Today was sort of a hard day–what a dreary start. Small things adding up, a fight with Steve, parenting, at times, feeling a bit hopeless, and kids that, for days, look like they stepped out of bleak house as you eye them suspiciously. I’m considering investing in an IV drip of vitamin D next to my living room couch (is it the lack of sun? lack of citrus? do you need a spinach smoothie?! tell me child! your mother wants some color in those cheeks!). Wintertime. Being closed into four walls for too many hours of the day has a way of holding a magnifying glass on the dingy parts of life. Would a fast-paced walk outside solve this? An afternoon at the beach? Probably. But, nay, it’s January and pretend as I might, I’m just not that walk-in-the-wintertime girl. (Still going to try to employ this tactic more often, though. Alongside tea, ample amounts of lemon water, and meditation.)
Yesterday, however, I was feeling energized. Energized to turn over some new leaves and take good care of myself and my people. After being away and hardly drinking water, I smugly filled my large mason jar of water, cut open a lemon, squeezed it into the water and thought, “Well done, Bridget, well done. This is a such promising start, you disciplined queen, you.” I made lists, wrote thank you notes, refilled the diffuser with a favorite (5 orange, 5 spruce, 2 geranium, 2 grapefruit, 1 lime–thanks to this IG account), started a new book and read something totally riveting aloud every… 2 minutes… to Steve to ensure that he too be on the same page as me in my quest for perfect wellness (he loved this, I’m sure), made a new recipe (Chrissy Teigen’s split pea soup; good, not great), and used a charcoal mask on my face. New year, new you.
But really, what I’m hoping for this year is that I continue learning more about myself in the hopes that, on the flip-side, I can be better, kinder, more loving to those around me. Learning how to communicate better. Especially tricky, as I might’ve considered myself something of an expert communicator, though I’m not sure the shoe always fits. Because, at times, I find myself in situations that have me questioning my ability to communicate. Wait, how are we here–I’m thinking this, and I’m saying that, but I really didn’t see this reaction coming. We all come with so much of our own baggage, and presuppositions, and defenses, don’t we? Gosh, we do. I don’t really know how exactly but I’m going to try to shed some of that and those. Speak slower and more thoughtfully. Have more patience for others arriving at points A or B with their baggage in tow.
What else? I’m going to begin camping again this year. Last trip was when I was hugely pregnant with Parker and peeing outside the tent about 7x a night, so I suspect it can only be an improvement. I’d also like to read more. This was a resolution last year, and I will say, I did a lot better in 2018 than previous years. Monkey see, monkey do–I want my boys to love reading too (in my head, I tell myself we can totally side-skirt the one day gaming requests with a love of reading and/or sports.). Are you trying to read more? If so, here are some that I’ve loved: Educated, The Reader, Carry On Warrior, Tribe, Unbroken. I want to lift more. Oh, and go to bed before 11, every night. And never, ever with my phone in the same room (okay, unless I’ve set an alarm for something specific). Okay, It’s 10:58 PM, gotta go!
There. That’s it. Happy 2019.
Hi Bridget–I feel the same about winter sometimes, too, living in the Midwest. A few years ago, I was inspired by a friend who runs in all kinds of weather, actually got the right gear and clothing–and now winter weather running/hiking/walking is my favorite! So invigorating, so peaceful. It’s done wonders for winter blues. And I’m trying to get my kids outside more in the winter, too. I’m completely inspired by There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurk–a Swedish mother (who used to live in the Midwest) raising two girls and getting them outside in all kinds of weather. Her IG account, rain or shine mama, is equally inspiring. Thank you for your blog–it’s also one of my little bright spots–no matter the weather. 🙂 Elizabeth
Happy 2019 indeed! Never stop learning… and never stop thinking positively! 🙂
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I just finished Becoming Mrs. Lewis. It was a beautifully written book and highly recommend! Living in the Midwest as well, I understand how it becomes depressing not being able to get outside. We are a family that loves to ride our bikes everyday, and now that we can’t, it’s hard to find ways to keep busy. You can only read so much, play board games, etc. You know what I mean. I personally joined the gym just to walk on the treadmill for an hour in the evening just to get out!
I went to my gym last night! Got on the treadmill with an incredible podcast, and then did some lifting. Now I’m drinking my lemon water, ha. We can do this!!!
Yes! I don’t being cold, so it’s really hard to appreciate winter besides looking out the window…ha! My husband is really great about taking the kids out to sled and stuff like that.
Bridget, Your resolutions for the new year are great. “Speak more slowly and more thoughtfully. Have more patience for others arriving at points A or B with their own baggage in tow.” Very insightful and important. Thanks for the reminder. Happy 2019!
Thank you, Marie! Happy 2019 to you too!
I agree with what Elizabeth said! I force myself to go running sometimes in the pouring down cold rain of Seattle and I ALWAYS feel better! Dogs are great for getting us outside too. That said, I’m from the Midwest originally and I know there’s a big difference between 43 degrees and rain and 1 degree and ice. Swimming has been a great winter activity for us as well.
I do a lot of epsom salt baths in the winter too which I swear has helped my energy levels.
You are a wonderful, thoughtful and inspiring human, lady! It’s why I’ve followed you for years.
I never try epsom salt baths — is there a good brand I should look for? Thank you for this sweet comment, Jennifer 🙂
I always don’t want to go outside when it’s bitter cold but once we bundle up and take a walk (albeit with sunshine) I feel much much better. Perhaps it’s getting over that I don’t want to be cold hump and soaking up the sun that can entice us to get out more.
Also bedframe! Old or do you have a link? Our current bedsharing is going to grow to a new tiny occupant in a few months and I’m on the hunt for a new frame!
we were staying at a friend’s in this picture so i’m not sure where it came from!