What's saving my life right now
Last week, I did a podcast interview with Sarah Hart-Unger for the podcast she and Laura Vanderkam host (Best of Both Worlds). It's coming out later in April and I will share the link when it's out in the world.
Anyway, she and Laura recently did a, "What's saving my life right now" episode, where they both shared a few things that are seriously improving their lives.
("What's seriously improving my life right now" is arguably less catchy, which is probably why the bloggers and podcasters who use this theme go with, "What's saving my life right now" instead! )
I thought it would be fun to do one of these with you guys; so I'll go first and then you can join me in the comments.
1. Kashi Go cereal
I don't know that I'd ever tried Kashi Go before I moved in with my parents this year, but it's been saving my life on college mornings.
My class goes from 8:00-11:00 am, and since it's in a lab, there's no food or drink allowed.
So, I have to eat something before class, and it needs to be pretty quick, but also filling, and I have discovered that a bowl of this fits the bill quite nicely.
This is a pretty high-protein cereal, so if I eat it before class, I am usually not hungry again until I get home.
If I am running too late to even eat cereal, I have resorted to a peanut butter/honey sandwich on whole wheat bread, and that usually carries me through class as well!
2. Walks in the woods
There are some lovely trails in the woods by my parents house, and I seriously love walking there.
Walking on neighborhood streets is fine, of course. But I would always prefer to walk in the woods; there are just so many interesting sights to see there.
Every time I go, I seem to see a new kind of fungi or moss. And it's fun to see the change of season; the first time I walked these paths, there was ice and snow, but now green is spreading all over the forest floor.
And I know soon the green will appear on the trees.
Anyway. Walks in the woods are peaceful and quiet, they cost nothing, and I will be taking as many of them as I can while I live here.
3. Thinking, "What CAN I do?"
Whenever I am in situations where I am tempted to feel helpless, I find it useful to ask myself, "What CAN I do?"
There are things in my life that I cannot fix right now, but I can work hard at my school, write posts here, love my kids, hunt for rentals, take care of my health, and so on.
And when I focus my attention on the things I can do, I feel much better.
4. Medical podcasts
I have found anatomy and physiology podcasts to be super helpful for review purposes. Whenever we start a new unit, I use the textbook/lectures, etc. to learn the material.
And then I search for medical podcasts on the topics and listen to them for review.
I also find that podcast episodes on adjacent topics are helpful too. Body systems are quite interconnected, so if I am listening to an episode about digestion, that offers me some review on earlier topics we've covered.
For instance, the upper digestive tract anatomy offers some review of the pulmonary systems (since our throats branch into the trachea and the esophagus).
My favorite is Dr. Matt and Dr. Mike's Medical Podcast. Since it's been so valuable to me, I offered my support by buying one of their hoodies. 😉
5. Spotify playlists
I have a general "liked songs" playlist, of course, but I also have some other smaller playlists, like one with worship music, and one with some pep-me-up types of songs. It's nice to be able to easily select whatever I need at the moment!
What's saving your life right now?
(Figuratively! And it can be anything, small, large, material, immaterial...whatever you want.)
1. My flower garden. I'm in So Cal so lots of things have been blooming for weeks with lots more to come. I'm very sensitive to color so it's bringing joy to my heart.
2. My feral cat of two years is getting tamer and tamer, although it often feels like 1 1/2 steps forward and 1 step back. It's wonderful every time she lets us touch her.
3. I read voraciously, but am extremely picky. I NEVER find recommended books in my library so I buy tons off thriftbooks.com. Most are under $5 and I'm so grateful I can afford this indulgence.
There are a couple of snarls in my life right now, one will clearly work it's way out and the other never will. Family.......they bring you the most happiness and the most grief.
@Anne, if you haven’t, check out the hoopla and Libby apps. They have audio and e books free through your library.
Reading literary mysteries such as those by Louise Penny.
Drinking coffee with cream.
Cooking, believe it or not.
HGTV.
Blogs, esp. FG and Save Spend Splurge.
Grandchildren, although I do worry about their futures in this world.
Not watching/reading/ listening to that much news.
@Gail, Louise Penny is one of my favorite authors!
@Brooke, could you find the time to recommend other authors, then? Once a year is so infrequent to have a Gamache novel!
@Gail, ugghh, I wish I could, but I'm out of the loop a bit these days and don't read as much as I once did. Another favorite author of mine is Michael Connelly, but his are more police procedural mysteries. The new series with a woman detective (Renee Ballard) is great, though.
Maybe someone else knows authors more like Louise Penny?
@Gail and Brooke - modern mrs darcy (.com) has several posts with series to read after you've run out of Louise Penny novels (I've not read in this area, but I've found her recommendations in other genres to be very useful) - you're clearly in not alone!
@Brooke,
@Gail, I love books by JA Jance, she writes three different series. Mysteries but no gore at all.
Mystery fans: Two of my favorite authors include Elly Griffiths (the Ruth Galloway series) and Ann Cleves (Inspector Perez series and the Vera series). Elizabeth George’s Inspector Linley series starts off great but her later books are a bit disappointing.
@Gail, Go to fantasticfiction.com and look up Louise Penny. She has a list of books she recommends. You can look at genres for ideas. I look at coming soon list every day and keep a running list. Old librarians always have suggestions.
@Gail, There is a Louise Penny Book Club facebook page where people talk about many other authors. I have read a couple of the recommendations and been very satisfied.
@Gail, Jacqueline Winspear's Masie Dobbs series. Starts around WWI and she is now experiencing WWII. Set in England, she ends up with her own detective agency. Great atmospheric writing, if you love stuff set in that era.
@Gail, My SIL (Hi, PD!) alerted me to your request, so I thought I'd chime in, too, though I see that there are already some great suggestions here.
To some extent, what I'd recommend depends on what it is you like about the Inspector Gamache novels (which, btw, I agree are great. Penny is about the only NYT Bestselling author I regularly read and I've been spacing out my reading of her books to make them last.)
