holding-you-back-how-to-move.html">procrastination </a>yesterday that I forgot to write up my Monday list. How was your weekend? We had a busy one, including me spending all day Saturday at a postpartum doula training (because there is always more to learn). On Sunday I took the girls on a movie date, during which I realized that we pretty much just go to the movies for the candy and popcorn. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Za9eazM9v5w/VgsGiLx61AI/AAAAAAAAGkw/4FC5WdWNGi0/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Za9eazM9v5w/VgsGiLx61AI/AAAAAAAAGkw/4FC5WdWNGi0/s640/010.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fall is officially here (high fives all around) and I'm already dreaming of all the fall-y things I can do this week. I might break the girlies out of school one day to go apple picking because our weekends are booked solid for the next few weeks, and it would be heartbreaking to miss out on all those apples, wouldn't it? And while I can't stand pumpkin spice lattes, I did pick up some pumpkin for baking something delicious (like <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2014/10/pumpkin-bread-walnuts/">this </a>or <a href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/2014/10/24/gluten-free-pumpkin-pancakes/">these</a>).</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpUFsNq9PEA/VgsGhwStrhI/AAAAAAAAGk0/GIOhSIbAPF0/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpUFsNq9PEA/VgsGhwStrhI/AAAAAAAAGk0/GIOhSIbAPF0/s640/026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's my list for this week:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm making <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2014/02/05/my-favourite-vegan-chili-with-homemade-sour-cream/">this </a>for dinner tonight even though I'll be the only one in the house who will eat it.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>I'm still sitting in front of a pile of gluten-free cookbooks, looking for inspiration.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>My days are free this week and I'm enjoying some quiet time at home. I took a very long nap today (hooray for self-care) and I'm hoping to get a lot of writing done. I may or may not also wash the floors. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>I'm attending a midwifery student conference this weekend and I'm over the moon about it. I've felt so out of touch from school since taking the year off and I'm looking forward to taking part in some conversations about birthy things. I'm also participating on a panel about life as a student with mental health issues, which I think is a great opportunity for all of us to think about how to take care of ourselves as students and as future midwives. Plus I get to see some familiar faces I've missed!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So what about you? What's on your plate this week? Starting any new projects? Let us know in the comments!</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-81968176373749665912015-09-28T21:43:00.000-04:002015-09-28T21:43:08.372-04:00Is fear holding you back? How to move foward anyway.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_tiLkEM0Kk/VgSEC0gTsMI/AAAAAAAAGkY/QTMdoWVeSq8/s1600/IMG_9370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_tiLkEM0Kk/VgSEC0gTsMI/AAAAAAAAGkY/QTMdoWVeSq8/s640/IMG_9370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you heard Elizabeth Gilbert's podcast, <a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/magic-lessons/">Magic Lessons</a>? In one episode she talks about procrastination being born out of fear. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What am I afraid of then? Because I am an extraordinary procrastinator.</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am also a very hard worker who has completed two degrees, a master's thesis, a good part of a doctoral degree, and two years (and counting) of midwifery school. I also have clean laundry and food in my fridge (most of the time), so I pull through in spite of my tendency to put absolutely everything off until the last minute.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And I think this is part of the trouble with being a relatively high-functioning procrastinator: I almost always get everything done so everything <i>seems</i> fine. But the stress and guilt and anxiety it produces? Those are not fine. Ask Matty (no, wait, maybe don't) about how much trouble my procrastination causes. I'm legendary, really. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Something that has always bothered me about my own procrastination is that it happens even when I'm doing something I love. For example, I love midwifery school pretty bad. While the program certainly has its ups and downs, it is giving me the knowledge and skills to become a midwife one day, a pretty kick ass one if you don't mind me saying. So why oh why do I still procrastinate when I'm doing something I love? Anyone?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm afraid of a lot of things. I'm afraid that the work will be hard and I won't be able to do it well. I'm afraid I won't be perfect. I'm afraid that I'll be judged. Or worse: that I'll fail completely. I'm afraid that I've given up so much to change careers and return to school and that it will all be for nothing. Deep, deep down I'm afraid I won't finish, just like <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2010/10/and-this-is-where-i-begin-with-self.html">I didn't finish my PhD</a> (a fear that lingers even though the context is so very different). I'm afraid that I'm just faking at all this adult stuff and that I'll soon be found out by the whole wide world. