Kitchen Time with Wendi

I woke up this morning to an email reminding me to pause… it made me laugh to myself. Seriously, I need an email reminding to pause for a minute and breathe? That seems so crazy to me.

Yes, I set an alarm every morning. Yes, I have my routine each day. Yes, I am constantly thinking about what is next on my to do list. Yes, I feel accomplishment when I can check things off but I never just pause.

Pause to take a breath. Pause to get up and walk around which is really important when you sit at a desk all day long. Pause to grab some water. Maybe grab a snack. Pause to just sit in silence and think.

We all go about our days, typically pleasing others. But what about you?

This is your friendly reminder to take a pause for YOU!

the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative

~New Oxford American Dictionary

I find many things and people inspiring. Quotes and manifestations I can relate to; lyrics to songs that describe how I am feeling about a personal situation; people who share their stories and their learnings from those experiences; a gorgeous sunset or delicate flower to highlight nature’s beauty.

Life inspires. Every day is a new day to begin again. So today, I started the day thinking through what the day could look like: a nice sunny, Florida heat-filled day; a 4 mile walk with my best friend; strong and confident feelings as I write and share these thoughts.

What will inspire you today?

I have been on hold for way too long. In the past year, my weight has gone up and down by 25 pounds. It’s time to get back into my routine. In the past year, I have made some major life decisions. After 20 years of marriage, I learned I was living for everyone else and not myself. After 15+ years with a magical company, my passion, skills and knowledge are being valued and growing with a new purpose. In the past year, I have made choices to discover, maybe rediscover, myself and my worth, make myself happy and live my best life. I am back and working on being my BEST self. Please join me on this journey…
❤️

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I try to spend Sundays with a little rest and relaxation so I am recharged for the week ahead.

My to dos each Sunday:

1. HYDRATE • I always start the day with a tall glass of water

2. MOVE • I love a great sweat session or dance party

3. BLOG • I spend time writing which has become therapy for my mind

4. FAMILY • there is always some activity to bring us together (dance party or a great family hike)

5. PREP • I spend at least 30 mins each Sunday planning the week ahead and mapping out my calendar with intention and non-negotiable

How do you spend your Sundays? ❤️

Risk IS the possibility that something will go wrong, so it is easy to wonder if you are ready to take the chance. However, on the other side of that chance could be something amazing. The chance at a new business venture; the chance of a new relationship. The chance at something you never even imagined. Are we ever really ready? Just go for it and do something great!

❤️

As I continue my self-care journey, I am discovering how I constantly move from one thing to the next; attempting to multi-task, which in reality is never putting my best work forward. Just like my cell phone (that I am constantly connected to), I need a break and a moment to recharge.

Since working from home, I never shut down. From my corporate day job, to being a wife & mom, to the many side hustles I am working on, I. Never. Slow. Down.

During this pandemic time, it’s even easier to stay connected to my phone 24/7 and be available and accessible, but I am exhausted. Mentally, emotionally and physically. I find myself sitting and working at the kitchen table for 8 hours with very little movement throughout the day. In fact, I am typing this blog from my spot right now…

I try to be in the moment, at any given time. I get distracted, so easily. Pop-up email notifications, a text message that comes through, it is so easy to “do” so many things at once, but really not accomplish any. Lately, I have been putting my phone out of reach when we are watching TV, date night with Clay and playing with AJ.

I have become very intentional with recharging. I wake-up and work out HARD. A great sweat session always leads to a great morning. Whether I lift weights, spin on my Peloton or go for a power walk, I always find a way to move every day. Then it’s shower, get ready, school drop-off. During my time with AJ in the car, it’s all about him! He picks the music and conversation and I look forward to our laughs every morning.

On to my work day… after drop-off, I head back to my kitchen table for hours of back to back zoom calls, tasks to complete after those zoom calls, research, follow-up, the list goes on. Whenever I have a few minutes, I excitedly grab my keys and walk to the mailbox. A few steps and maybe some happy mail (not often but sometimes there is a surprise in our box) give me something to break up my day. There are a few bio breaks and some snacks throughout the day (I get hangry when I don’t eat, so I try to always have snacks nearby).

When I actually shut-down the computer (technology needs a break as well), I then find myself scrolling through my various social media platforms to check out the latest pics, news & updates. I spend intentional, scheduled time focusing on my side businesses and communities. I plug in my phone and find ways to plug into my mind (or unplug and take a mental break from reality). I enjoy some cuddle time on the couch while watching whatever our latest binge show of the week might be (Gilmore Girls is my latest obsession as I type this).

Whether it be a physical break to allow our bodies to rest, a deep breath (or 2) to clear our minds from stress or a quick dance party with a fun song to move after sitting all day, we all need a moment throughout the day to take a break. Writing has always been an outlet for me, so I also use this platform as a way to re-energize. A way to pause, a time to think & put my thoughts into words.

To borrow a quote from Sam Glenn, “sometimes the best solution is to REST, RELAX and RECHARGE. It’s hard to be your best on empty.”

An important part of self-care is your emotional well-being. In simple terms, emotional self–care is caring for your emotional needs by identifying what it is you’re feeling and then moving forward in a way that honors yourself and those emotions.

All the feels

It is easy for others’ emotions to have an impact on your own feelings and outlook. When I spend time with upbeat & positive people, the friends who always have an overflowing cup and find the positive in the worst situations, I find myself laughing, engaged in conversation and enjoying myself. Unfortunately when I am around negative people, the ones who always find their glass half-empty and always posting the “world is coming to an end” articles, I have found that I have to limit my time around them as I get quiet, very introspective and less engaged. 

We need to understand how we can find the center for emotional well-being. I am learning to put my emotions into my writing and share my story. My focus on “Being My Best Self” has really enabled me to find my authentic self by using my words. 

Here are a few ways you can practice emotional self-care and letting go of the negative.

1. Say it loud and proud “self-care is NOT selfish!” Learn to say yes to yourself and your needs. We all have essential needs and we need to honor and prioritize ourselves first.

2. Take care and listen to your body. If you are mentally exhausted, find a way to step back and BREATHE. If you are feeling stiff and tight, stretch your body or do some yoga poses. If you are feeling fatigued and tired, take a nap.

3. Take time out to reflect on how you are feeling, what might be bothering you and write it down in a journal.

4. Be aware of your self talk. Are you kind to yourself? Do you tell yourself you got this and you are doing great, even on the hard days? OR is there negative self-talk about how you aren’t good enough, skinny enough, smart enough, etc? Remember, to be kind with your words. The conversation you have with yourself is the most important conversation you will have.

Self-care comes in many ways, but I tend to focus on these 3: physical, emotional & spiritual. I try and find ways to incorporate each one in my daily activities. Some days are much easier than others.

Physical self care involves activities that improve your physical health such as diet and exercise. It also means seeing a doctor when you are sick and taking the time to rest, which tends to be difficult for us busy women. Since we are so focused on taking care of others, we may find the time to exercise and move our bodies – which is so great, but the medical stuff is equally, if not more, important.

After my annual physical, I immediately make the following year’s appointment and enter it into my calendar (which I completely live by). This holds me accountable since it’s already scheduled.

I know we are busy, but I am here to share some tough love and remind you to pause, reflect and prioritize the most important person… YOU!

Say it with me, “Self-care is NOT selfish.”