If it's the character of Gamache that you love, I'd reiterate my recommendation of the Moosepath League series by Van Reid. The books have little in common except that Armand Gamache and Tobias Walton are gentlemen of the highest caliber (if I got to bring one fictional character to life, it would be difficult to choose between the two) and they both include a fascinating cast of characters that create a community so real and delightful that you wish you could join it.
If it's an amazing protagonist in a situation that is slowly revealed as increasingly complicated and wider in scope than the initial problems being solved, then I'd recommend (again), Megan Whalen Turner's series beginning with The Thief. Again, on the face of it, the series don't have much in common, but I know of at least one other fan of both authors, so I'm not the only one to love them both.
I find Penny to be a hard author to compare to other mystery authors because her books combine the best elements of cozy mysteries and police procedurals, transcending both subgenres. That said, some authors whose detectives have almost as much interests in the morality of the issue as solving the mystery might be good picks for you. Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael, Marjorie Allingham's Albert Campion, and P.D. James' Adam Dalgliesh were three of my mother's favorites.
I also like the Barker & Llewelyn series by Will Thomas.
Happy reading!
@Gail, You might try Deborah Crombie’s series with Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. I strongly recommend reading them in publication order to see characters develop. If you like book 1, there are plenty in the series (maybe 18?).
@Meg, everyone--Thanks so much for the links and suggestions on fiction for Penny fans. I can't wait to dig in!
@Brooke, https://www.literature-map.com/louise+penny
We used to use this resource at the library! I’m a visual person and love it.
@Colleen, I like using the literature map, too. Though mostly I use it for fun rather than actually identifying new authors....
@Sharon Sorrels, Thanks for the tip! It was interesting to see Elly Griffiths on the list, since she came up really close to Penny on the literature map that @Colleen mentioned.
I only just recently discovered Peter Lovesey through a short story collection ("Reader, I buried them" - honestly, who could resist that title?! Not me.) I'm not usually a short story fan, but I enjoyed every story in the collection and look forward to trying his novels.
I've read a fair bit of Rhys Bowen. Her "Royal Spyness" series is fluffy cozy mystery fun, but her other historical fiction has more meat. I've liked what I've read of her WWII Collection. She has a *lot* of other series, too.
I grew up in a house full of Agatha Christie, but I don't think I've ever read Midwinter Murder. I may have to track that one down.
Journaling everyday, good, bad, ugly, it all gets spilled out every single day. The habit has helped me stay centered and reflecting back on years of journals is illuminating!
Answering the 3 questions everyday: What am I grateful for? What am I working on? and What am I looking forward to?
Cleaning! I know this sounds dubious, but I love the smell of my cleaning solution, I love the repetitive nature of wiping the counters and stove and mopping the floor. I like the feeling of order when all else around me seems less than ordered and down right sad, cleaning helps me!
Eating a bowl of cereal, yep, I don't usually eat cereal and it is strangely comforting when I do.
Coffee!
@Karen,
oh I can relate to what you say about cleaning. I feel exactly the same!
- The ocean. No matter what emotions I'm working through, it is my consistent place of serenity.
- Running. I couldn't run for 10 years due to pain, and finally cried in frustration in front of my PCP in January, resulting in an MRI finally being ordered. Turned out I had a large, benign cyst wrapped around my peroneal nerve - ouch!!!!!!!!!!! But, it's now been removed, and I can run again! I have hiked, walked, and biked over the last 10 years, but nothing delivers those endorphins in the big dosage running does. So thankful to have them back!
- FaceTiming with my young GD's. They are in Germany for three years, and I miss them massively, but our weekly FaceTime calls have saved me from total despair. Lots of show-and-tell, plus singing (I play guitar), dancing, and reading of books. And, finally, we have plane tickets to see them in June, which will be 14 months from when they left.
- Power Crunch bars. I have been addicted to sugar in a not-good way since childhood, and getting off it has been haaaard. I'm now almost 100% sugar free, but during those times the compulsion for sugar descends, these bars, at just 5g of sugar, work to satisfy my cravings without igniting my urge for more. Man, do I now have empathy for anyone struggling with an addiction to anything. So thankful mine is 'just' sugar.
- Sunshine. I must have been a cat in a prior life, because I need lots and lots of it, and happily, I.live in a place that has it most of the year, including today.
per Allen Jackson song,
Everything I love is killing me, gluten, sugar, and pollen from the trees, even salmon and dairy,
Everything I love, I'm gonna have to give up, cause everything I love is killing me.
Avocado toast seemed to save everyone during lockdown, think I'll try it today ON GLUTEN FREE BREAD.
Hopefully tomorrow I'll sing a different song.
@Tiana, I sang along with you (nice job!). Poor thing! I hope tomorrow is much better!
@Tiana, my 2 daughters went gluten free in the last 18 months. Eating at home has been manageable for us but eating out is so fraught now! I wish you tasty bread for your toast!
@Tiana, my heart also sings a sad, sad song about my break up with gluten... having never really found a GF bread that is GREAT, I recently stumbled on this recipe:
https://www.mynewroots.org/site/2013/02/the-life-changing-loaf-of-bread/
I thought the title was pretty appropriate for this post! and so yum toasted with a smear of orange marmalade! Definitely not low cal, but so delicious!!
Writing postcards: One FG reader (unfortunately I do not remember their name) mentioned Postcrossing a while ago. I wrote my first postcard in December and this new hobby has been such a JOY (and is highly addictive :-)). Every day I anxiously wait for the mailman and hope to receive another beautiful postcard from a foreign place. THANKS so much to the FG reader for mentioning it!
My other new hobby: sewing
Coffee, always coffee :-).
The prospect of a one-month sabbatical in July
@christine81, TELL ME MORE that sounds like fun!
@Gina, https://www.postcrossing.com/
Christine81 - Glad to know someone who does that!
@christine81, also interested in postcrossing info.
@BethC. and Gina:
On the Postcrossing website the rules are explained in detail. Simply explained, you receive a (randomly selected) address of another member and an associated ID. You send a postcard to that person. Once it arrives (and the recipent registers your postcard ID) another person gets your address and sends you a postcard. So far I have received postcards from (I live in Germany) Russia, the US, Australia, Spain, Finland, Poland, Ireland, Taiwan... Maybe I will send a postcard to a FG reader some day :-).
