FLEXIBILITY

I am one of those people who is going 1,000 miles an hour, 24/7. I ALWAYS have a to-do list, and I usually pack my days off with chores, tasks, and productivity. I LOVE productivity. I feel more centered and intentional when I’m checking things off, and then, sometimes, I let myself relax, physically and mentally.

Let me tell you, it is exhausting.

On top of all that, this whole “being healthy and taking care of yourself” stuff is HARD WORK.

It takes so much more time and effort to make sure you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs, and it takes dedication and energy to move your body every day.

It is not for the weak.

I am not weak. But I am tired. And that’s okay.

This past weekend, we hosted a birthday party for our pups. Yes, we’re those paw-rents.

Our families came over to celebrate, and we had perfect weather for a backyard barbecue. It was a wonderful party.

In theory, I “should” have spent Sunday cleaning the house and meal-prepping and getting ready for the week. But what did I do? I went to church, went to brunch with my family, and went home to clean for 30 minutes, and then left to go lay by my sister’s pool. I spent the afternoon relaxing, drinking Summer Shandy, and had pizza.

It was amazing.

I am so used to only letting myself rest after all the work is done, and guess what? There is rarely a time when “all the work” is done. There’s always something that needs to be cleaned out or reorganized, but the reality is, it can wait. Being flexible enough to put it to the side for a day, made a huge difference for me, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

Flexibility is so important. On every level.

It’s important for your body to be flexible.

It’s important for your mind to be flexible.

It’s important to BE flexible.

I do my best to eat clean, healthy meals 80% of the time, so that when I want to go out and have a burger from Red Robin, I can enjoy the heck out of it. Which I do, because I love Red Robin and it’s not complete without the onion ring tower and a monster shake. It’s just not. I don’t feel bad about that, because I know that I usually eat really well, and that I’ve created this lifestyle to be flexible.

I drink a lot of water. Probably between 70-100 ounces a day. I do this to keep me hydrated, so when I want to have a beer or cocktail, I know I’m hydrated enough already.

Like I mentioned last week, I’m flexible with my workouts. If I feel like running, I run. If I feel like lifting, I lift. If I want to dance or do yoga, I’ll dance or do barre or yoga. Any movement is good movement.

As important as it is to have a healthy body, having a healthy mind is probably equally or even more important.

So I’m going to read my book when I need to rest, even if there’s laundry to do. I’m going to go outside and breathe fresh air when I’m feeling stressed, and I’m going to lay by the pool, even if my house is dirty. Like this post. I usually try to write longer ones and keep it consistent, but this one is a little shorter, and I’m okay with that.

This summer, I am going to be more present than before. I am going to do my very best to stress less about my to-do list, and let myself enjoy quality time in the moment.

I hope you do too. You deserve it.

We have been through quite a bit this year already, and it’s okay to rest.

And now, what you all have been waiting for…..

A few photos from the girls’ birthday! You’re welcome.

“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers”. Philemon 1:4

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” -Ephesians 4:22-24