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://waitbutwhy.com/2013/11/how-to-beat-procrastination.html">Tim Urban</a> writes that a procrastinator acts this way because "he has incredibly low confidence when it comes to this part of his life, allowing himself to become enslaved by a self-defeating, self-fulfilling prophecy." (And if you haven't read his post <a href="http://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.html">on why procrastinators procrastinators</a>, you really should. It is insightful and hilarious.) <b>I think we develop this low self-confidence because we're afraid. </b>When we don't move forward on account of this fear, when we don't get started on necessary work or make the important first steps on something that is important to us, we end up confirming these fears--that we are going to fail all over again. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/01/01/my-clean-slate-for-2007/"><b><br /></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/01/01/my-clean-slate-for-2007/">Procrastination might be the best tool we have for looking after of ourselves</a>. If we're afraid of something we need protection. If I don't start studying for that exam I won't have to realize that I'm not smart enough to learn the material. Or, and this is what's been on my mind lately, if I put off the hard work of pursuing <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/07/goals.html">my goals</a> this year, I won't discover that I'm not strong enough to do it. My goals feel big and scary some days and putting them off protects me from not accomplishing them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So how do we move forward when we're afraid?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We plan. We take small steps. We make choices that reflect what's really important to us. Every single day we decide to move forward, to change the story we have written for ourselves. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it comes to goals, we dream big and plan small, breaking down each step as clearly as possible. I am committed to finding a way to plan out the hard work that needs to be done to accomplish my goals, not just the big picture, day-dreamy blog posts I write, but actual step by step plans, filled with steps and deadlines and actions. I want to share these plans with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But most importantly, I will forgive myself. I will give myself permission to fail. We can't move forward if we're so terrified of making mistakes. I hope you will give yourself permission, too. Is there a goal you want to accomplish? Do you have a project that is important to you that you've been too afraid to begin? Perfection is the enemy of the good. Let's all get started.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-34601662378976123852015-09-23T18:24:00.001-04:002015-09-23T18:24:49.358-04:00When things aren't hard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUjVUrCjj4E/VgMlvONp_9I/AAAAAAAAGkA/B8exAP9nW0g/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUjVUrCjj4E/VgMlvONp_9I/AAAAAAAAGkA/B8exAP9nW0g/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How are you lovelies? I realized recently that I almost never write about the girlies anymore and that just doesn't feel right. Do you want to know why? Because they've been a dream lately and we tend to focus so much on the hard stuff that we forget to stop and enjoy the times when things are easier. Smoother. More delightful. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This summer wasn't easy for me. Maybe you could read between the lines of my scattered blog posts to see that I was often frustrated by my time home with the girlies. I was coming down from a really intense time in school and was feeling physically terrible, and Alyce had just finished a school year filled with challenges. We were all ready for the break of summer vacation and quickly fell into an easy rhythm of lazy days mixed up with adventures out in the city, but before long we were dealing with meltdowns (myself included) and constant fights between the girls. I began to dread my weeks home with them in spite of having missed them so damn much while I was in placement. I complained to Matty. I vented to my friends. It was a long summer.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But you know what? It doesn't feel so hard anymore. Returning to school, giving us all some time on our own each day, has made such a big difference. Alyce loves her new teacher, which is such a relief, and Shira is happy to play with her little kindergarten friends every day. I have enjoyed my quiet days to work and rest. All of a sudden the girlies aren't screaming at each other and meltdowns have been few and far between. Matty and I have found ourselves whispering happily to each other about the changes in our home, but I don't just want to whisper, I want to sing it from the rooftops!