Just for fun, I'm gonna flip this a little... So this is how I'm saving lives right now!!
It's kitten season, and kittens are being born en masse all over. A couple days ago I got my yearly batch, a mom and 6 kittens!! They came to me in pretty rough shape, so the past couple days have been very busy getting them settled and cleaned up. Last night they all got baths (you cannot put flea treatment on young kittens, so you have to treat fleas via bathing w/ non-toxic soap) and with a lot of effort and a lot of food (including syringe feeding for the littlest ones), it looks like a whole different family! Now everyone is clean and thriving, and the kittens are bouncy and engaged with the world.
They are also saving me in that when I feel like I can't change any of the hard things in this world, I can look at this little family, and know that I'm making the world a little better. I have a room full of future best friends I'm raising up! And I can't wait for them to see it all. <3
@Rachel, I adore this. We brought into our hearts a pregnant feral two years ago. I'm sure she had a number of litters before we got her. We rehomed her kittens, got her fixed and she's now part of our lives.
A year later another feral new mother came around with her kittens and we planned to do the same. Two days before putting the plan into action, she, and the kittens, disappeared.
@Rachel, my son found Calico Kitty 14 years ago this May. Her eyes are not even open and I bottle-fed her. I adore her. She sleeps on my stomach and I am the only mother she ever knew. Kittens are just wonderful!
@Rachel, my family adopted two little gray kittens last summer from the animal shelter. They were brought to the shelter without their mom when they were two weeks old, and they were bottle fed by a human foster mom. The animal shelter gave us their medical records, and it sounds like it was amazing that they pulled through - our little girl kitten was in particularly rough shape because she was steadily losing weight. (The records said something ominous about the foster mom understanding that this might not end well.). Now they're energetic one-year old cats who bring so much joy and happiness to my family, and especially to my six year old daughter. I sometimes think of the unnamed woman in their adoption records and all of the work she put into raising our little guys until they were old enough to come home with us. Since I can't thank her, I just want to thank you - I really appreciate the work you do!
We are kind of in a holding pattern as far as spring coming right now, so it is easy to get a little down about this cold and dreary weather in Wisconsin. We are mostly in the 30-50 degree temperature range and I really need those warmer temps soon. We did not take any warm weather vacations this winter either, so it has been a long stretch. On top of that my husband has some health issues that are concerning, and just the horrible things going on in the world and the economy are enough to need some life saving right now for me. So-what is saving my life right now? 1.Exercise-trying to get back to outdoor walking when it is warm enough, but in the meantime I am using some of the various equipment we have in the house: exercise bike, stepper, treadmill, etc.
2. Wordle- so fun to play every day and compare notes with my sister.
3. My son and his girlfriend—they are so happy together. It is a joy to see them having fun and becoming a loving couple. I am excited to see where this year takes them. (My son is almost 30, was always pretty shy and quiet with girls, and is just the happiest I have ever seen him now).
4. My friends- I feel like I haven’t been the best friend during the pandemic as I seemed to be more cautious than others. Yet yesterday a good friend called and chatted for a long time, another friend sent a card in the mail, and today another friend and I are going to lunch. So happy to get back into a hopefully more normal life.
This is a great idea for a post, Kristen. Looking forward to reading the responses.
@SueW,
Yes, I love Wordle too! My husband and I play every morning while having our coffee. All three of my children play and send me their results later in the day. It’s fun and a great diversion.
@SueW,
Wordle is such fun. Hubby and I play each morning over coffee (Bee!) then compare.
This is a great writing prompt! Saving my life right now:
Sugar-free cocoa for a before bed "dessert" which makes me feel like I'm actually getting a dessert. I make it with evaporated milk and water and it is luscious.
Meal planning, food prep and packing my lunch. All things that are keeping me fed in a healthy way and saving me money.
Friends who I can text any time who will generally respond in a timely way and offer comfort and support. 100% life saving.
Being able to spend time outdoors in the sun on the weekends and having sun when I get home from work. Were I living in someplace rainy or dreary, I think I would lose my marbles. Spring and summer are my jam.
Pandora premium - worth the $5 a month to say "hey, Google, play *insert whatever music I need" and have her comply with no ads. I love it. Plus, the Google lady will play pink noise or sounds from the sea every night, continuously, until she activates the alarm. She even tells me to have a good day when I tell her goodbye. We are becoming besties.
1. Help from my dad's nurse. It is seriously challenging (I wish I had a stronger term to insert here) to coordinate with dad's care team and get his medicines delivered to him on time. My dad's nurse is a huge help to me - and dad! She works alongside me (or I work alongside her) to contact doctors and pharmacies to coordinate to the best of our abilities.
2. A friend who has been there. She took care of her mom from a distance for awhile, and although she didn't face the exact same challenges I do, she gets it. And she supports me.
3. Crafts and eBay. I need tasks that help me to feel normal and to escape daily stresses, and sewing and selling on eBay work quite nicely in this capacity.
4. My nightly thankful list. My counselor recommended that I make lists of things that are going well and things that I'm thankful for every evening, and it really does help to get out of the rut of focusing on the negative.
@Brooke, I'm so glad you have a helpful nurse to help you through the struggles! My mom was under hospice care in an assisted living facility during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. Family wasn't allowed in the building for the longest period of time and it was the hospice nurse who ran interference for me in the (new-to-my-mom) facility. She seriously saved my sanity and I know she made my mom's last few months much easier. Hang in there with your dad .... and hugs to you. You are doing more good than you know.
@Kris, Oh, so sorry to hear about your mom, but glad the nurse could help! Thanks so much!
Saving my life right now!
1. The loose tea holders that have allowed me to start working my way through my lareg assortment of loose teas. I used to use a metal one, and the tea always fell out. My family has gifted me a couple of loose tea holders made to look animals (by Fred Flair-I think). They do a much better job of corralling the tea and are cute (manatee and sloth).
