{Photo credit: Bubblegum Sass}
Tag: mental health
Living With Essential Oils: March Picks
The snow is still falling in Calgary as I type and, although tiny hints of spring are in the air, we’re still struggling to stay positive about this whole winter thing. To help get us through the last of this loooong season, we’ve decided to focus on a super versatile essential oil, Bergamot. And of course we have a sweet little download for you!
Defining Self-CARE
Despite being sadly situated in the doldrums of winter (this particular winter being no exception), February is one of my favourite months of the year.
It’s my birthday month (and yes, I completely milk the concept of birthday MONTH).
I also have a soft spot for Valentine’s Day since it marks the first date I had with my husband 15 years ago. Not to mention that a holiday about loving others can only be a good thing for this world.
In recent years, I’ve taken the theme of “self-care” for the month of February. I use it as motivation (or maybe an excuse) to do some of the things that I usually put off in the name of Mothering or Scheduling or the Crazy Fast Pace of Life. It’s the month I am intentional about making hair appointments, waxing, pedicures, etc.
Self Care in Practice: Weightlifting
So this month, I celebrated a milestone… one year of going to the gym {although I technically took the summer off to farm, but seriously close enough}. To go from an actual phobia of gyms to working out in one 2-3 times a week, has been a HUGE achievement. Two years ago, I would never have imagined myself doing any of that. I would have laughed/scoffed/possibly told you to f*ck off for suggesting I workout at a gym. There was just no way.
Of course, “no way” somehow turned into one of my greatest focuses for self-care.
Weekly Colour Inspiration: Quiet and Calm
{Colour inspiration from my studio & home to yours}
Hello October, Hello Blog
I can’t even. Seriously. My last post was back in July. How sad is that? And here we are welcoming the month of October, saying goodbye to gorgeous fall weather, and turning our thoughts to impending snow, Canadian Thanksgiving, and holiday markets.
To All the Different Mamas
Love to all the mamas 💜
I continue to learn about the different kinds of mamas in the world. Those waiting to be mamas, those that have sacrificed their own motherhood to give their child life, the mamas to little angels they never got to meet. Motherhood journeys are vast & varied.
I recognize that Mother’s Day is not always happy. It can be really hard for some. There is sadness to that day for me. We buried my own mom two years ago, on May 12th. I miscarried for the finally time on Mother’s Day of that year. I said goodbye to any chance of having another biological child. I would never again be pregnant.
And I could not have gone through any of those experiences without all the other mamas in my life, supporting & loving on me.
And here we are, praying for some unknown mama to sacrifice her own motherhood so that we can give her child a life in our family. Adoption journeys come from a place of loss. I never want to forget that. The brave birth mom who chooses this path, will have all my heart & respect.
Motherhood. What a complicated & blessed thing.
Good Enough Is Perfect
It’s perfect for the work you do, for the struggles you walk through, all the ways you mother & love. It’s even perfect for your body.
Good enough is perfect.
And you are good enough.
That’s what I keep telling myself.
Living With Essential Oils: Mama’s Perfume
It’s kind of incredible how much of a “scent” person I have become. In some ways, I always have been. I’ve collected many scent memories from my childhood {my Grandma Rosie’s perfume, my mother’s hand cream, the Avon moisturizer we put on after sunburns each summer} and whenever I went on a big trip across the world, I purchased a new perfume to wear {just so that I would build a scent association}. Scents have the power to transport us back in time, make the here & now melt away, even if just for a few seconds.
A Year In Review: 2016
As the hour approaches and this year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect a bit on 2016. {To see my previous year reviews, click here}
Age: 35
Books I kept beside the bed:
- Jan Karon’s Mitford series {still reading it}
- GriefShare workbook
- Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Most enjoyed restaurants/food:
- Last Best Brewery & Distillery
- Charcut
- The Chocolate Lab
Songs I’ve had on repeat:
- Thy Will by Layla Mackey
- Fight Song by Rachel Platten
- Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin
Biggest Challenges:
- Admitting the full extent of my depression & grief and seeking help. It’s all an upward climb to get out of the depth of the darkness, but one of the hardest parts is that first move to get help. After years of knowing my depression was getting worse, I finally realized I couldn’t go on without doing something about it. I went to my doctor and asked to start anti-depressants. I started checking in with her once a month to ensure the meds were on track & helping.
- Hiring a nanny for the summer. It might *seem* small & silly, but admitting that I needed help with childcare was a big deal for me. I’m a stay-at-home mom. So getting a nanny seemed indulgent, but I knew, I needed the help to keep my sanity & make my self-care a priority in those early months of tackling my depression.
- Committing to, showing up for, and participating in a 13 week grief support program at a local church. If you’ve ever walked through or are currently facing grief, I highly recommend the GriefShare program. It’s fully Christian based, but connecting with others who are going through loss is huge to healing.
Smartest decision I made: Walking through the doors of the local gym, committing to a weightlifting program, and connecting with a wonderful group of moms all doing the same thing. It’s been an incredible two months so far! I don’t feel weak anymore. I don’t feel sick. I don’t feel so broken. I like feeling my muscles work, I like the sweat & the challenge. I like the little village I’ve finally found myself in & the support & inspiration we freely give to each other. And I keep saying, as long as I walk through the doors of the gym, I’ve completed my goal. Doesn’t matter how the rest of the workout goes.
Glad I finally: Set some clear boundaries on my craft business that I’m comfortable with. Although it meant a loss in sales and having to say “no”, it was wonderful to be closed for the month of December. No markets, no online sales, no custom orders. Every year, I take steps to turn my focus to the true spirit of Christmas & going forward it will always mean being closed in December, so I can do just that.
Most thankful: For my Sammy, hubby & family. For friends, new and old. For customers & their custom orders. For getting a spot on a local adoption list. For God continuing to surprise us at every turn.
Much love to you & yours this New Year’s Eve! May 2017 bring the best surprises & the best changes to your life!