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are often so quick to complain when things are hard, but let's not forget to enjoy when they're <i>not</i>. So I'm here to report that I'm currently enjoying the giggles and the sisterly secrets and the excited walks to school in the morning. And I hope you are, too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-55592737243762144692015-09-21T16:27:00.000-04:002015-09-21T16:27:06.735-04:00It's Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvxsZSQmtTA/VgA_dM2WzHI/AAAAAAAAGiw/2OcQhzZYVPM/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvxsZSQmtTA/VgA_dM2WzHI/AAAAAAAAGiw/2OcQhzZYVPM/s640/048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRhp3so75Ko/VgA_dJi0a4I/AAAAAAAAGi0/P5F0fCH7x-o/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRhp3so75Ko/VgA_dJi0a4I/AAAAAAAAGi0/P5F0fCH7x-o/s640/089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBX8C5cpZbs/VgA_cjJZ4VI/AAAAAAAAGis/Ikbsf8-yD8c/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBX8C5cpZbs/VgA_cjJZ4VI/AAAAAAAAGis/Ikbsf8-yD8c/s640/050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello! It's Monday all over again. Are you ready for me to start mooning about all this amazing fall weather? Consider yourself warned. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've officially taken the day off today, though that hasn't really stopped me from working around the house. But the pace has been just perfect, with a little cleaning and then a little resting. More resting than cleaning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then I made chocolate chip cookies. Because (ahem) Alyce really wanted them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How was your week? Around here we've been busy getting back into the routine of school, a routine that has served this family very well. Morning have been smoother, bedtimes easier, and moods generally relaxed. And I forgot to mention that I cut off all my hair, a move inspired by a mess of long tangles that was trying my patience on a daily basis. I'm happy with the change. It always feels so good to do something different (says the woman who changes her furniture around on a monthly basis).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week is a bit calmer than last and I'm eager to sit and work on some brainstorming projects. I've been reading a ton about different approaches to goal setting and I'm wanting to spend some actual time making up a plan. The other day I saw that someone described themselves as a "goal-setter" (I can't for the life of me remember where I read this) and I loved that title. If I am anything I am a goal-setter. It's more than just making lists, but about seeing my world as a place in which I can accomplish things that make my life better or bigger or even more delightful. This is what's on my brain this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another week, another list:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>I finally received my copy of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/12/books/review/better-than-before-by-gretchen-rubin.html?_r=0">Gretchen Rubin's book on habits</a> from the library. I can't wait to finish it. My goals for the year are so intertwined with changing my habits. (But I guess aren't all goals about working alongside habits that work and against ones that don't?) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li> I wrote my <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/08/eat-manifesto.html">manifesto </a>on eating, I've been reading my gluten-free cookbooks, and now it's time to think practically. There are recipes to be scribbled out, grocery lists to make, and defences against the lure of crusty bread to be established. It's a big week. I'm hoping to channel both creativity and stamina.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Not smoke. It's time to <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/06/how-to-quit-smoking-in-only-753-days.html">try this again</a>. (And again, until it works.) I've been quiet here about my non-smoking success because frankly I haven't had any. I've tried a dozen times and always started smoking again by the end of the day. Aristotle tells us that "we are what we repeatedly do," so even if I haven't mastered this non-smoking business yet, I keep trying because each time I don't smoke it is a commitment to my goal. (I am clearly very committed.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
That's enough for this week. <b>What about you? What is the most important task on your to-do list this week? What will you do to ensure that you complete it?</b> <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
P.S. I'm officially working as a postpartum doula with Toronto Family Doulas! Here is <a href="http://torontofamilydoulas.com/meet-danielle/">my introduction</a> over on their blog. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-77977103981204653542015-09-20T11:08:00.000-04:002015-09-21T16:28:30.696-04:00Things that made me happy this week<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOnqJGvXfYQ/Vf7FhnUyPFI/AAAAAAAAGiU/sE7-71D4KBo/s1600/26a858ed9061c5dad78bf8c4e2e7c4b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOnqJGvXfYQ/Vf7FhnUyPFI/AAAAAAAAGiU/sE7-71D4KBo/s1600/26a858ed9061c5dad78bf8c4e2e7c4b1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Via <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/118093847/good-things-come-to-those-who-work-their?share_id=108502&hmac=bb13bddcbd20250f6e590bf1163038568d898bff&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share">Etsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This week's things that made me happy list is sponsored by my new motivation to work my fucking ass off. And a few other things.<br />
<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.theblogmarket.co/follow-your-dreams-stay-focused/">guide to following your dreams</a>. I love a good practical list.<br />
