6 Simple Life-Giving Refreshments
We’re counting down the last few weeks of this pregnancy and it’s going by fast or slow, depending on something random that I have no control over. We could have a baby any day (not literally probably) or we might never have a baby (also not literally). But we are passing our days, just carrying today and getting things ready for Luke to arrive.
Here are a few small things that are making a big difference in my life right now.
1. My short haircut. I cut my hair in January or February and it’s my favorite haircut ever. I’ve never liked my hair “short” for this long and, at this point, feel like I may never go back. It’s much faster to fix and it stays looking good all day (and is easy to fluff if it needs it late afternoon). In other words: lower maintenance and it looks better!
2. Our afternoon routine. Once quiet time and our reading lesson is over, we’ve fallen into the habit of watching a Daniel Tiger while I doze for a few minutes and then going to play in the pool for an hour. The rest is amazing for me and then they get to burn off some energy.
(Side note: we almost got a slightly bigger pool but I told Justin I wanted one this size so that I could sit out with Luke after he’s born instead of needing to get in with them.)
3. Chasing the inspiration. I sat and made a list of low-key writing ideas the other day but overall, the writing ideas seem slim right now. But I’m brimming over with ideas for art projects and home projects and I’ve decided to chase those instead of trying to crank out more writing projects. Creativity ebbs and flows and I’ve done this long enough to know that it will cycle back around. No need to freak out or force things.
4. Iced coffee. Enough said, right? Seriously though, I use this recipe by Pioneer Woman and I sip on a big plastic mason jar of it all morning (and drink at least that much water as well). I also add caramel syrup to it because what’s coffee without caramel?
5. Simple 10 minute workouts. I’m doing a very small “workout” every other night that involves five exercises that I go through 3 times each. It’s better than doing nothing and I’ve found that one health initiative, such as the workout, will jumpstart other ones for me (such as cutting down on pop and eating more veggies). It’s a pretty big payoff for ten minutes.
6. A babysitter. We have a high school graduate that’s been coming to stay with the boys while I go to my doctor appointments with the baby and quite often Justin and I have snuck out for brunch or lunch afterward. It’s been the best thing ever.
Sometimes it really is noticing the little things that are working and not just seeing a tantrum (whether it’s mine or the kids!).
What’s refreshing you right now?
