Slowing things down

How is it already March?! Honestly, the last six months have been a whirlwind, to put it mildly. Late last fall, we made the decision to move back to Loudoun County. We missed the familiar people and the beauty of the area, and I desperately missed experiencing fall in Virginia. We returned just in time to catch views like the one above, captured on the way to Tarara Vineyard in Leesburg.

Over a busy Thanksgiving visit to Long Island, Tyler got down on one knee (aka eye-level, see photo evidence below) and proposed. Although I had been hoping this would happen and dropping not-so-subtle hints, he managed to completely catch me off guard, which made for the very best ending to my favorite holiday. Attending the town tree-lighting that night was the perfect start to the magical Christmas season. Best of all, it was wonderful to share our exciting news with so many of our family and friends in the days following.

The week after Thanksgiving, we moved into our new place. I would tell you we didn’t base our decision off of the quality of the kitchen appliances, but we totally did. So now, bit by bit, we’re piecing back our life in Northern Virginia and filling our new place with things that make it feel like ‘home’ again. Anyone know where to find a good deal on an extra large full-length mirror? I’m getting a little tired of standing on the side of the tub to view my outfits in the bathroom mirror. That really happens, at least once a day.

Saying “life has been a little busy lately” would be an understatement. However, after several months last summer of praying for direction and craving new purpose, I am reminded to be grateful for this crazy season in my life.

Gratefulness aside, I’ve needed to constantly remind myself to keep a balance; make time to slow down, to relax, to breath and soak it in. Between work, keeping up with friends and family, housework, making time for exercise and preparing nutritious dinners…and planning our October wedding on top of it all….I need the reminder. Every. Single. Day.

While at church last weekend, I heard a perfectly timed, incredible message about the frailty and brevity of life. It was a reminder to take time to experience and enjoy the things that make a life, not just those things that make a living. If this is a message you could benefit from, you can watch the sermon online here:  http://cornerstonechapel.net/?page_id=418&i=1183

Balance is the name of the game for me right now. Finding balance in my life by making room for the things that are impactful, and taking time to slow down. I recently learned that the difference between introverted and extroverted personalities is not about whether or not you like spending time with people, but more about how you recharge to be the best version of yourself. I had always thought I was an extrovert; I like people. But when it comes down to it, I need time alone to recharge and keep my world spinning. Realizing that I am likely an extrovert helped me to understand the importance of making time for me, without feeling selfish for doing so.

So, on the agenda this weekend? Enjoying a Friday night alone, treating myself to a new book, and ditching efficiency in favor of slowing down and smelling the roses, so to speak.

Little things I’m loving a lot:

• Yoga with Adriene – I don’t know if it’s her style of teaching, or the fact that I can hand pick the type of class my body needs, but this Youtube channel has me hooked! She has 30 day yoga camps, bedtime relaxation classes, under 20 minute classes, yoga for runners, etc. The hardest part is picking which one to do because I’m excited about so many of them.
• Passion Planner – I read about this a couple years ago when they were in their crowdfunding days, but I was so jazzed to get one for Christmas this year (thanks, Tyler)! Now I can plan plan plan to my hearts content. The planner includes sections for goal setting, a weekly and daily focus, and separates task lists for work and personal life.
• Egg Muffins – Use any recipe, like here, here or here for my paleo peeps. We whip these up on Sunday evening and cut 25 minutes off of each morning. Healthy breakfast in under a minute? Heck yes.