Have you ever had an off day? Extremely frustrating! Right? That was today.
Woke up tired.
Work was a success.
But my skin has been flaring all day. ☹️
If anyone has ever dealt with eczema then you know how frustrating it can be. I do have a few tips to offer, shortly.
The things we have to do to keep the flare-ups at bay.
Not really sure what to say about the day. I felt "off" today. Lost in thought and ready to exercise. Not a bad combination; just weird.
I've been working on getting caught up with my 365 Bible app. Highly recommend The Bible Project! This app is fantastic. The two guys who created it make the Bible very easy-to-understand. Anyway, I'm a few days behind because the app unexpectedly changed the Bible version I was listening too. I've been pouting because I can't find my original version. What I have is good enough I guess at the moment; I just need to get caught back up. Why LISTEN? I've read The New Testament at least six times in my life. I've attempted to read The Old Testament at nausea but never finished. So how to ensure you get through the parts you just can't get yourself to finish reading? LISTEN! It has worked. A few of the stories I just couldn't finish reading are finally completed.
Later in the day it was time to teach my water aquatics class. The basis of what I teach is Barre, Pilates, and Aerobics. However, for this particular class someone asked about Zumba. Zumba?!? Ugh... I am not a fan of dancing. I can DO IT... I didn't say I'm a fan. LOL. (Let's put it this way; I'm not A.J.! He's fantastic and fun and that man's hips can MOVE.) I spent time researching because class is never for me, it's ALWAYS about my students.
Water Aerobics: if you did it right then your ABS SHOULD HURT. The first 20 minutes was Zumba, 10 min stretch, and we ended with Jenn-Style Pilates. (whoo-hoo) Note for next time: stand on deck when teaching Zumba because it's just easier. I question if everyone was able to "tighten those abs and move those hips" as well as I wanted. But hey, if you're moving, having fun, and can feel something then that's a win! When we hit the Pilates I went even harder on the core. (Earlier was abs, arms, and legs.) Now full-body was required. ** I don't know how my students felt but when I got out of that water MY ENTIRE MIDSECTION HURT. LOL! Good job teacher. (FYI: You'll never hurt in a bad way or for a long period. It's the "hurt so good" you know you worked muscles you forgot you had.)
*** Exciting news: I should be getting Barre certified next Sunday- so there will be YouTube videos to watch soon on here as well. You can exercise in your own home, at your own comfort level, and still feel the effects of positive movement and exercise.
When I got home I wanted to do some health research but I just crashed. Not exactly sure what happened. No motivation. (And if you asked what happened to a sauna in the evening... the sauna was over 170 degrees. Too hot for me. I prefer it around 164 degrees.)
So sleep and calm win the day. But I did take a few minutes to look at the stars. The moon was bright orange but covered by clouds. There was only a straight line on the bottom right that you could see of it. (Never seen it look like that.) Of what stars could be seen they were bright. It was just a cool, calm, nice night.
Daily Quote: Two quotes that I think are fitting for today:
"Peace arrives when you stop fighting the moment." — Maxime Lagacé
"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." — Oprah Winfrey
Make sure to take time, deep breathe (no less than a minute and preferably outside), and enjoy the exact moment that you are in. We are only guaranteed that time. In our current day-and-age, how many of us race around meeting someone else's schedule and demands that we forgot to take care of ourselves first? Make time for you too! Because the happier you are, the happier your loved ones are around you too. Emotions are contagious. Be the best you possible.
Interesting day to say the least!
* Everything at the pool was great. People were friendly and exercising (yay!). Saw a few people on an "off" day from their regular schedules and that's ok. It's always about the workout and positive attitudes.
* My break consisted of a 45 minute sauna session later in the day. The room was about 168 degrees. (Trying to get my body to build up to 1 hour.) Wheewww... that is HOT! I left 20 minutes in to grab more water and then resumed my session.
** Actually, if you want to laugh even more, we had vegetables and a pickle at the front desk for a "snack." Yup, took that back to the sauna for dinner. 😂 Hey, when you need to multitask and reach goals, we do what works!!! I was beyond happy. And that 2 minute break helped me survive the last of sweating in the sauna.
*** One of my favorite peeps came in and she was laughing and asked "are you eating a pickle?" Yup, No Regrets! Gotta make sure to keep the electrolytes up and that's one of the fastest ways. We had a wonderful health conversation too. Ahh... that brightened my day.
**** After sauna while on deck, my skin felt like it was bursting light beams from the inside-out of my skin. Energy had increased. The feeling was intoxicating. I felt so young and healthy. Saunas definitely serve a purpose!!! Just increase slowly and healthy FOR YOUR BODY.