2. My weekly noon group hikes at a local park.
3. A group of women that I met through an Osher Living Learning program for adults over 50 bonded in a class and has been meeting via Zoom for a year after the class ended. We live up and down the East Coast, but we've all remarked how these meetups feed our souls.
4. Peanut butter-filled tagalog girl scout cookies.
5. Th hundreds of daffodils blooming in our yard.
@BethC.,
Hundreds!?!
I've always known if I ever became a thief I would steal daffodils and kittens I drive around this time of year in major covet mode
@Tiana, When I moved to my previous house in 2000, I bought 800 mixed daffodil bulbs. For a solid month every year (early to late) I had thousands of flowers and plenty to fill vases. And so many different varieties.
@Tiana, Squirrels and other rodents largely leave daffodil bulbs alone, (unlike the expensive tulips they enjoy as gourmet treats), so they multiply more quickly than other bulbs.
@Rose,
Thousands?
brand. new. happy. place.
{{{{{{{{{{^..^}}}}}}}}}}}
@Tiana, I planted them 25 years ago when we moved into our house. They divide and multiply!
My husband is saving my life right now by packing up boxes for the move. Last 2 major moves we did, my husband had already moved on to his new job and I was the one required to pack up the entire household. Now he is doing it and its relieved so much pressure off me. He is retired after all!!!!
Hearing about Spring in other parts of the states and world is a real picker-upper. We don't have spring in Florida (another reason for the move), so we are looking forward to seasons again. Even "mud season."
Our realtor. She saved us and has worked extremely hard when we were selling our house and deals were falling thru. She really knew her stuff. Glad we went with her.
Also the positivity on this blog also saves my life. Everyday, even when we each have hard days, someone always shines a light of positivity. Even you Kristen going thru what you are going thru. Thank you.
1. Bob & Brad, the "most famous physical therapists on the internet." Great videos and advice!
2. Kinesiology tape.
3. Wordle, Octordle, Sedecordle, Quordle, Waffle and Squareword. (While I wait for better weather!)
4. Our new vacuum (which my husband loves...hehe!)
5. Peeps!
@Bobi, I just watched a Bob & Brad video this week about sleep positions! It was very helpful
@Bobi, Try nerdle!
@CrunchyCake, I love Bob and Brad! I'm an OT and I look for credible information on the internet (not always easy to find) and they are the real deal--and they are so darn funny.
@TmP, I've looked at it, but my strength is in words, not numbers. But since you mentioned it, maybe I'll give it a try.
@Bobi, there’s also Nerdle, for those who like math.
I enjoy Bob and Brad as well!
For all of the flower lovers out there, check out ‘Garden Answer’ on youtube. She’s as lovely as Kristen!
@Bobi, I really love Wordle, so I will check those out!
What's saving my life right now.......perspective. Trying to appreciate that I am so blessed and grateful for the life I am living. There is nothing wrong with feeling sad, frustrated or depressed by something in your life. We are all human and we all go through things. But I try my best every day, regardless of what is happening in my life, to remember that so many people are suffering and going through much more difficult situations. It doesn't take away from my challenges or make me think that I can't have a "moment" or feel a little sorry for myself. Cause sometimes I still do:) On that note, I'm not sure if any of you follow Michelle over at Brown Eyed Baker. I have been following her since her first child was born, so about 6 years now. She shared a heartwrenching update on Monday under her Friday Things and/or Weekend Dish post regarding her middle child. I have not been able to stop thinking about this since I read it. If any of you have a moment, please go to Michelle's blog and read her post and please pray for her family and Dominic. Thank you for taking the time to read this and have a great rest of your week.
@Vicki Skonieczny, Ooof, poor baby. Her recipe for green bean casserole from scratch is now a beloved family classic of ours. (My mom would have scorned to make casseroles with soup, so I'd never had green bean casserole. But a friend of mine a bunch of years ago mentioned Brown Eyed Baker's recipe, which I duly made for Thanksgiving and everyone went nuts for it.)
Oh no, that is awful. So heartbreaking!
@Vicki Skonieczny, I follow BEB too. I have prayed for her darling Dominic.
1. My son's sense of humor.
2. My kitten and dogs.
3. So much Mexican food.
4. Muscle relaxants. (Hey, let's be real.)
5. Feeding my feral cats, and the seagulls who want some cat food, and the deer who want some cat food, and the blue jays and cardinals who want some cat food. In conclusion, everyone apparently likes cat food.
@Rose,
No. 5: Including my toddler grandson, unfortunately. It's a trick to keep it away from him but still let the cat eat.
@JD, Hysterical!
That reminds me of when my son was a toddler. He went outside and pooped. I said, "You're supposed to go in the potty, not outside." He explained, "I was pretending to be a dog." The first of many moments in his life I was speechless.
@Rose, thank you so much for this mornings first laugh out loud moment!!
How did you get comfortable taking solo walks in the woods? I've traveled around the world solo, but haven't hiked solo. I don't fear nature - just males in secluded environments.
Also, I vote for avoiding the click bait and just going with "things that are improving your life" or "making your life better" as a title. "Saving your life" is very over-dramatic and reeks of our American privilege. "Saving your life" is appropriate for people escaping Ukraine or someone getting life-saving cancer treatments. I find it inappropriate for people who need a walk due to stress. When I was in college, I stopped the groups I ran from using signs for events that said things like "how to survive final exams." Because again, language like that fuels stress and drama and minimizes real life-threatening situations.
@KK, Most people know not to take everything quite so seriously and literally.
These trails feel safe to me; I don't know that I'd feel comfy hiking in the woods in every place, but this particular set of trails feels fine to me. It's the area I grew up in and I think I have a pretty good idea of what is safe here and what is not safe.
I would not feel comfy walking in a dark city by myself, and I wouldn't feel good about walking these trails after dark either. So I do have at least some sense of being careful. Ha.
Thanks for your feedback on the post title!
@Rose, I actually agree with @KK. These days, anything we can do to be present and aware of the impact of our language is a good thing!!. De-escalating the language used to describe what we are doing, in North America, to make our lives better means that words like "Survive" can be saved for where they are literal, rather than figurative.
