The winter has always been hard for me. And I always hate the third quarter of the school year — that time between the start of the spring semester and spring break. (I thought it wouldn’t be so bad as an instructor, but it still feels like being stuck in quicksand.) Then, couple that with the current political climate, and it’s pretty easy to see why I haven’t blogged in over a month.
#mybad
I feel incredibly small right now, and like I don’t matter. I feel like the words I could say to my readers are functionally worthless. And I also feel like so many are going through so much worse than me right now, so why doesn’t it even matter if I post something?
I know all of this is unhealthy thinking, so in an effort to get back on the horse, I’m linking up with Anne from Modern Mrs. Darcy to talk about things that are saving my life right now.
001: My super tiny bullet journal.
I’ve written a lot about different planning methods I’ve used in the past, but this year I joined team #bujo. But I also knew I wanted to shrink down my planning as much as possible. So instead of using the standard-sized Leuchtturm 1917 notebook, I’m using a pocket-sized one. (I don’t think the world needs another blog post about bullet journaling, but I’ll probably write one very soon anyway.) I’ve been tracking the books I’ve read, what I’m grateful for, and what I’ve spent. I’ve really been looking forward to Saturday nights when I bust out the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners to make the spread for the next week.
002: Carrying a book with me.
I always used to carry a book with me, but got out of the habit when I was at the job from hell. I didn’t feel like reading pretty much the whole time I was there, so I never jammed a paperback in my purse to savor over lunch. Recently, I got back in this habit, and I’m happy to report I read 5 books in January alone. Also, office hours are great when they’re spent reading.
003: My Stanley travel mug.
I hate travel mugs that don’t actually keep the coffee warm. I also hate travel mugs that don’t have lids that close all the way. Luckily, Chris found this Stanley travel mug. He has one that’s 16 ounces, and I have the 12 ouncer. Not only does it keep my coffee warm for a few hours, if I throw it in my bag, it doesn’t dump coffee all over my laptop.
004: The Beach Body App.
I did a little survey on Snapchat the other day (username: GentleMarisa) and asked people what their favorite workouts were. The overwhelming response was that people liked the Beach Body app. My friend Liz sent me a discount link, and I signed up. This past week I’ve been doing Focus T-25 in the mornings, and the 3-Week Yoga Retreat in the evenings. And the best part of it is that I don’t have to leave the house, which is the hardest part about working out in the mornings in the winter. Seriously. I refuse to go out in the cold so I can get sweaty.
005: Good coworkers.
It’s just good to know when you have some coworkers who are like your comrades in arms. I probably have the most ideal working situation of anyone in academia, and any time I think about that, I’m just overcome with how lucky I am.
What about you? It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t selfish. What’s saving your life right now?
What’s saving my life right now… writing, and making a WHOLE lot of art.
Btw check out fitnessblender.com, they have free youtube videos for workouts of all kinds! I’m so strapped for time they have videos from 5min-an hour and a half, it’s my favorite home workout so far.
What are you reading right now??
Oooh! I’ll have to check out fitnessblender.com. I love me some short workouts.
Currently, I’m reading books 3 and 4 in the Series of Unfortunate Events series. (I decided I needed to read them before I watched the Netflix show, then it took forever for my used set to get here after I ordered it.) Then, I’ll be reading You by Caroline Kepnes, followed by The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan.
I admit, I had good intentions for working out in January and did nooootthing. That fitness blender thing sounds interesting.
I hear you on feeling like posting is meaningless. It’s a difficult world and it all sucks. *hugs*
I’m super glad that January is over. So many intentions, so many not met… *hugs back*
I’m actually thinking about to switch to a pocket size bujo! I used a couple of Leuchtturm A5 for 2016, but they were so big and heavy that I never carried them with me, they always stayed on my desk and I kept a separate pocket journal for notes on the go. But I’d like to have all in one place, honestly.
That’s exactly how I feel. I’ve always had super bulky planners, so I wanted to shrink mine down as much as possible this year. So far, it’s working for me.
Books and funny memes. And disconnecting for a portion of every day.
Disconnecting is so important!
Iv’e been struggling with blogging regularly too. There’s been a lot going on but also this time of year is rough! I hate Winter! #2 there is definitely a life saver! 🙂
For sure! Where would we even be without a good book to read?