<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://www.sarahvonbargen.com/small-business-advice/business-goal-setting/">goal-setter</a> is after my own heart. A great list to get you started thinking.<br />
<br />
<br />
Looking for some new monthly health goals? You'll find 12 doable items <a href="http://kaleandchocolate.com/12-tiny-changes-for-your-health-for-the-next-year/">right here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Goals are <a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2015/and-i-quote-53/">dreams with deadlines</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
And now for food: I would like <a href="http://www.eatingfromthegroundup.com/2015/09/the-homemade-kitchen/">this cookbook</a>, please.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm going to bake these <a href="http://thevanillabeanblog.com/2013/03/gluten-free-muffins-again-again.html">gluten-free muffins</a> this week. I'll report back.<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, have you heard of <a href="http://www.limetownstories.com/">Limetown</a>? It's my newest podcast obsession.<br />
<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xoDaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-59078276736165059172015-09-17T15:34:00.001-04:002015-09-17T15:35:32.816-04:00Taking Stock: September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3iakWxhM7Y/VfrrzedFEVI/AAAAAAAAGh4/ynBxjk6XYl0/s1600/017.JPG" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello again! Are the leaves changing near you? These beautiful creatures have been populated our front walk lately and they're making me giddy with excitement for the fall. While the weather is stupid hot, there's no denying the changing colours and shorter days. I'm over the moon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How is your week going? Are you crossing things off your list? Are you sneaking some time for yourself? I've been working a ton, packing school lunches, and reading, reading, reading. I've got three books on the go right now and an enormous pile of new books waiting for me. Such is the life of a woman on a break from school.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are a few other things I've been up to lately:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Making: <i> </i>Scarves for the girlies, and yes, I'm still working on my first pair of socks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cooking: Gluten-free food. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Drinking: Americano with milk.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wanting: Some new fabric to get started on my first quilt. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking: At the burst of fall colours peeking through the trees. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wishing: For someone else to cook me dinner. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enjoying: The quiet of my days again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Waiting: For cooler days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Liking: The return of some early fall produce. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wondering: Who is going to put all this laundry away.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Loving: Watching Alyce ride her first two-wheeler bike. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pondering: What it means to develop new habits.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Considering: Getting a massage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Buying: Yarn.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Watching: Baseball with Matty.<br />
Hoping: For the back-to-school season to bring some much needed routine to our house.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Marvelling: At how many hugs and kisses I receive from Shira on an hourly basis.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cringing: At my sore body. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Needing: Some yoga.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Smelling: Apples and cinnamon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wearing: Jeans, for the first time in ages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following: My children around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Noticing: How much Alyce is craving independence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Knowing: That she's strong and capable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thinking: About taking morning walks before Matty leaves for work in the morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Admiring: Fall sweaters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sorting: Through everything. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bookmarking: So many things. Finding inspiration all over the place lately.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Coveting: A new fall jacket. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disliking: The fruit flies that are STILL living in my house. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Giggling: At Shira's tall tales. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Feeling: Motivated. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Snacking: Oranges.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing: The quiet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you want to take stock? I got the idea from <a href="http://meetmeatmikes.com/taking-stock-2/">Pip</a>.
