If I was to describe my October based on number of blog posts I would call it very unproductive. Only three posts in the whole month, and not for a lack of things to say. This October was crazy. Our family has been settling into our new home, I quit my job (which felt more like a breakup), started a new job (which has felt a little bit like coming home), took a really hard fall in my garage tripping down two stairs, and was diagnosed with diabetes. Suffice to say, there have been extreme highs and tough lows and I am excited to turn the page and start November with a fresh head space and renewed dedication to prioritizing my needs and health. November is my birthday month, the last full month of fall, and the start of holiday lights and traditions for our family in anticipation of Christmas:) Though we are a secular family, we love the holiday and the season....lights, music, family and friends, good food, time off, joy!
This year however, I want to do Christmas season a little differently. As I have gotten older and as I have experienced a decline in my physical health I have realized that stress plays a major part in how my body feels and operates. I used to think I could do everything and take on more and more without consequence. But the truth is, I feel better when I have down time, I feel better when I manage my stress, and I feel better when I am not rushing around trying to jam too much into my days.
So this Christmas I am setting a goal of shopping early on, of slowing down to enjoy more of my favorite parts of the holidays (gingerbread houses and baking with the girls, driving around looking at Christmas lights, decorating the tree with the classics playing in the background, watching the cheesy made for tv Christmas movies, and having tea by the fireplace in my cozy clothes). I am also going to make a point of swapping out the wine and hot cocoa for tea, limit the treats and chocolates, and enjoying outdoors in the snow as much as possible. Sometimes I forget how fun building a snowman or making snow angels can be.
This year is almost coming to a close, but as we enter this new month I want my goals to center around health. Both mental and physical. Because I want to end the year stronger, healthy, and more at peace.
-Amanda
