Where have I been the last thirteen days? Oh, not any one place really, but also everywhere. (Yes, that makes total sense.)
+ I hadn’t been running much, so Monday of this week I re-dedicated myself and it feels so good. I’ve been running to a park that has a HUGE hill. Every day I push myself to run up it (with the stroller) just a few more feet than the day prior.
+ My sister-in-law was visiting from Michigan, so we had lots of time for sister chats and girl stuff and kiddo play time, and even a few quick dates with Zack.
+ I’ve also been a little quiet on the inside. Not too much thinking (it’s harder to stop thinking than one would realize), and definitely more “going with the flow”, and also shush-ing any and all nonsense-ness.
+ Yesterday I plowed through a bunch of home projects. Tiffany flew home and suddenly the laundry basket exploded, so I’ve been doing a lot of wash and toy organizing. Our neighbor gave me a set of four retro chairs (they are yellow!), so I’ve been having fun switching out our chairs.
+ We’ve been playing music and making plans for this weekend. Hooray! to an extended long holiday weekend coming soon…
+ I finished reading The Husband’s Secret. I’m absolutely in love with the author’s writing style. Have you read any of her books?
I’ve also been pondering this thought: what if I spent the next 30 days with intentional Kindness? Do kind things, say kind things, feel kind things. As a lady it’s ridiculously too easy to compare myself and compare others, which is so silly! I saw a mama the other day while out on a morning run with the kids. She looked happy, she looked beautifully confident, she had on a great outfit (dark patterned leggings, a blush-colored t-shirt and a faded maroon cargo vest. She was with her little boy near the fountains, and she looked so carefree.
I wanted to bottle up what I saw, how it looked like she felt. There was a sense of peace about her.
And in a sense, I think that’s why I unintentionally took a mini break from publishing a blog post. I’m working through a few projects (they are taking foreverrrr to complete, blergh), and I’m protecting my thoughts so I don’t take a single day at home with my family for granted. I can’t do everything I want to do all at once, perfectly, but I can do the most important things very well.
So that is my focus: do a little bit, but give it my best.
Love this. Such wisdom.
“…but I can do the most important things very well.” Amen!!! Thanks, dear one <3
#highfive
I love these thoughts Maggie! I just admire and applaud how you are approaching this season of your life. Taking it slow and doing a few things very well, guarding your thoughts, doing your best at self-care so you can truly be present for your family… that is absolutely perfection. You’re amazing and I’m so impressed with your attitude. :)
PS I know what you mean about seeing peace and contentedness in another person and making note of how that looks. I was at the park one day (one frustrated, kids bickering, very tired day) and there was a grandma there with her little grandson. She had this huge smile and looked like she was enjoying every second. And I looked at her and thought: OK, take note – that lady? she’s a smiler. I can tell by her eyes, She’s the lady who is always doing her best to present a smile no matter what challenges are going on in life. Because there are always challenges. But she is SMILING and I want to be/feel/look like that. It was so profound and I think of her often (while I’m reminding myself to smile, usually)…
I mean, really. You’ve said it all wonderfully and I couldn’t agree more. I so enjoy your comments, Sarah :) You’re wise. I’m so glad you’re a part of this community. ♥.
Aw, thank you for saying so Maggie! I can always deeply identify with the things/perspective you post about, so I guess we’re kindred spirits. :)
Love this post! Your apartment looks so cute, have fun with those new chairs!
I’m LOVING the chairs. Seriously, yellow may be my new favorite furniture color.
Good for you, girl. First off, SO glad you had some good time with Tiff. What a gem, that girl! Secondly, hats off to you for taking time for what you felt like you needed to do. We all have those days/weeks/seasons. Have an awesome day, Maggie!
Thank you Laura, so sweet of you!