Refreshed

January 21, 2019

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

I’m back. So where were we?

The past two weeks flew by (what a surprise). After wrapping up a couple of freelance writing assignments, I enjoyed some much-needed rest and mental downtime. During my time off, I:

  • Watched Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix. I know her methods can be somewhat controversial, but I found her presence soothing, and her attitude respectful rather than shaming, even in the face of American-style excess. 
  • Took down the “happiness souvenirs” from my bulletin board. There were fewer than in previous years, but I think that was because I didn’t do a great job of collecting them, rather than that there were fewer happy moments.
  • Created a vision board for 2019.
  • Thought about and brainstormed on my word of the year, “rise.”

Mostly I rested my brain and my emotions.

By the end of 2018, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I got sick twice (which is unusual for me), and found myself eating junk food uncontrollably and leaving the TV on all day for comfort. I needed a reset. I share this because even though I know better, I don’t think I’m the only one who sometimes runs off the rails when life gets crazy. And while my reset came at the beginning of a new year, it’s something we can do any time of year. Call a halt to “normal” and take a look at where our habits are taking us.

Now I’m creating a new morning routine, working on goals again, and also leaving time for play and unstructured creative time. I’ve got some great books on happiness to share with you, some new links to love, and more trips to France for Field Trip Friday. I feel refreshed and ready to dig in to life again.

Hello, 2019.

So what’s new with you?

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4 comments

  1. I am loving the refresh and reset of this January!! I too have been changing out displays in my home, organizing, streamlining. I love Marie Kondo, though she is extreme. I have only read her book, but it did change my life. Decluttering has a very spiritual aspect for me.
    When I saw your photo, I thought it might as well be on another planet from my Maine winter after a new big snow (and ice) fall! I'm glad you were able to re-set, that other rail for me becomes more temporary these days, and not as frequent, but I know it well. Thank you for your inspiration, Kathy.!

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    1. Rita--wasn't very nice of me to pair such a summery photo with the post, was it? Maybe it will help you dream of warmer days to come!

      Enjoy your January reset. I can see why you'd like Marie Kondo if decluttering has a spiritual aspect--her attitude of gratitude is one of the things I like best about her.

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  2. Dear Kathy so happy to read you are refreshed. I love the new year but it takes me a while to get in the swing of things...often times my new year truly begins in March when spring begins to show itself. I am enjoying just reading a good book and not taking on too much at this time of the year. Take care and have a lovely day. Will be looking forward to your posts.

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    1. Debbie--I can see why March would be a good time for you to "start" your new year. I often find Sept/Oct. good for that, as our weather becomes more bearable and I start to have energy again. Enjoy your cozy simple pleasures in the meantime!

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