Thankful List: October 2018

October has been a month of shifting (and Drake). The latter for obvious reasons; the former, partly for expected and unexpected ones.

With wedding season officially over, I thought my weekends would be a little more free. Instead, I compelled myself to continue to be as active as possible with my free time. I take this mentality often—that I have to be constantly doing something in order to be productive and fulfilled. It’s fun for sure, but I finally burned out. In the spirit of being “exciting,” I forgot to take care of myself and the people close to me.

I’m trying to slowly shift my mentality from one of constant movement to one of movement as needed and stillness as needed. It’s one of the things I’m excited to do more of when I’m in India next month—NOTHING. It’s a habit I need to learn how to do, and do it without the guilt trip that currently supercedes it. For those of you who have felt this way, how do you slow yourself down?

In another shift, I started a new role at work! I’m transitioning currently, which is a little confusing and challenging, but I’m excited to continue to push myself and keep learning. For every extra minute of relaxing I’m trying to do on weekends, my weekdays will be a little less relaxing, but it’ll be worth it.

Through these shifts and copious amounts of Drake music, I’ve kept a list of what I’ve been particularly grateful for. There’s the new role of course, along with the following things. Next up for November: Lots of family time in India!

I’m thankful for:

Dinners with my parents (I’ve lately really enjoyed spending time with them; is this what growing up is? If I don’t see them at least once a month, I find myself missing them a lot. Plus, they are both great cooks.)

Costume parties

Heavier weights in Barry’s Bootcamp (making progress!)

The Drake concert (which was everything and then more, especially being in the second row)

My writing class (it finished last week and I’m honestly devastated. It’s been such a source of learning and inspiration. I’m looking for a good writing community to motivate me to keep writing and workshopping if you’d like to participate or have one in mind!)

Cooking with friends (especially ones I haven’t seen in months)

Multi-colored leaves (I experienced real fall in Denver and it’s PRETTY)

Drake singing Spanish (it’s great and I don’t care what you think)

Becoming a plant mom (I bought a bonsai tree and 4 succulents. Here’s hoping that I don’t kill anything)

Doing my first photoshoot for the blog (I’m working with Ashley and she’s so lovely! She makes me not look awkward which is truly a feat)