the busy week

I hate busy. I hate feeling rushed. I hate not having time during the day to recharge my batteries by sitting quietly with a cup of coffee and a book.

well that's negative.

Let me rephrase all of that.

I love leisurely days. I love the feeling of endless possibility when the day is wide open. I love having a half hour to myself in the mornings to sip my coffee and read a book.

So I try to arrange my life in such a way that I feel leisurely. To me, nothing is more luxurious than time. I try to make sure relationships are a priority over schedule.

But not every day or week can be that way. We make decisions and take opportunities that can complicate life for a short time, but are good for us in the long run.

I am in the midst of such a week. My husband and I are driving a fajillion miles and handing off the baby like a hot potato as we rush to our next commitment. It's crazy and a tiny bit stressful.

But also, super fun. In my old age I am getting better at saying no to things that I truly don't want to do and/or will not benefit my family in any way. So everything I am committed to doing this week is enjoyable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be doing it.

A few things help me keep a large if somewhat dazed smile on my face during busy weeks:

1. Meal Prep. If my body is not properly fueled, then what am I even doing?

2. Time Blocked iCal. When I can see my day blocked out in pretty colors, it helps to find the moments of down time.

3. Podcasts. Makes my drive entertaining and educational.

4. Exercise. Even a short sweat session helps to keep me calm and balanced in the midst of a crazy week.

5. Early to Rise. The only way to carve some reading and coffee time into my day.

6. Optimism. When I find myself mentally complaining, I make myself stop and think of how profoundly grateful I truly am for my life and the opportunities I have -------> #blessed.

7. Whimsy. Moments of seeing the world from my 1 year old's point of view and taking time to be silly is good for the soul. You can't be stressed if you're bopping balloons on each other's heads or your baby is shimmying.

7. iPhone Pics of Babies. 

Pippa's ready for swimsuit season.