I Feel Like An Adult

So I have said a few times recently that for me, this year (32) is a year of brand new things.  I am aware of beginnings. (Did I say that? Or did I just think it?)

It's the first time I've had a coffee maker in my office.  

Well, wait, it is the first time I have had an office outside of my home.

I've also made my first friend as an adult.  And this is weird right?  Most people have friends, I think.  But if you work for yourself as much as I have and then have kids, you don't really have a lot of meeting people time.  

Since moving back to Providence I feel like so many doors are opening for me.  And in really healthy ways.  

I feel very fulfilled.  My kids are thriving (despite the long winter), my stress level is low (despite the craziness that is life due to moving my home and my business), my husband has lots of work and is happy (despite the fact that his desk is in the currently unheated basement), and lost importantly, I have a friend. Who lives down the street and has kids just my kids' ages.  So, like, we have everything in common (ish). 

But you know what the best part is? 

Not feeling so incredibly alone.  And to me that equals BEING HEARD.

Incredibly simple, yet incredibly empowering.  

So, I am going to add another word to this years word list: Community.

It is not always what/who you think.

We need each other, people.

Because when it is 8PM and I am already in bed, but stuffing chocolates into my mouth, it is far better to know that she is doing it too.

See?  Check out slide 4:  

Do Not Let It Fall Into Place

It's really easy to get stuck.  I don't want you to eat the same thing for breakfast everyday. Patterns are good.  Patterns are the enemy.  I am conflicted.  

Both statements are true.

Spread your wings.  Do something different.  Burst the bubble of familiarity.

And yet, familiarity makes us comfortable, keep it stable, allows us to stretch in new ways.  From that solid foundation of knowing what you will wear, you can branch out and confront new people.  Like that stuffed animal, the constant companion–with it by your side there are no monsters.

This week, we give thanks for each.

 For the Newness.  For the Sameness. For the Balance.

Balance - A Lesson From Fruit

Mmm, my whole car and house smelled like fresh berries for days.  Every year I like to pick as much as I can of fresh blueberries, strawberries or blackberries and freeze them for the winter ahead.  See, I like winter, but I don't like the absence of food that tastes like food.  So, this is my solution.

The whole time we were picking (and beforehand) I was think a lot about the concept of preparedness.  The fine line between being a horder and having a well-stocked pantry.  Similarly, the line between getting all of your work done, but not being obsessive about completion.  

There is something to be said for having fresh berries and there is something to be said  for having a blank to do list. BUT, not ALWAYS.  Again, back to the concept of balance.

Right now I am getting to practice a lot of my balance skills.  I feel like I am rushing very fast to the finish line of this pregnancy, but still giving myself those reminders to live in the present moment and balance FAST with SLOW. 

How do you keep balance in your life?