I have been set back on my heels lately with what is going on in the world, and am coming to realize that catastrophesing my life experiences does me no good, and certainly is a bit oblivious to those who are in the middle of actual catastrophes.
Hard way for us to have our comfortable world view shaken up, for sure. Lets save the punching big word for the big stuff!
@ecoteri, this is a hard sell to society at large, but I, too, agree that words matter. I'm personally tired of people who are "outraged" at things like getting the wrong drink at a fast food place.
@ecoteri, I do understand your point. I am personally on a mission to stop using war and fighting and bravery words around cancer.
People get cancer. They're sick. They're not cured because they "bravely" "fight" or "battle" cancer enough. What if they die? They didn't fight hard enough? They weren't courageous enough? And by the way, a 2 year old "bravely" "fighting" cancer isn't my "hero."
That said, about 0% people listen to me. So you know, whatever.
Most pertinently, leave Kristen alone right now.
@Rose, Ah, on your side regarding the cancer/war situation. Language is so important, and victim shaming is far too prevalent in our world. What, you didn't manifest your healing? You clearly didn't try hard enough. SHEESH.
.
As for @kristen, if my comments to Rose upset you in any way, I apologise. You never need to have (public) pushback on your site, you don't deserve it because this IS your site. I think you are awesome. Right now, you will understandably be feeling more fragile and vulnerable and exposed - me jumping in to debate language was insensitive, particularly on a post talking about what folk are finding helpful in their lives. .
I LOVE this writing prompt, Kristen!
1. Meditation. I've added morning meditation from here: https://www.youtube.com/c/GreatMeditation each morning and I am loving it. It has become a permanent part of my morning routine.
2. Journaling/Devotionals. I also love my morning journal and devotional time. It's a great way to process emotions and situations and is a good fit with the meditation.
3. That morning instant coffee mocha. I have not tired of this. Every morning I start that journaling time with my mocha and I love it!
4. Spring time and sunshine. I am so very grateful we have hit warmer temperature and sunshine-filled days.
5. My friends. We have such an amazing group of friends around us here. It's so wonderful to get to spend time with them every week. I don't know what I would do without this core group!
Podcasts...they motivate me to go for my walk in the morning, they keep me company as I sit in the carline waiting for the kids, they inspire and educate me.
Sunshine - I just feel so much more energetic on a sunny day. We had a cloudy spell and it got to me.
Robot Vacuum - we spill a lot and have to sweep/vacuum the floors daily. Our little guy takes care of it so I can stay on top of other things (like decluttering and wiping down the counters)
Vegetables. I like 'em. Even used them to prank my family on April Fools Day.
@CrunchyCake,
Ooh! Do tell how you pranked your family, please! Would love to hear it, if you choose to share! ☻
@st, the day before I went to Dunkin' Donuts and got a couple donuts and asked them to put them in their little munchkins box. This is an occasional treat we get for the girls, but really only on the weekend. I took the donuts out and put in carrots, cauliflower, sugar snap peas and broccoli. My youngest came down and was like "MOMMA!!! You woke up early and got us donuts???" I just smiled. It worked three times - each daughter and then their dad. Hehehehehe. I'm kinda proud of myself. I did give them the donuts afterwards.
@CrunchyCake,
How smart and clever... and sweet of you to give them the donuts anyway! ♥
@st, Well, I also put the vegetables in their lunchboxes so everyone got a little of what they wanted 🙂
1. brain meds- I finally got diagnosed w/ ADHD in my early 30's and the difference before and after medication is night and day
2. my husband- I have been feeling incredibly dissatisfied, burn out and honestly scared at where my workplace and industry is going so he has been so supportive of me stepping away and exploring other avenues for my career
3. my garden- I live in Los Angeles, so summer planting is starting. I wasn't in a great mental place when I should have been doing my seedlings etc, but I am looking forward to clearing out the wreckage (both mentally and physically)
4. tea- my grandmother used to say there were very few things that couldn't be fixed by a nap, a good cry or a cup of tea
5. writing- I have started and stopped a novel I have been working on for a few years more times than I could count, I am looking forward to finally committing time to it
@Heather, I love what your grandmother said! I will be quoting her going forward. Thanks for sharing that!
This is probably a good exercise to repeat, like Thankful Thursdays.
Things helping me right now include:
My kids. They have helped me emotionally, physically, and financially as I navigate these rough waters of my husband's health decline. I would be in much worse shape without them.
My faith. I've leaned on it hard lately, but it's not just a prop to comfort me; it's real, living and saving. It reminds me that I am not the only person with needs, and that it is vitally important to love and assist others in whatever manners I can, which also takes my mind off myself.
My paid-off mortgage. That one is self-explanatory.
My family. I can vent, ask questions, and "escape" for a while with them. They visit my husband, they ask what I need, they listen.
My job. After decades of working for less-than-employee-friendly companies, I have a job where the bosses care. They give great benefits, they give raises, they are reasonable in expectations and they are appreciative. Going to work is not fun so early in the morning, but I've yet to be sorry I'm working there.
This is seriously a good topic! Things that are improving my life right now…
1. Always coffee
2. I’m in the middle of a 10 day stay with my son’s family. Seeing my granddaughters’ faces each day surely fills me with love, awe & thankfulness for the privilege to be their “Nonna”.
3. Related to #2 is seeing my son & his wife in a loving relationship, successfully navigating life, home & family.
4. This blog, which helps to keep me on track frugally. It makes unexpected expenses (like my recent dental crown) more palatable. LOL
5. Reading, music, being outside when the weather permits & that wine of the South - sweet tea!
I'm seriously jealous (but grateful) that things like medical podcasts exist. Back when I was in school (when dinosaurs roamed the earth) we were stuck with our textbooks and our college professors as resources--my anatomy professor was a lovely person but a terrible teacher so it was a struggle to get through the class.