</div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-78059001224669160392015-09-14T18:07:00.001-04:002015-09-14T18:07:15.317-04:00It's Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_t_LPbEMMk/VfYvQ59j3sI/AAAAAAAAGho/nPlvpkf9MnM/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_t_LPbEMMk/VfYvQ59j3sI/AAAAAAAAGho/nPlvpkf9MnM/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello lovelies! It's Monday again and I'm grateful for it. I'm ready to start on some new projects (though not too many because I'm working a lot this week) and I'm looking forward to another week of school for the girlies. Last week was good, but it still felt like an blip in our otherwise all over the place summer. We need another week in to feel like things are really settling in.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbLHbLjwQDk/VfYvPIb3DnI/AAAAAAAAGhM/UkPNz42h4VU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbLHbLjwQDk/VfYvPIb3DnI/AAAAAAAAGhM/UkPNz42h4VU/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The past week has been filled with some great things. I love the daily walks to school and I love the quiet house upon my return. The cats are so pumped that the girlies are gone for six plus hours a day. Just look at Pomegranate. Doesn't he looked pumped?</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6Y70kcJ_94/VfYvPj6VAHI/AAAAAAAAGhU/pTvsLsuyT3A/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6Y70kcJ_94/VfYvPj6VAHI/AAAAAAAAGhU/pTvsLsuyT3A/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also enjoyed some time out in the city running some solo errands. There was a stop for a delightful Americano and the best gluten free muffin I've ever had (at Dark Horse on Queen West near Bathurst). These quiet moments were well-earned after a summer at home with children.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pffFzYgZtWs/VfYvPZxHbkI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/J3d3ht6AmYM/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pffFzYgZtWs/VfYvPZxHbkI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/J3d3ht6AmYM/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In honour of Rosh Hashanah this week, I baked. (Truth be told I bake in honour of pretty much anything.) I decided to try two recipes from<a href="http://joythebaker.com/"> Joy the Baker</a>, a blog I adore for both its recipes and the sweetness of her writing. I made <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2015/09/really-very-good-chocolate-pudding/">chocolate pudding </a>for the little ones at our dinner and <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2008/10/sit-and-stay-awhile-apple-crisp/">apple crisp</a> for the grown-ups. Matty had both because he is a kid at heart. The apple crisp was only mostly delicious because I used the wrong apples. I always have the wrong apples in my kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wfnNIL0qmoA/VfYvRjGH5_I/AAAAAAAAGhs/l67lK_snB7Y/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wfnNIL0qmoA/VfYvRjGH5_I/AAAAAAAAGhs/l67lK_snB7Y/s640/048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Here is my to-do list for the week:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Welcome my students to the new session of my course. Everything is starting back up this week and it's time to send some emails. Speaking of emails, I'm going to try creating an email schedule for my class this year to help keep me from forgetting to write important updates or weekly tips on the course work. I'm all over schedules this year. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> I want to spend some time with vegetables. I've become such a lazy cook over the past few years and I never eat enough vegetables, which is ridiculous because I love vegetables. So I've armed myself with some new cookbooks from the library and I'm getting cooking. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li> We are having dinner with friends on the weekend and I am in charge of dessert (again). Any ideas? Something involving chocolate, obviously, and something gluten-free. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li> Walks! It's going to happen, friends. </li>
</ul>
<br />
What is on your list for the week? Are you still working on existing projects, or starting something new?<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo <br />
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-42567759188293946102015-09-13T22:11:00.001-04:002015-09-13T22:11:58.878-04:00 A new year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLjlBlDcbI8/Ve9F4fpA7rI/AAAAAAAAGgo/2AzM6rR8Tdg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLjlBlDcbI8/Ve9F4fpA7rI/AAAAAAAAGgo/2AzM6rR8Tdg/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And we're here. First day of school came and went and was a success on all accounts. Pancakes were eaten, new dresses worn, and the day was enjoyed. Alyce was most excited to find out where she was going to sit in class (she chose the front row, just like her mama) and was more than a little devastated to find out that she wouldn't have any homework tonight (again, just like her mama would be). Shira cruised through the day give high fives to friends and teachers and then promptly suffered a meltdown after school because it is too hot and she was tired. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not returning to midwifery school <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/05/pause.html">this yea</a>r and it makes my heart a bit sad. It's only a one year break, and the rational side of my brain is busy listing all the good reasons for my year off (namely to look after myself), but the other side of my brain, the side with all of the feelings, is blue. Most of my friends have returned to school this week too and they are busy learning all of the things <i>I </i>want to be learning. Adulting is hard sometimes, isn't it? It means that I just have to accept that my year off is necessary and go about my business of getting healthy. But it's difficult stepping back from something I love so much. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been quiet here this week, in part because I've been spending the days sleeping after working too many overnight shifts, but also because I've been sitting with these feelings of sadness over not returning to school, mixed up with frustration that I haven't yet made any of the changes I've talked about since May. I'm still not feeling well, not getting exercise, not really making the eating changes I so desperately need, and most of all, not taking care of my stress. Not having made progress on all these goals makes missing the work of midwifery school this year even harder to take. I'm feeling all failure-like.