3.07.2009

{ in need of a break }


I'm checking in to let you know I'm checking out (before I end up in the loony bin). I've been here, but I haven't posted much because things have just been, well, kind of a busy mess. I'm going through an official rough patch right now. I feel tired and a bit off. I'm sick of winter and all I want to do is sleep. Not my usual self at all. I am working non-stop. And because I consider it my job to aim to inspire, organize and be healthy, fit & sane, I wasn't sure I wanted to write when feeling less than inspired myself. I'm deeply saddened by news that a childhood friend and young mom I know was just diagnosed with brain cancer. There is some family drama that popped up that has stressed me out. There's been loads and loads of work and not enough time with the kids...with biz #1's first race of the season coming up and biz #2 having all sorts of press and subsequent orders and business #3 about to launch, I've been working day & night despite my best intentions. All the talk about the recession is freaking me out. All of the blogging, twittering, facebooking - I'm over it. It's all just too much.

But these are all important reminders about how much I have to be grateful for. And I am doing my best to remind myself of that.

I'm happy to report that hitting the yoga mat has helped. The feeling that spring is right around the corner has helped. Date night with my hubby last night and dinner with friends helped. Knowing that my body is now cancer-free has helped. And the big smiles on my kids faces even on the busiest of days always helps lift ME up.

I'm trying to remember that each day is a whole new day to try to get it right. A new day where I can focus on what really matters and gracefully let the rest go. I love this quote - "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with high a spirit."

Join me this weekend by planning the week ahead. Plan ahead in order to make the best choices for ourselves, our bodies and our time. To put what matters most above what matters least. I vow to not over-commit myself or my family. I vow to say no more often to the things that don't matter. I vow to practice loving kindness to others. I vow to fuel my body with healthy foods, cut and wash my veggies ahead of time, have my green smoothie ingredients already in separate bags ready to dump in the blender each morning, stick with my meal plan and make double batches of some healthy things, soak my soy beans ahead of time, get out my running shoes, hug my kids so much they get annoyed with me, burn some candles, play some music and dance with the family, and go for a very long and quiet hike by myself… and touch my toes each morning... and pray too.

I'll be back soon friends, once my batteries are re-charged.

Print from here.

13 comments:

tracie said...

God's blessings on you and your family Jenny ... also also with your childhood friend.

It's so hard for us to allow ourselves the 'okay' to step back and take a break ... i commend you!

i patiently & understandably await your return ...

Deirdre said...

love this post. That last paragraph is EXACTLY the point of our Mom's Day Off retreat in May. We might want to read it aloud there in fact...can we?

I have to remind myself daily that the most important thing I can do for my children is model for them how to take care of one's self.

Congrats on all the business success. It WILL still be there, while you take care of other things.

dandee said...

It takes a wise person to know when to say "enough is enough". I hope you get the rest you need and I look forward to your return.

paula said...

I hope you feel refreshed and at peace soon. God bless you!

LobotoME said...

thank you all for your kind comments and emails...i know that we all feel this way sometimes and its completely normal and all of these things that overwhelm me are in my control. i've made good progress - a great, relaxing weekend with family, canceled obligations, deleted my facebook account (just a time suck), cleaned off my desk, went to yoga class, made some meals ahead for the weeks to come, etc...i'm getting back on track. thanks again for your kindness and understanding.

xoxo, jenny

Stephanie said...

I hear ya...facebooking is too much..twittering too. Can't handle it on top of life. I wouldn't want to stop living it now would I?

Hang in there and keep doing what your intuition tells you to do..

xo

Donna Foley said...

Jenny, I am thrilled beyond words that you are now cancer free, not knowing the history of that statement, and well not really needing to know, just please know that I am overjoyed for you.
I am also saddened that one of your close friends has brain cancer. Cancer is a horrible, horrible disease, this I know personally and professionally. There is nothing good I can say about it! Know that my thoughts are with you and your friends family during this time. If you have any ?'s I will do my best to answer them if you need a sounding board.
And finally congrats on taking care of you! You cannot take care of anyone else if you cannot take care of yourself... pretty sure someone really wise put that on a really cool poster that now hangs in my room. I'm taking a week of "Me Time" and going to Puerto Rico, comes from not having kids and a hubby, me books, beach and lots of sunscreen! Wanna come?
Take care Jenny, we will all be here when you come back!
Donna

Laura said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. My heart goes out to her, to you, and to your families.

I know what you mean about this time of year, too - I haven't been myself lately either. Lethargic, down, blah. Thank you for inspiring me to be proactive & do the things I know I need to do to make me feel better (i.e. eat healthy, get outside, lift some weights, enjoy my family).

Love that print, too, by the way!

The Depressed Yogi said...

i so hear you, Jenny. i SO hope things improve for you but in the meantime, treat yourself to plenty of yoga, candles, fresh flowers, baths, and of course lots of hugs and kisses from your little ones!

xoxo,
Carolyn

Mockabee Seven said...

I'm so glad I found this blog! Like your entire entry said, plan to take a break! I love organizing and planning my time, and in the midst of being a "doer", we forget to plan not to "do".

Prayers to your friend. Cancer is an ugly, unforseen theif.

Thanks for your inspiration!

karen said...

Hi!

Thanks for leaving me a comment on my blog. And a bigger thanks for leading me over here...your blog and your posts are wonderful. I'll be back--but I'm off to get that much-needed sleep right now.

Anonymous said...

hope you're having a refreshing break. sorry to hear about your rough patch + your dear friend... but thanks for sharing. we all certainly need a break ... take care of yourself ... and look forward to your return. xo, s

Anonymous said...

I was thinking about you today, and remembered this post. I hope things are slowing down in a good way and you are enjoying what matters most.