Saving my life now .... I joined a gym a few weeks ago and it's been fantastic to be able to feel safe in going to the gym again. I also am grateful for being able to go for hikes in the woods when the weather allows. Listening to old Christian music on YouTube (Rich Mullins, Keith Green ...)--the songs that meant a lot to me when I was younger still touch me today. Cups of tea. Baking. 🙂
@Kris, oh, I forgot .... I have a new addiction: https://www.jigsawplanet.com/
It's been fun to have something to "puzzle" my brain beyond Wordle and the other free games from the New York Times.
Yes, it is so nice to have YouTube videos and podcasts to help us students through this class. I have an awesome professor, but it's still nice to have materials to supplement what he teaches us.
1. My grandson. My daughter-in-law passed away in September and my husband retired at the end of last year ( I had previously retired) so we could move to be near my son and grandson. We are his day care providers and sometimes I don't think I can make it through the grief but he is definitely "what's saving my life right now."
2. Clean Simple Eats protein powder. I'm trying for more protein and filling meals in my diet and this one has great ingredients and I like the taste.
3. Lots of sunshine in my new city.
4. Having a washer and dryer in my new apartment. I haven't lived in an apartment in about 35 years but not having to lug clothes to a laundromat is pretty fantastic.
5. My new library. There were several months when I wasn't reading much but I have a library 2 blocks away now and am back to "escape through reading".
@Jill Movingto, Sorry about your family's loss. Enjoy your grandson and those visits to the library--with him. Libraries offer so much for all ages.
1) more daylight which leads to more exercise
2) minimalism game
3) good books
4) journaling
5)knitting a beautiful pattern
The pond ice melted - yay for open water. The sunlight sparkling on the ripples always lifts my spirits.
1. My membership with the Brooklyn N.Y. Public Library. I am reading so many e-books and it's saving me a fortune.
2. Sunshine in the morning. My brain is so much happier.
3. Sleeping well. I had trouble with insomnia for decades, but it seems to be gone.
4. Our pack of rescue dogs, especially the younger two, who are total loves.
5. My sweet husband, who is always willing to stop what he's doing for a group cuddle with me and the cat.
What is literally helping to keep me alive now is hemodialysis for end stage
renal disease three times a week, and the multiple procedures needed to keep
my access working.
Crocheting for the Linus Project is my method of escapism from the world and making
crocheted afghans for the multiple agencies Linus serves. Normally I'm a voracious
reader but for some reason this year I cannot find anything I want to read. I've started
several books and just quit them.
My main reason for living and wanting to extend my life is for my family, especially
my two 14yr old grandkids who I really want to see grow up. We enjoy going to their
activities baseball, dance, and orchestra.
@Judy, All prayers and best wishes to you and your family for continuing strength and peace! Your grandchildren must be so glad to see you in the audience.
(Love the Linus project).
Oh wow, Judy. Big hugs to you. I hope you get to experience many more grandkid activities!
@Judy, I am sorry to hear that you are going through this!
@Judy, I feel for you. Dialysis three days a week is no joke and all the unexpected/frightening things that come along with renal disease are so difficult. My grandmother had a similar schedule and while it was often rough, it extended her life many years; more than any of us expected. When she first started, I was young enough to be told "I just hope I'll be able to see you get married before I die" but she not only saw me get married, she met and blessed all ten of her great-grandchildren, including my two daughters who are the youngest. And we didn't have kids until eight years into being married! I'm glad you have access to treatment. May it continue to serve you many years in the future!
I am a bit late to the party but better late than never....
1. Coffee.
2. Lists. I have so many things going on that weekly lists are helping me to tick items, projects etc. as I go along so that I feel and see the accomplishments. They are also helping this middle aged brain of mine not forget to complete important task or miss appointments.
3. Paper and Pen. I know many manage to-do lists with computers and spreadsheets but I am old school and I like paper and pen for lists, journaling, and project planning.
4. Hot showers. Having moved into a new home requires a lot of work organizing, cleaning and unpacking. This is a joyful task but man does my back hurt. Nothing better than a hot shower to ease tired muscles.
5. Claritin. It is pollen season and my oh my allergies are in full swing. I am so grateful for an antihistamine.
Thanks for this exercise Kristen - it is a great midweek reset!
I meant to note, Kristen, that CVS used to sometimes have Kashi cereal on sale for an amazing price, so it's something to check as you cruise through to spend CarePass money.
Giving things away on my local Buy Nothing group. It’s always gratifying to pass on items I no longer need, but I really appreciate that you can find new homes for funky things that a thrift store would not accept - such as a half-full bag of grass seed, dirty tennis balls to play fetch with a dog. It’s motivating me to do more spring cleaning, for sure.
@Rachel, I use my local Buy Nothing group also to give away stuff I don't need anymore, just this morning someone picked up a memory foam bed topper I'd used for 10 years, it was very clean etc but thrift stores don't take things like that & the person seemed very happy with it. ( I got a new topper with gel instead of a new bed) My old topper slept hot & am hoping the gel one is cooler. I just learned unexpectedly I will have to move within 3 months as my apt is being sold, I only moved into it last June & had hoped to live here for the foreseeable future. I both sold & gave away a LOT of stuff last year before moving & planning to give away more stuff to make a new move simpler.
* The public library. Reading is my favorite hobby, and I read A LOT. I don't buy books, I only rent them. Same for my kids
* My current diet, I believe, is literally saving my life. I already lost 17 pounds in march
* My husband salary, combined to my part-time job, is giving me a chance to go back to school to change career, which will probably ''save'' me physically (going from a very physical job to an intellectual one)
* My DD therapist, who specializes in autism and happens to live 10 minutes from our place!
* Being in school to switch career : I felt pretty depressed to be stuck in my current job until retirement (15-20 years down the road). Now I have hope 🙂
1) Easy portable breakfast to take to work. Hubby is out of town this week so I have more to do in the mornings. Being able to grab a Perfect Bar or BoBo Bar saves time and they are very filling
2) Flexible work schedule allows me to go to appointments as needed and allowed me to work from home yesterday with our dog who is terrified of thunderstorms. She spent the whole day hiding (and shaking) under my desk
3) Streaming exercise services that provide lots of options to choose from so I don't get bored and skip workouts
4) Physical therapist that is helping me get over the tennis elbow pain that has plagued me for over 2 months
5) Accountant and estate attorney that are helping me navigate through closing out Mother's estate
Today I'm being saved by Mucinex D, literally. Also my dear friend at work took my shift at the front desk so I could take a long lunch and get fresh air. (We rotate covering the Receptionist's lunch break.) Also, watching Modern Family at night! Without these things, I'd be having a much rougher go of it.
