Day 3,401

Growth:

Over the past few weeks I’ve been doing a better and better job of prepping my breakfasts and lunches for work on Sunday so I’m ready to dive right into the week. Left to my own devices I find that I sometimes get in a hurry and grab whatever is available. Other times I let my emotion push me towards something unhealthy as it is an emotional crutch I’ve sometimes hung onto. Regardless, if I prepare my lunches and breakfasts for the week in advance and back them each morning there’s no issue, I follow through on what I set as my default action.

Today I’m reminded of how much this has helped me start feeling better already without any real shift to my diet. I’m still eating what I want, but by taking a little time before I can set a plan to eat food I enjoy in the right portion size and without succumbing to the desire for junk food. One decision early in the week before I go to the grocery store makes an outsized difference the rest of the week.

Appreciation:

This weekend with my friends was significantly more beneficial than I anticipated. So many laughs, so much joy. There was also moments of sharing difficult things, but there were also many more moments of sharing fun times like vacations and talking about family. Throughout it was like I could just let my shoulders relax and just be, without any responsibility, without any stress, and without feeling the need to filter anything I thought or said. We shared professional successes and frustrations knowing that we were understood by the others and were able to gain both support and advice from each other on those matters. It was an oasis of suspended reality used to rekindle friendships and recharge the soul.

While one cannot live outside of reality for very long the impact of that time away can keep providing positive impacts for many months afterwards. Taking time in this protected little bubble creates space for insight, for learning, for understanding, for growth. Everything else outside still awaits, but it is all seen just a little more clearly – very similar to a vacation.

Presence:

There have been a handful of moments of presence that stick out. Watching a stand up comedian with my friends and laughing until it hurt. Listening to a wonderful audiobook. Talking with Mom about her camper expo experience. Getting home to hugs from Becky and Gavin. Catching up with both of them and then going for a walk in the woods. The enjoyment of making my meals for the week, adjusting recipes based on past experience. Relaxing with Becky. Taking the time to blog now. All wonderful moments, almost all shared.

Thanks!!!