When Health is not Optimal

 I have been experiencing GI issues since March and it all began with a change in nutrition. Since that time I have tried several different methods to improve these issues, but it has been difficult with the transitions of moving to a new house in a new neighborhood. This move felt like a "death by paper-cuts" due to all the tedious tasks that needed one, differing expectations of how the move was going to go by my husband and I and overall, being at the mercy of things not in my control.

Navigating the usually daily tasks began to feel overwhelming and also trying to help our kids and especially our dogs to be set up for success in our new environment was challenging.

There is always grief in a move even for really good reasons and this time has been no different. Memories pop up and reflections about simpler times or how we got through trying times as a family in our old house. Even the dreaming phase in the new house takes mental energy. It is exhausting, exhilarating and excruciating for what seems like simultaneously. 

I'm Anxious About...

BRAIN DUMP! 

I'm anxious about:

* buying or finding a new to us dining room table and chairs (I know what I want) but it either takes 4-6 weeks to be delivered to us or I have to coordinate a trip to go pick up said table and upholstered chairs

* my body (she isn't how she used to be and I don't have the motivation to even take one extra step than my normal right now) -- more importantly my pelvic structure has changed and shifted so my digestive system is working different --> need to go to the doctor's

* my job (I'm tired of pursuing and creatively outreaching my clients...I care, I do, but the effort that I feel like I'm putting in has surpassed the effort I feel like they have - they often don't have the capacity to maintain our scheduled appointments and I'm worn with rescheduling and having to change my own schedule to accommodate)

* my house (all the little things out of place or undone) - we moved in early April, I know it will be a "work in progress" but can it be done, or at least one entire room be done?!

* how much caffeine I want to consume (I just want liquid energy these days)

* my skin (from blemishes to scars to imperfections and dark spots but primarily scabs-it doesn't bounce back, it indents and although it protects my organs and veins, it just looks and feels rough and spotty)

* my soul (it feels worn and flimsy - like the spiritual muscles are not firing with faith and intention like they used to do so)

* our dogs (Katie is 8 and getting older and she is our loyal, territorial, sweet, cuddly, wise and most human dog), (Ivy is a follow the leader, lacks marbles in the brain and is the most loving and curious pup that loves zoomies), (Max...so cute, cuddly, yearning for love, escape artist who may end up killing another dog if he is triggered)

* our dogs barking...at anything (it's loud and mostly unexpected)

* lack of a morning routine (it's hard to get out of bed these days...I remember days in my 30's when although I didn't want to get up-I had such determination and intention that it was 3-2-1 and out of bed with no thinking and immediately getting into the routine of movement and caring for myself)

* my own excuses and complaining

* feeling paranoid about my surroundings at home and in the city with working (being a white, middle-aged, average to short height female)

* living on a corner - cars going by

* having to go to the bathroom for what seems like all the time

* becoming dehydrated (past experiences fuel this one)

* not using my gifts or experiences that God has given to me; however, shutting down is also not a good alternative

Welcome to 2025 :: Traveling Light

 2024 was this past year which was “chasing excess” — it was suppose to be “come alive” or I don’t want to live an unlived life….so living and instead it was chasing excess.

So Right Now: I’m sitting on our couch, tree is down, ornaments piled on the dog crate, fake tree laying on the ottoman with Xmas nik-naks, candles lit on the mantle, Max is scratching his butt against the couch, Ivy is sleeping down at my feet, my laptop is on my lap and your voice is coming out of the speakers, brown noise is on the Alexa in our connecting kitchen, and the living room floor is fairly clear since I swept it after taking the tree down.

Raining heavily outside and gloomy looking.

—————————

Tilling the soil: preparing my mind, heart and body for letting go of “stuff”, items of value that I have not used and will not use, items and things I thought I wanted or my family would use…knowing that I do not know HAVE to know where things go. I DON’T HAVE TO KNOW!!! 

The hard part is the actual movement of these items OUT of the house. 

——————————

Drumroll….2025……..
The book is “The Year of Less” by Cait Flanders, a Canadian, who is now a freehance writer and was 29 at the time of writing when she blogged about her journey of choosing recovery, decluttering and rules of her shopping ban in pursuit of less. Excellent book.

2025 :: Traveling Light 

In fact I think that I have done it in the past but it’s different for me now and feels more pressing and needed than ever before.

In "The Year of Less," Cait Flanders chronicles her transformative journey of living with intention and reducing consumerism in her life. By committing to a year of minimalism, Cait discovers the profound impact of decluttering both her physical space and mental landscape. Here are ten key lessons and insights from the book:

1. The Power of Intentionality: Cait emphasizes the importance of being intentional about one’s choices. By identifying her values and priorities, she learns to make more conscious decisions that align with her goals, rather than succumbing to societal pressures or impulsive desires.

2. Consumerism and Its Effects: The book explores the negative impact of consumer culture on mental health and well-being. Cait reflects on how excessive shopping and materialism contributed to her feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction, prompting her to seek a more meaningful life.

3. The Joy of Decluttering: One of the key components of Cait's journey is the process of decluttering her possessions. She discovers that letting go of physical items creates space for emotional clarity and a sense of freedom, allowing her to focus on what truly matters.

4. Creating a Shopping Ban: Cait implements a shopping ban for a year, committing to only purchasing essentials. This challenge forces her to reassess her relationship with money and consumption, highlighting the difference between needs and wants.

5. The Value of Experiences Over Things: Throughout her year of less, Cait learns to prioritize experiences over material possessions. She finds that meaningful relationships, travel, and personal growth bring greater joy than any item she could buy.

6. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: The journey prompts Cait to engage in mindfulness practices and self-reflection. By slowing down and examining her thoughts and feelings, she gains insights into her motivations and desires, leading to greater self-awareness.

7. Building Community and Connections: Cait emphasizes the importance of community and relationships in her journey. By connecting with others who share similar values, she finds support and encouragement, reinforcing the idea that personal growth often thrives in collaborative environments.

8. Understanding Emotional Triggers: The author explores the emotional triggers that lead to shopping and consumer behavior. By identifying these triggers, Cait learns to address the underlying feelings, such as boredom or insecurity, rather than using shopping as a coping mechanism.

9. Learning to Say No: Cait learns the importance of setting boundaries and saying no to things that do not align with her values. This skill empowers her to protect her time, energy, and resources, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

10. Embracing Imperfection and Growth: Throughout her journey, Cait acknowledges that the process of simplifying her life is not linear and that setbacks are part of growth. She embraces imperfection and understands that the journey toward minimalism and intentional living is ongoing.

In "The Year of Less," Cait Flanders provides a candid and inspiring account of her quest to live a more intentional and fulfilling life by reducing consumerism. By applying these ten key lessons, readers can reflect on their own relationships with material possessions and consider the benefits of embracing minimalism and mindfulness in their lives. The book serves as a powerful reminder that true happiness and fulfillment often come from within, rather than from external possessions.