Two things . . .
1) My kids being in in-person school. I have four kids, one of whom is special needs. Our school system stayed virtual until September 2021. Then the fall was disrupted by the school system sending the kids home for ten days after each exposure. THEN our school burned down. I will never, ever, ever take for granted that I can work because my kids are in school.
2) Bike rides. I am an academic, so a lot of my work is reading and writing. Thinking. I can think much more clearly if I break the day up with a bike ride. Now that the kids are finally consistently back in school I can leave the house for a bike ride. It seems like a small thing, but I am finally writing productively again.
This is a lovely post. Like Tamara who posted above, the beach is my happy place. It soothes my soul.
Always getting plenty of exercise. I have had a physically demanding few weeks, but I have been able to keep up. I have always stayed active although I’m not as fit as I was pre-Covid. But I’m working on it!
Peanut butter and bananas. I just cannot live without them. They are my go to on busy mornings
This morning Starbucks stayed my life. I woke up and my very special coffee maker did not work. A day without coffee is like a day without sunshine. I rarely buy coffee out, but I was definitely happy it was available.
My husband and I are planning a vacation at the beginning of next month, and we will be using almost entirely our rewards points. Thankful for rewards programs as well as finally getting a change of scenery. Something to look forward to is important.
This is a good exercise. 1) Tea. 2) My work. I am a geriatric LPN and work nights. It is both challenging and rewarding. 3) My dog. She is part beagle and extremely affectionate. 4) The weather has not been very cooperative, but working in the yard, planting, weeding, providing food for the dwindling pollinators gives me great joy. 5) And finally the most important, my relationship with Jesus and my church.
Excited to hear that podcast - I follow both Laura and Sarah!
1) My new eBay store is taking off. It’s been a life long dream to have my own business and this is the first step in that direction. It’s so encouraging to see how well it’s going.
2.) My Penny Pincher Planner! Seriously!! It helps me keep up with all that I’ve got going on.
3.) Ecco slide on trainers. I had an ankle fusion over a year ago and finding cute comfortable shoes I can actually walk in has been so hard. I’m living in these now with little to no pain. MAJOR WIN and they look great as a casual look to my summer dresses.
@Felicia, Would you post a link to your ebay store? I'd love to see it.
@Felicia, I was going to put your #2 on my list! (I still will.) Oh my stars, I love that thing.
What is saving me? So timely as my area moves into a 6th wave. ugh.
1. The ability to work out at home....now to just stay motivated!
2. That I still love my job as a nurse: pandemic and all.
3. that my husband does 98% of the cooking and meal planning. I tell him every day how much I appreciate it.
4. and that he is motivated to declutter.....I just have to agree/disagree.
5. my dog: she gets me out and walking every day!
1. The amount of daylight we have this time of year. I feel more alive when there is more daylight.
2.The availability of healthy food. Produce, whole grains, and many other things are so abundant and I feel better when I eat better.
3. Friends and family. I have a variety of friends that I do various activities with and I love the variety of the friendships. Most family does not live close by but technology allows us to keep in touch easily on a regular basis and visiting family is a top travel destination.
4. Digital audio books. I love to have a good audio book to listen to when I'm spending time in the kitchen, doing some of my exercises, or relaxing before a short nap (rare but they do happen).
5. My local yoga studio. They offer a variety of classes and the teachers and students are wonderful.
6. The outdoors. I walk outside almost every day because it feel better when I do. This time of year there is also plenty of yard work which I am not naturally drawn to but because it is outdoors I don't mind it and I like the results.
I’m glad you found some ‘save your life topics’ Kristen!
1. That first cup of tea in the morning, I am very grateful for it.
2. We had a new hot water heater installed today. The old one was 24 years old, so I think we got our use out of it!
3. It’s been nicer as it’s beginning to look more like Spring.
4. Grateful for the longer days and sunlight.
5. I’m glad for this group it made life far more bearable this winter!
* First of all, faith. I know God has a plan for me so I'm trying to trust Him as best I can.
* My wife. She is definitely a stabilizing factor for me.
* Therapy. I don't have an appointment booked for over a month and I don't think he's been super helpful but sometimes just saying my problems aloud has helped me.
* Doing creative things like drawing and sketching. This at the very least keeps me distracted.
* My internet shows that I watch.
* Being back in the office and seeing people is nice even if some of them are a little crazier than me. LOL
Daily walks at work. I cycle to work but I like the mid day break of walking in the old cemetery across from my work, the quietness, the deer and squirrels and birds. Every day and every time of year is good over there! No lunch room for me.
My sister who I can talk with about everything and anything, every day. She lives down the street and we see each other often but need to chat every day or two.
My boyfriend, dispenser of long hugs and a calm presence in this world.
Daily changes in my garden, blossoms and blooms and new leaves. I like to watch the progress and see colour emerging.
Seeing glimpses of maturity in my 16 year old son. Just glimpses mind you, we are in still deep in the teenage years, but sometimes I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Saving my life ….
1. My personal trainer who is helping me get strong , lean, healthy and happy!
2. Kodiak Chocolate Chip Waffles loaded with protein are quick and light to eat before a workout.
3. Jelly sweet grapes because they satisfy my sweet tooth addiction.
4. Plant Based Protein Vanilla Shakes because they often take the place of expensive meat.
5. Aldi’s produce and cheese section is saving my life and budget.
I'm not sure that I am in a place right now where I need to feel saved. . . but some things that make life better right now are:
1. my kids' sense(s)? of humor
2. coffee
3. God, church
4. reading for fun ( I get to once in a while)
5. sleep. For something like 14 years, I didn't sleep much because of little ones. Now at least 6 hours is the norm (most nights I get 8-ish). Sleep makes such a world of difference.
