2021 Words of Intention

I used to be really big into new years resolutions (see here and here).  I mean I still am into making resolutions but they don’t need to be beginning at the start of the year.  I set goals or dream big any time of the year, month or given day.  Continuous improvement is just that – continuous!

I still have a few goals but they are ongoing/refreshed from things I was working towards last year.

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I was journalling the other day and 3 words came to me:

Joy

Expression

Transformation

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I want everything I do this year to be an embodiment of these words.

If I go for a run, I want to stop and take some pictures of me and my surroundings be cause that is an expression of my joy.

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As soon as I have an idea for a post whether it’s on the blog (here or here), LinkedIn or Instagram, I am not going to sit on it – I am going to immediately express it.

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If I need to upgrade, change or create something – I am going to make that transformation happen.

I think using words as intentions for your year is a great tool.  They can be easily reminders providing quick ways to act.


Do you set resolutions at the start of the year?

Have you tried using a words as intentions for your year?

Reviving our vegetable garden

I’ve been day dreaming about writing this post of weeks!  But with the current state of affairs, it’s been impossible for me to find the time to complete it. I’ve started this draft, added to it, left it for days and then back to it over the last several weeks!

Backyard Garden, Vegetable Garden, Ontario

This actually sounds very similar to the relationship I’ve had with our garden this year.

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It’s been even harder to give our garden the same amount of attention it has received in previous years.

Celery, Regrow, Start Your Own Garden, Backyard Garden

(That being because most of my energy is divided between the family in my home and myself. #PandemicLife)


I had big plans for last year.  I wanted to have a new layout and really try NEW things.  But that unfortunately just didn’t happen.

 

 

 

Thankfully, the girls and mister have really pulled through and kept up with the harvesting, watering, pest watch and overall love that a backyard garden requires.

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Before the weed clean up!

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After cleaning out the weeds, turning the soil and adding fresh earth.

Ontario, Start Your Own Garden, Backyard Garden

You may already know that we had planted garlic last fall and then at the beginning of April we made an order for several plants from a local nursery, we picked them up mid May and planted them May 20th!

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So initially we planted garlic in the fall.  Then in the spring, we planted: tomatoes (2), eggplant, cucumber, zucchini and sweet bell pepper in the garden bed.  Later in the summer we added long green beans and radish seeds!  In pots we have a celery, mint and green onion.  We received our plants from a nursery and planted them in our garden bed on May 20th.

The harvest was slow! We didn’t receive our first tomato until sometime in July (I think because we planted so early and because there was a few very cold days that happened between May and June.  But here we are and our garden is in full swing.

Garlic, Backyard Garden, Gardenbed Eggplant, Garden bed, Backyard Garden, Ontario Green Tomatoes, Green Thumb, Garden, Backyard Garden Cucumber, Zucchini, Sweet Pepper, Backyard Garden, Green Thumb


Read more about my gardening adventures! Starting tomatoes in pots, lessons learned and other herbs.

Practicing Self Care during Physical Distancing

It’s been over 10 weeks since we started physically distancing.

Information is changing constantly and of course I am hopeful and I am also realistic. But I think I am extra sensitive these days.

Flowers in a Vase

Initially, it felt great having “extra time” but then life at home got busier with full time everything all the time!

Having to facilitate remote schooling, preparing wholesome learning activities, tutoring, all day child minding along with being a housekeeper, cook, partner.  Mix in part time school and WFH – it literally left no time for anything else.

And then something clicked and I realized that this wasn’t going to be a sprint – but a marathon. I also realized I needed to re-adjust the action plan for the long haul.

The feeling of being extra sensitive comes and goes in waves – I’m trying to figure out what and when I’m triggered and remove those triggers from my immediate attention (I am sharing this in case others are feeling the same but also to share that this activity is part of the readjustment for the long haul).

WFH Outfit

So now I am taking it one day at a time, learning to relentlessly triage, give myself grace, slow down all while enjoying this special-unusual-new normal as much as I can.

I also remind myself of this:

  • happiness isn’t a destination
  • being positive is knowing things will get better even if they aren’t great right now

Self Care Physical Distancing

Apart from these thoughts, there is always a loud voice telling me to be creative.  When I am not writing/taking pictures regularly I just feel off. So with whatever time I can manage, I’ll try to make space for creativity.

With all that said, I hope you are doing well and in case you need a recharge as we enter week 11 of physical distancing I’ve included some self care ideas to keep you going for the long haul.