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think it's important not to get to run down by these (as of yet) unmet goals, but at the same time I want to listen and reflect on what it feels like to struggle.<b> I want to learn from this process, to be open to loving myself even when I'm not my ideal self. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So have I learned anything yet? I hope so. I'm coming to realize that left to my own devices I am pretty lazy about making hard changes. Being home with girlies all summer made me a bit lazy, though looking back it wasn't a great time to try, what with the constant demands of a seven and five year old declaring that they were bored every ten minutes. It was hard to give over the time to myself that I needed to work toward my goals. I'm realizing that I suck at putting my own priorities first (as so many parents do in the face of their childrens' needs and the demands of work) and that I might need to set up a more structured approach to my health-improvement project, to create some new boundaries. (I also suck at boundaries.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is the first evening of the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah. It seems fitting that I re-commit to my goals tonight, right here. This year, amidst all these practical ideals of mine, I need to give myself permission to be more <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/07/im-going-to-be-selfish.html">selfish</a>, carving out enough time to do the work I want to do. I hope that you can do the same for whatever you need from this year.<b> It is my wish that you can find the time and space to give yourself over to whatever is important to you in the coming months.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's do this. Shana Tova (Happy New Year) everyone!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-73638065612107295002015-09-07T19:37:00.000-04:002015-09-07T19:37:17.139-04:00It's Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b32YswZ_0IY/Ve4VUUrw6jI/AAAAAAAAGgY/9MflZma6DVI/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b32YswZ_0IY/Ve4VUUrw6jI/AAAAAAAAGgY/9MflZma6DVI/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You guys, we made it! Today is the last day of summer vacation. High fives to all of you who have, like me, felt a bit overwhelmed by what felt like the longest summer vacation in the history of summers. I haven't written much about it here because I feel like the girls are getting older now and don't need all of their stories told here by me on the internet, but let's just say that there have been some behavioral issues that have made for some very long days together. The routine of school will be a very good thing!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How did you spend your last week of summer? We ate (more) ice cream, enjoyed a day at the Toronto Islands, and visited with my mum in her very air conditioned house (this heat wave can leave anytime now).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me this week is about resetting. I can feel my shoulders relaxing and my motivation rising. I'm busy right now, working regularly as a doula and preparing to teach the next session of my university course, but it will become all the more manageable starting tomorrow. I know I've said it before and I know I'll say it again, but as much as I fight it sometimes with my procrastinating habits, I need routine in my life. I'm so excited to develop some new structure in my world again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My to do list this week:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>It's a tradition in our house to have oatmeal chocolate chip pancakes on the first day of school, so I'll need to make the necessary preparations for those tonight (I use<a href="http://orangette.blogspot.ca/2010/01/very-definition.html"> these oatmeal pancakes</a> as inspiration). </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>I have a coffee date with some friends IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. (Sorry, I got excited there).</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>I'm really looking forward to blogging more regularly about all the new goals, practices, and habits I'm working on, and so I'm working this week on some planning and trying to develop an editorial calendar.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Rosh Hashanah is coming up in a week and there is so much to be done in preparation! We will be celebrating with some good friends and I am responsible for challah, salad, and dessert. I'll be making our dessert gluten-free, so I'll be spending some time looking for new recipes. It's traditional to eat apples on Rosh Hashanah and I'm thinking of making an apple crisp instead of the usual apple cake. And since the children don't enjoy apple desserts, there will also be brownies of some description. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Walking three days this week. In my <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/08/on-gaining-momentum.html">fancy new shoes</a>. It was my goal to walk always in the morning, because I love starting my day with exercise, but since I'm working a few overnight shifts this week that doesn't work out well. So an afternoon walk it is.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li> Reflecting on how I want to structure my days in such a way that will support some of these habits I'm working on.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you have any suggestions about how to add structure to your days? What routines do you rely on? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be well!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
P.S. Happy first day of school to all my student midwife friends starting back tomorrow. I'll miss you all! </div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5998521225863214184.post-30342531302817263072015-09-03T09:19:00.002-04:002015-09-03T09:19:23.863-04:00Goals in a messy life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMsOznUCwTA/VeeD5J4ulkI/AAAAAAAAGgA/JdXRl0vkWSU/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMsOznUCwTA/VeeD5J4ulkI/AAAAAAAAGgA/JdXRl0vkWSU/s640/064.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
Since it's Septemeber, let's talk about monthly goals, shall we? <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Goals keep me intentional in a time when my life is feeling a bit messy.</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought I'd try working on some smaller monthly goals because, as you know, <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/08/its-monday_31.html">September is the ultimate fresh start</a>.
