"Be Anxious for Nothing" - I'm trying but it sure is hard!

 

Hello friends, 

I hope you are all hanging in there this week - it's been emotional, scary, unsettling... and I could go on with a list of superlatives that don't do it justice.  I'm thankful for the people in my life that help me find peace in the chaos, and the small moments of light, love, and levity.  

Reflections : 

In full transparency, when extra anxiety creeps in I sometimes retreat internally and all my energy goes into keeping up with work and maintaining the basics in life...so I haven't spent a huge amount of time devoted to intentionally thinking about mindfulness but it being in the back of my mind has helped me sometimes.  Simply thinking about where my energy is going helps preserve it and sanity sometimes. A social media break here, and a quick stretch or walk with the dog there, goes a long way. 

Exploration:

My yearly planner has sections called "Awareness and Self Discovery" and "Daily Rituals" that have some thought provoking questions to think about as you start the new year. I was able to spend some time this past week thinking through them and getting my thoughts down...

I also did some exploring of some cookbooks I've had for a while about foods that are anti-inflammatory so I have a few recipes from them on deck for the next week.  I'll keep ya posted! 

What We're Reading:

Books:

I'm reading Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood.  I had no idea that this path to the priesthood existed so it's fascinating to me so far.  I always enjoy a biography with a glimpse into someone's life that isn't exactly like mine.  I feel like you can learn a lot about people and empathy by getting insight into someone else's mind and world.  Hopefully by my next post I will have finished this and have more thoughts!

Wishing you all some peace, calm, good fellowship, and perhaps some fur-baby snuggles if you've got furry friends in your life... we could all use a little pet therapy. Can't wait til spring when I am hopefully back in my camper on the weekends and listening to the ducks and watching the lake. I will definitely be looking for some winter-time nature therapy.  Sending hugs and love out to all of you!

Peace, Love, and Paw Prints, 

Camping Librarian