  1. Create a (new) routine. Realizing I didn’t have my commute, my morning step count/city walk, my time to scroll IG, read a book or catch up/make lists/plan. Although I don’t have a routine that makes me grounded, I had to be okay changing things up.  Steps around the house or a quick walk with the girls around the street, read in bed while the house is closet/before getting up to start the day.  Part of the routine also includes remote learning for the kids as well as teaching them about when we have work tasks/meetings.  It’s a tricky balance but we are getting there.
  2. Get dressed in something cute every morning.  Ok I am definitely not wearing dress pants, skirts or blazers.  But a fresh pair of leggings and a cute sweater can make all the difference.
  3. Exercise and find ways to be active.  Workouts have changed.  Running outdoors doesn’t feel the same.  I have to really fight for my 10k steps.  But I do it anyways.  I take the stairs more than I have to.  I chase the kids.  I try not to stand still and walk during meetings.
  4. Talk to someone.  I think since 2020 started, I realized that I became an introvert in adulthood.  Or maybe I just crave my own space, quiet and stillness.  But then I found that I needed to talk to people who filled my cup. I needed to surround myself with positivity and clarity.  Thankfully I have a few people I can talk to.
  5. Drink tons of water.  Water/Sparkling/Herbal tea + multiple trips to the bathroom :)
  6. Conscious Eating.  We’ve started meal planning again or atleast writing a list of meals for the week so we can prep in advance or not have to think of options when it’s time to eat.  Make grocery lists.  And decide on when we want to indulge (because that happens!)

Creativity

How to be a good mom? (it’s not what you think)

 

Who agrees with me that we should rename mothers day to Mother Figures day.

We need to be more understanding to the people who don’t have a mom, to the people who’s relationship with their mom is strained at best, to the people who dread this day because it makes them feel inferior, to the people who’s dad’s, grand parent, step parent, foster parent, aunt/uncle are mother figures, to the mom’s who just want a moment of quiet without the feelings of guilt and definitely to the mom’s who don’t think they are doing anything right (when they are actually doing everything right!)

If there is anything I’ve learned in the almost 5 years of being a mom is that it’s a thankless job.  It’s both exhilarating and anxiety inducing.  It’s a job where you have to be flexible and ready to change to keep growing and build something real.  It’s a job where you have to remain calm when everything is chaotic.  A job where transparent communication are critical to success.  A job where you have to lead with love (especially on the days you want to punch a wall or throw your coffee mug at a window).

But with all that said it doesn’t take a certain type of person, certain type of pregnancy, birth experience or even a certain type of upbringing to be a good mom.

To be a good mom you just have be a good human.

So if you are a good human or you know a good human who deserves a treat (mom, mom figure or non mom) hopefully you can find some inspiration below :)Mother Figures Gift Guide

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Warmer Weather Wish List 2019

Warmer Weather Haul

We are officially in the dog days of winter!  There isn’t any more expected snow fall but the temps are still pretty chilly. The grey and brown snow banks are slowly melting away and there is more sunlight in the early evenings.  Like most Canadians, we are ready to pack away the cold weather gear and usher in the fresh Spring air.

Along with thinking about all the fun things to do as the weather warms up (honestly the simple things like opening the windows in the house 😂), I do get excited about shopping my closet to re-aquaint myself with all of my warm weather outfits.

But I thought I’d put this quick wish list together in an attempt to ignore the still quite frigid temperatures!

Goal Set 2019

Well we are officially into our first week of 2019, but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t put any thoughts into new years goals. This year I wanted to keep it somewhat open ended and rather give myself room to explore where I want to be able to grow in 2019.  Below are some areas I am working on this year!
1) Make our house our Home
2) Get educated
3) Practice creative consistency
4) Improve my self care activities
5) Keep focus on my wellness journey

6) Quality time for the relationships that really matter in my life

And there you have it – and yes that is the easy part.

When I used to have a gym membership, I remember the first 3 weeks of January it was so packed I’d have to wait for a cardio machine!  But by February 1st, we were back to the regular gym crowd and having several treadmills always available to choose from.

It’s simple to write down the goals you want to work towards but actually reaching the goals is the hard part.  From my own experience, I know that if you really want to achieve something, you have to “be ready” to (aka your mind has to “be ready”). And by that I mean, put in the time and effort, do the hard things and be flexible on the path.

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So here are some tips to help you strive for progress while working towards your new year goals:
1️⃣ Use a Habit Tracker: a great way to mark that tiny step you took towards your goal is by tracking it. Checking a checkbox can be very satisfying and a great motivator for continued progress.
2️⃣ Set a Challenge for 30 Days: It could be that you want do 100 squats a day, cut out refined sugar or drink 8 glasses of water – try doing it for 30 days. Better yet start your 30 day challenge in February or March. It greatly reduces the stress around resolutions failing at the beginning of the year and also lets you try out something without a major commitment.
3️⃣ Reward yourself: I think this is the most important one.  Try setting mini milestones and associated rewards when you reach them.  It might be getting your nails done or buying new running new gear.  Celebrating even the tiniest of wins is great for productivity and performance.  Your brain will start to link pleasure with reaching a goal and continue to strive for that in the future.