* I got home to take care of the pets. Grabbed a water. Pet my sweet dog. (The rabbit has been hiding in the basement and I don't know why. 😟 Moody?!) Anway, I sat on the floor and pet my dog, played with her, and turned on Netflix. This show called My Brilliant Career came on. I binged the whole show that night. Yup, I completely forgot to write. And if you like good writing and quality acting, I highly recommend watching this! Ahh... this was GREAT. (I also may enjoy it because I'm a writer at heart.) On a positive note, all the necessary sleep was had by the next day.
Lesson of the day: Sometimes take time for yourself. It's worth it! For me: heat, relaxing, pets, and sleep is self-care too and I loved every minute of it.
Daily Quote: An empty tank will get you nowhere, so make sure to refill that tank to keep going at your preferred pace in life.
"To accept ourselves as we are means to value our imperfections as much as our perfections." -Sandra Bierig
What a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the weather was nice and cool, and it was an all-round gorgeous Tuesday.
Funny: Addie got her hair done yesterday. Today, it was my turn. 😄 Guess we're all looking shiny and pretty in this household.
To-Do List:
I had to run a few other errands afterwards. Pitstop to parent's house again.Then had an amazing phone call with a mentor. Trying to make miracles happen beginning next week... so we'll see what happens with Physiology and Anatomy. And taking care of business for the end of the evening.
Addie and I finally did our walk. A different place we don't always get to go to, but this place is gorgeous. She HATES the sand hill. Not going to lie, that hill is a bit brutal but it will make anyone a good runner and get you in shape. The trees, the fresh air, the dirt trails, kind people, and we completed the walk just before the rain started. One hour and perfect timing. By the time we got to the car, she was ready to go home.
The rest of the evening has been productive. Plowing through the to-do list and making things happen. That's all we can ask for, right? Do our best, stay organized, love ourselves, provide self-care, and be prepared for the next day.
Here are a few photos of our outdoor excursion after working on business:
My recommendation: any time you can be outside, breathe in the clean air, and enjoy nature, nothing trumps health like that. Don't forget to stay hydrated, eat healthy, and don't push yourself past your personal limits.
Daily Quote: The trees, birds chirping, walking in the sand/dirt, and deep breaths are all ways to connect to mother Earth, be grounded, and anchor your energy into the present moment. It is equally important to leave technology behind, allow the mind to be at peace, and enjoy the quiet to tune into yourself and allow for less chaos and positive mental clarity.
The best part about Monday is there are never any Monday Blues. 😂
Moral of the story: when your body says to rest, REST. Upon waking my voice was healed, the body felt great, the doggie was happy, and life was good.
Daily Quote: Rest is not an act of selfishness, but rather the purest form of self-love. - Tricia Hersey
The BEST parts of today:
🕂 Church: I FINALLY made it to church. It has been forever since I've been there, and it felt really nice to get back on track and see everyone again. Numerous times I've been told the power of a church group and how much it can offer has positive benefits in your life.
🏃 Exercise: Night-time walk again. It's so beautiful outside. Along with a sauna experience for 45 minutes; it took everything I had because the last 5 minutes were brutal. I'm happy with the results. Down another 6 lbs AND my resting heart rate is dropping into a normal range again... Yay!
💸 Wallet: Cannot say THANK YOU enough to PANERA BREAD STAFF on Gull Rd. They are so nice- as well as the customers. Sure enough, I left it when the coffee was too hot next to all the coffee pots yesterday. A nice customer turned it in. NOTHING was stolen all day long. What a blessing and miracle to pick it up today. Thank you God and everyone else for helping.
💔 Relationships: It's important to NOT beat yourself up. I finally figured out why the pain hurt so much this round. I liked him. I REALLY LIKED HIM! I thought I found the most genuine connection yet-to-date. The cool part: we went to high school together. I knew of him! Our interests, how well we got along, the way he made me feel just being near him. I truly thought he was a good man. Now, I realize I'm mad at myself because everything I didn't want to happen, it did! Unintentionally, seeing the good in someone, believing IN them, allowing myself to truly be me while with them, to actually be happy... to find out their words and actions were all a lie. Applause: what an amazing actor! I fell hook, line, and sinker. I actually believed him and his words! I know there was trauma from his past relationship(s) and he said he shouldn't put the prior faults of others on me (true), but I never thought he'd just shy away and walk. He never faced me. He never talked. He was just "gone." Fool me once, shame on you, but I let him back again, so fool me twice... shame on me. I'm devastated because I allowed myself to get hurt. His true colors finally came out; sadly, I learned too late. And I know it was fast but the connection felt so real. (Usually my instincts aren't wrong. That's what makes this even more confusing and difficult.) Who needs romantic relationships anyway?! Waste of time and space! Time to move forward and focus on what's really important.