I resigned from a town board, which added a removal from another town committed which I was on as a representative of the town board. I did this because I am now going to be the leader of the club I am in (no one else would take the spot). The club was established in 1898--I hope I keep it alive and bring recognition to what these ladies are capable of doing.
1. The ability to read easily. Watching my severely dyslexic husband struggle has taught me to appreciate what a gift it is to read. I use this gift daily.
2. Our pound hound, who has finally stopped flinching when we move suddenly and has blossomed into a funny, loving companion who never digs in the garbage or eats off the counter or bothers the chicks we are raising in the kitchen until they are old enough to go into the coop.
3. The woman who comes to clean for a few hours each week. She is so reliable and trustworthy and relieves me of the burden of guilt for tasks I can no longer do and that my husband had to do until we found her. We leave to run our weekly errands and when we get back, she is gone and the house is sparkling.
4. The library.
5. Seed starting. It is still snowing here and the temps are not above freezing, but seeing shoots come up in my garage seeding area gives me joy.
6. The husband, always the husband. (When I type this Kristen, I feel a bit awkward (for lack of a better word) because of what you are going through now. Leaving him out would be odd, too, since he is the greatest blessing in my life...What am I trying to say here--I'm sorry. I hope it does not hurt you to read it...)
1) steroids! I was just diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis
2)my husband-he is doing the lion share of work at home
3) rolling chairs-I have 2 in my classroom that I can use to avoid walking my normal 10000 steps while teaching until my Doc can find a medication I can take with my MS medicine
4)your blog-your handling of adversity with grace is such a nice reminder of how strong we both are!
1. Early morning coffee... And occasionally another cup at lunchtime.
2. Anticipation. I'm looking forward to my little seedlings growing and having a big garden this year. I'm looking forward to my favorite comedian coming close enough that I should be able to go to his show (and I have 6 months to save up for it!) I'm looking forward to warmer weather and more frequent zoo trips.
3. Friends. I've felt extra rich in the friend department lately and it's such a gift.
4. As Felicia also said, my Passionate Penny Pincher planner!! It helps keep me focused and gives me plenty of things to check off. I've never loved a planner more than I love this one.
My vet.
My dog who was helped by my vet.
A pink vintage Fiestaware tea cup.
This weekend I get to spend with the grand babies.
Walks that save my sanity.
1. My ladies Bible study…both our study of James and the wonderful ladies who carry each other’s concerns and celebrate their joy through prayer.
2. Apple Music - listening to upbeat and encouraging music to and from work. (Especially grateful since the car radio is broken)
3. My kids and all their life adventures.
4.Baseball season and watching my #1 play.
1. Friends…they’re just the best. Growing up I didn’t have many but now I am blessed with an abundance. Thank God for friends
2. Easy prep meals…groceries are expensive these days but they will never compare to the cost of going out. However, if I had to scratch make all my meals and chop all my veggies, there’s no way I’d cook.
3. Pandora…music is such an escape for me. Grateful to be able to create my own playlists for each mood.
4. Wall calendars…now that my kids are on high school our lives are so busy. These wall calendars keep us all on the same page.
So glad to hear everyone’s ideas
What keeps me going these days in no particular order:
-following my many daily routines-they keep me sane
-seeing my students suddenly understand something
-hearing my kids read aloud (or seeing them cuddled up with a book)
-appreciating access to healthy foods and my husband who does most of the cooking of whatever weird thing I bring home
-chatting with supportive coworkers and friends
-eating leftovers for lunch (so yummy!)
-taking the slightly longer but more pleasant drive to and from work
-walking in the park next to my school every day at lunch
-making plans for spring break and upcoming spring birthdays as well as summer plans
-reading (books, blogs, recipes, news, emails, texts, etc)
-gardening bit by bit and enjoying my yard
-cuddling my cats or my kids (the cats are more cooperative...sort of...)
-talking to my parents on the phone
-listening to either NPR (to stay informed) or catchy pop music (to calm back down!) in the car on my commute
-getting enough sleep and taking time to do nothing on the weekends
Also, I would like to suggest Dr. John Campbell for YouTube videos about medical topics. I've been following his channel to keep up with the latest covid research and data, but he was a nurse educator (in the UK) and has lots of videos explaining the various systems of the body. He has a very clear way of explaining things, and I think he has also written some textbooks that are free to download-at least I think I've read that in many of his video descriptions. I also like medcram videos on YouTube too-nice clear visuals when describing things. I'm not in the medical field, but both of these channels are designed for nursing/med students but are comprehensible to the general public.
*Time with my kids, esp when we are unabashedly silly.
* Come, Holy Spirit by Vertical Worship today actually- listened to it all the way to my lawyer’s office
* counseling and group counseling
* baths when the kids are with their dad
*podcasts to get my mind off things
*makeup- creative therapy
Oh no, it is ok. I was not upset or offended; it's totally fine to have an opinion! I'll take it into consideration if I do one of these posts in the future.
1) I buy these amazing protein bars at Costco when they are on sale (Perfect Bars). They are not cheap, but when on sale, can be found for ~$1/serving. They are 300 calories, delicious, and super filling. They are my go to when I can't make a regular breakfast.
2) The office gym. It's giving me a positive reason to return to the office, and a way to keep up my fitness, despite the new routines.
3) My Kindle. I was at various kids sports activities for close to 6 hours yesterday, and between matches & games, I could read on my Kindle. Bliss. At least something fun to entertain me.
4) Leftovers. They are the unsung hero of meal planning, but save my life on so many weekdays.
5) A $25 driving tutorial for my son, who finally passed the written test at the DMV. It was a money back guarantee, which built up my son's confidence that he would pass. I will now blissfully be not going to the DMV for at least a few more months! Totally worth $25.
Since I’ve been struggling with some health issues and spending more time in bed Lillian Jackson Braun The Cat Who book series has kept my mind busy. Really cute cat mysteries.