I have some pretty enormous <a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/07/goals.html">goals </a>for the coming year, but I think I
could use the help of smaller monthly goals to help me get there. Why do
I love working with goals so much? Because developing and reflecting on
goals helps me to live intentionally, something that helps me to order
the rest of my messy world (both physical and emotional messes). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>But a little bit of mess is okay.</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week <a href="http://revolutionfromhome.com/2015/08/life-is-meant-to-be-messy-youre-not-doing-it-wrong/">Beth </a>at<a href="http://revolutionfromhome.com/2015/08/life-is-meant-to-be-messy-youre-not-doing-it-wrong/"> Revolution from Home</a>
wrote a really useful post on living a messy life and I've been sitting
with her ideas ever since. I think we sometimes feel so overwhelmed by
the chaos of life and that trick ourselves into thinking that if we put
everything in order, then all our other goals will fall into place. But
I'm coming to realize that we need to live with some of the messy instead
of trying to banish it away all the time. Beth <a href="http://revolutionfromhome.com/2015/08/life-is-meant-to-be-messy-youre-not-doing-it-wrong/">writes</a>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe we’ve been misled when it comes to the “messier” aspects of life (and I don’t mean our junk drawers). Maybe <i>messy</i> isn’t a reflection of our shortcomings at all. <b>Maybe the real source of our struggle stems from the belief that life is <i>supposed</i> to be tidy. </b></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I'm reflecting on my goals this month and deciding to work on them <i>right now</i>,
even if not everything feels perfectly ordered.<br />
<br />
Since first outlining my goals earlier this summer I've been finding
myself thinking that I'll start accomplishing my goals once I've cleaned
out all the closets and planned all them meals and crossed everything
off the to do lists. No.
It's okay that I don't have it all figured out. I can still move
forward with one foot in the chaos. So while my goals keep me feeling focused and intentional about my days
(a good thing), for me this month is about chasing my goals in spite of imperfection. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Five goals for September</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This
month I will feed myself good food, move my body in the (hopefully)
cooler morning air, and devour as many books as I can get my hands on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>One month without gluten, to see how it makes me body feel</li>
</ul>
.<ul>
<li>Morning walks before the girlies wake up, three days a week.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Reflect on what it means to <a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/beginning-fall-edition">thrive</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br /><ul>
<li>Read as much as I want while the girls are at school.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Get back into a routine of reading to the girls before bed, a habit
that was lost earlier this year, and one I think we all dearly miss.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I'm really excited to work on these smaller goals, not to lose sight of my larger project, but to accumulate some smaller victories. Do you have any September goals or resolutions? Let's do this together please!<br />
<br />
<br />
Be well!<br />
xo <br />
<br />
P.S. Some posts you might also like:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/07/day-one.html">Day one</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/07/how-many-things-have-you-crossed-off.html">How many things have you crossed off your life list? </a><br />
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/06/how-to-quit-smoking-in-only-753-days.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2015/06/how-to-quit-smoking-in-only-753-days.html">How to quit smoking in only 753 days*</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mostdaysiwin.blogspot.ca/2014/11/11-tips-for-being-ordinary-parent.html">11 tips for being an ordinary parent</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432840953994166762noreply@blogger.com0