💀 To make it even worse, the identity theft was even worse than what I thought from last year. Voice modulations, opening up bank accounts, deleting important personal information right from underneath my nose on email and phone, putting my information on the dark web... and I found out last night that they got me banned from the only dating app I'd chosen to use. Get this, I'm banned for life! Seriously??? Do I even want to know what they did! I guess it's best to move forward anyway. Most dating apps are filled with fake people with bad intentions. Welcome to modern dating.
🎜 Piano: I started playing piano again. Even if it's only 15 minutes a day, repetition daily is a big deal for improvements. Plus, I love the sound; it's one of my favorite instruments.
✏ 📔 My biggest focus right now is discipline! Take what is most important to you and make it happen. Prioritize, focus, and ensure the most important parts are developed to get to where you choose and need to be.
🍀 As of late, I have had the WORST luck ever. It is really hard to try and turn things around. "BABY STEPS!" I have been told these words so many times at nauseam. In this case, I need to listen. One step each moment, each hour, each day, to get back to positivity and quality results.
TIPS FOR TODAY:
The main topic of the day is Beauty Day! It's the day where you pamper yourself. Take 1-2 hours and make yourself feel glamorous. Self care is just as important as controlling stress, eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Mind, Body, Spirit: do it right! So, how do you do a proper Beauty Day? This is what is involved:
* grab a good book and make an Epsom salt bath (20 minutes)
* then take a shower, shave, lavish the soap all over your body, and feel refreshed when getting out
* facial: 15 min of a steam bath on your face. Then wash with a smooth, easy cleanser.
* basic bathroom activities: brush your teeth, brush your hair, if female- do your makeup and put on jewelry, wear a nice outfit, and put your favorite scent (perfume/cologne) on.
* cut your nails and take care of your cuticles
* quality lotion on your body and good facial cream for great skin
* If you want to take the time, do your hair, and make it look cute. (This is about pampering yourself so you shine; personal confidence is key!)
* include a foot massage
* maybe a body massage
* then relax. Does relaxing include a good movie, a good book, a nice long deep sleep? Choose your favorite activity.
* If beauty Day has time, ensure to clean and organize your personal space. A clean space leads to discipline and focus for the most important upcoming tasks at hand. Also, an organized space makes everything else easier in life.
* If you need to write your schedule for the week, include it
* Don't forget to add your exercise routine
* Meditate/Zen/Pray for your mental clarity
* Spend a little time outside and get grounded in nature. Maybe garden. If you have a pet and want to include your favorite-furry-animal into this space, it's a great way to add them at this special time.
* Make sure to eat healthy and clean. It will make your body feel good.
* Stay hydrated with healthy fluids as well
*If there is anything else you want/need to add to your personal list, add it to the list! This is just a start to ensure you do a spa/health day (aka: Beauty Day) for yourself.
For years, I have completed this basic type of list every Sunday. Not only does it help you feel and look youthful, it will add a personal glow. On top of that, you'll feel amazing. Try it, I dare you. 😊
Have a great day and blessings.
Daily Quote: Write it on your heart! Today is a great day and nothing can stop you from reaching your goals, your dreams, your destiny. Don't ever give up on yourself. Each moment is always your time to shine.
Have you ever had those days where it just doesn't work out as planned?
I haven't been able to sleep at night- so waking up when I want has been nonexistent. (Some day I'll wake up for morning exercises again!) 😆 Anyway, detox will begin Monday; I'll share the bottle looks and recipes when I begin.
In the meantime, you can never go wrong with a beautiful salad. (Yes, salad is extremely difficult to digest for anyone with stomach issues.) A cold, nice, salad is refreshing and hits the spot sometimes.
Don't forget to try and accomplish some sort of exercise. If you can add in sauna time, that will be beneficial as well. (I'll explain with the detox information.)
Anyway, swim completed. Walk completed. Yoga stretches done. 35 minute sauna. Check.
Apologies for a later post than expected. Yesterday turned out to be very interesting. Banana breakfast. Cucumber snack. Lunch was soup. Apple snack with nuts. Salad was for dinner.
I turn around to pay a bill and realize my wallet is missing at 11pm. I had this nagging feeling since 7pm to go buy something. So I finally get up to pay a bill. WHERE'S THE WALLET? Come to find out I'm pretty sure it's at Panera Bread.
Identity theft has been an issue for me for 20 years. Went to check a dating app and someone got me banned for life. ??? Ok, this is shaping up to be a horrible night. Looking into it; we'll see if Administrators help or not. It also makes me wonder what else was hacked...
Then there was the realization that dating stinks. (I'll discuss later.) Heartbreak isn't for the faint of heart.
If only I could stop stressing. 🥺 Off to bed it is.
Have a great night and blessings for tomorrow.
