We've spent a week sick. And now that we're better, we're enjoying the sweet feeling of health returned and more energy yet still spending much of our days resting, moving gently. Because it seems that's what our bodies are wanting of us right now, and perhaps that's what winter is calling us to do too.
And while getting sick always upsets me, because I do oh so much to keep my family healthy, I've learnt a couple things this time around. And first is to redefine my thoughts on sick. Because colds and high temps, as much as it's horrible to see your babies unwell and exhausting to care for them when you're feeling much the same - well that's one level of sick that our healthy bodies can fight and handle. And that our bodies bounce back from rather well. So yes we've been sick, but in being so our bodies have shown us how strong and capable they are too. Because we are healthy.
And while I normally avoid catching what my girls get, this time around I'm pretty confident I had to get sick to realign myself with where I need to be. And turns out where I need to be is where I already am. Right here, just being, not doing more and not doing less, but shuffling things around so there's more time for what matters most.
I've also been reminded that I have time. I have time. Just saying those words aloud reminds me to slow. To give thanks for now. I made a couple big decisions this past month, and it turns out now I've changed my mind on those. And that's okay. Because slowing to take less on but take in more of right now, it just seems right for me. And us.
xx
Are you called to slow down this season too? x
This summer's been what I least expected. Ups and downs. Fast and slow. Filled with contrast. But I suppose that's more than summer - that's living, learning, surviving, celebrating. That's life.
Half way through the season and finally the summer weather {read heatwave} has arrived.
And finally it feels I've arrived too - thriving in body, mind and soul.
This summer has equalled...
More time at the beach with my girls than ever before.
Realigning myself with priorities, rhythms and intentions that speak to my heart.
Finding pockets of slow to see me through bursts of relentless and busy {but grateful for} work.
Redefining healthy once more.
Learning and relearning.
Affirming, journaling and meditating.
Gaining new insight. And ideas.
Buying more books than I can read right now.
Carving out pockets of time to be alone and just be.
Choosing more. And choosing less.
Making parts of each day a holiday, when true holidays just can't happen right now.
And it feels like all these changes have been a long time coming.
But today I realised while the timing was gradual it was also perfect, and it's left me looking at a better {healthier, stronger} me.
xx
What makes you a better you? x
I stared at the ocean twice this week {mesmerised by the rhythm of crashing waves}.
On both days the ocean seemed to hold so much strive and purpose {intent on getting things done}.
And I've been feeling a little the opposite {watching days unfold and struggling to find my own rhythm in their speed}.
Weeks like this floor me {leave me overwhelmed, wondering and eager for a new day}.
Mid-week {and again today} I realised where I was heading {a feeling of disconnection coming from my soul}.
And so {with help from a friend} I remembered to hold my heart close {and listen for words of ways to make a change}.
I trusted time and I trusted my body {and they trusted my heart}.
I meditated and I practised yoga {and gave thanks for two little girls who sleep at the same time}.
I recieved calls from three girlfriends I haven't spoken to in weeks {and gave thanks that our friendship is stronger than time}.
I looked into a dark early morning sky {and gave thanks for the day that was, and the lessons learnt}
I watched the sun rise and gently transform the sky from black to blue {and gave thanks for a new day and a shining sun}.
I chose to believe the words that keep coming at me {today will make you stronger for tomorrow}
And on the bumpiest of weeks, I gave thanks for the practise of gratitude {and the many blessings it allows me to see}.
Elisa xx
{Grateful I can find gratitude no matter the week's happenings ~ linking to Kidspot's 52 Weeks of Grateful}
What are you grateful for this week?
Do you ever stop and think about how you got to this point?
This point in time. Right here. And right now.
This place where your feet rest.
This place where your eyes gaze.
This place where your mind wanders.
This place where your heart beats.
I've been stopped in my tracks a few times in the past week {gazing at where I am, at the emotions I'm fuelling, at how far I've come and at how far I haven't}.
And it's all a little overwhelming {to look back and see where I was}.
Because some of those places are brimming with happiness {a joy so great that just visualising that moment sees me smile}.
Because some of those places are filled with tears {single tears that taste a little bitter a little sweet, and sometimes hundreds of sobbing tears that cry a mixture of sick, lost, exhausted and stuck}
Because some of those places are a blend of fun, effort, laughter, love and comfort too {a haze of colours, textures and emotions, but mainly a gentle rhythm of days}
But it is here my feet rest {firmly planted on the ground, putting down roots of love and strength}.
And it is here my eyes gaze {wondrously into the big bronze eyes and loving hearts of two giggling baby girls}
And it is here my mind wanders {to thoughts of the future I dream}
And it is here my heart beats {a thankful tune for the love it recieves and the love it gives}.
And so here I am at this point in time {stronger than before, and dreaming more than ever}.
Elisa xx
Where are you {at this point in time}? Do you ever stop and think about how you got to where you are now?
