New seasons, new grooves. New routines, new schedules. While everyone has their own method of navigating new grooves and seasons, there are certain methods that are really working for me right now- which may be helpful for you too.

Side note: New seasons is somewhat of a joke right now because right now we are literally under a blizzard warning. Seriously. It is April 14. I’m perceiving this as a good opportunity to hang around the house and just get things done, however Mother Nature- I think you’re drunk. Send your friend, Spring, quickly to help! Also, nobody needs to know that I haven’t changed out of my sweats yet (well besides you, friend). #LetsBeReal

 

New seasons, new grooves. Once we find a new routine or a new schedule, something changes- right?

We’re either getting over a challenge, in a challenge, or there’s a challenge on the horizon.

 

I guess the moral of the story is to embrace and expect the changes, but goodness that’s not always easy.

Or let’s even say, look forward to the unexpected. Uhhh…

 

Nonetheless I’m choosing to be well in this current groove by centering on these things… and maybe these things will help you too.

 

 

Be Well: Navigating a New Groove

 

Reprioritizing– Reminding myself that I (alone) cannot do it all at one time. Somethings move to the top of the list, somethings are hopeful to get done but not sweatin’ it if it doesn’t. Obviously I’m planful but also a good reminder to roll with the changes of unexpectedness.

This is a good reminder to me because things always happen unexpectedly- a bumped up deadline at work, kids get sick, or something breaks down.

More about this below.

 

Sometimes, the little things matter- a cup of coffee, sleeping for another 30 minutes (for example), washing your face.  While still little things, these things make a big difference. Let’s just even say HUGE difference. Whatever these little things are for you.  These are three of my little things that matter to me in my groove.

For example, this morning during our blizzard warning, I even took my cup of coffee to the next level. French press. Yep, I did it folks. Meaning, I took it out for this morning to use because I don’t use it daily and it made one of my little things just a little more.

 

Self care-

• Reading– I enjoy reading- books, that is. This is a priority for me and this is actually two fold: it forces me to slow down and sit, and it allows me to delve into “another world” for a bit. Frankly, it can be refreshing to step out of the chaos for 10-15 minutes, and then return. Years ago I remember thinking, “I don’t have time for reading. I barely have time for a shower.” True, very true. Heck, sometimes I catch myself saying it now. But the point is to take a few minutes for solo self care (maybe a shower), or whatever that is for you. For me right now, in this stage of life, it is reading. Stay tuned for my next post about this and what I’ve been reading…
• Music– I love music. Singing and listening to music in the background. Whether I want to calm down, relax, or dance- I love music. I have several different stations I listen to, depending on what I’m doing and my mood. For example, when I am grading papers I have non-lyrical, calming music going on. You are welcome, students. But when I’m home with the kids, we amp up the dance music for a kitchen dance party!
• Nutrition– Winter has overextended its stay and I’m looking forward to being outside. Honestly, during this winter season I have not focused diligently on my fitness as much as I usually do because I have prioritized other items for self care (see above). I was okay with this because I knew its hiatus was only temporary (key word, here). Therefore during this season I have purposely strengthened my nutrition so I still feel well, and frankly counter my hiatus. While I don’t eat perfect, I eat fairly well 80% of the time. However this hiatus of movement is soon ending…

 

While new seasons will always come along with new grooves, we explore new methods to be well.

My best to you,

Laura