We all have weeks that test our stamina and draw on our reserves of energy both mental and physical. This week was one of those weeks. However, instead of bemoaning by busyness (too much, sorry Chris) my reflection on this week has shown me all the things I have to be grateful for that nourish me even during a hard busy week. And, if that fails, I simply look at the sticky note taped to my office wall that reads ‘idle hands do the devil’s handiwork.’ That gets me moving. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2014 – Week Thirty-One:
Monday: I started the week off with a new book! I am so grateful that my reading appetite has come back. I have so many volumes that are yet to be read, and old favourite begging to be re-read. My brain is ready to soak in all the words and revel in the worlds that they reveal. Coming next week: my recent reads.
Tuesday: I really struggle on the weeks that we have multi-day meetings. Paying attention for hours on end has never been my strong suit, and these days really take it out of me (and everyone else I imagine) so when I got home tonight I was grateful that Chris greeted me at the door with a big warm hug, put a movie on for us to watch while eating dinner, and then snuggled me until I fell asleep. True peace and rest.
Wednesday: Another meeting day and I was not feeling like getting to the gym tonight. I was grateful when Chris suggested that we go for a walk along the water instead. Sometimes I need to reminder that it’s okay to slow down and listen to the demands of your body to recover from the day. We wandered along the shoreline and I showed him a new beach front. We walked and talked and listened to the waves lapping on the dark shores.
Thursday: Today the meetings finished early and Jess and I took the chance to go out into the beautiful midday winter sunshine and have some lunch at a local café. I was grateful to escape and unwind over an iced Americano before heading back for the afternoon.
Friday: Tonight Chris went out to see some friends so I had the whole evening to myself. Although I missed him I was grateful to have some time to just potter around the house, go for an extra long run at the gym, and watch a movie while lying in the middle of the bed. I think sometimes it is important for a couple to take an evening apart to do the things that they really enjoy. In this case: me lying in bed texting my Mum, reading my book and hiding away from the world after a busy week; while Chris was at the Irish Club enjoying a few pints and some loud Celtic music with his friends.
Saturday: This morning I woke in the cold morning air and made my way to my standing date with Mum and Jess at the farmers markets. Jess tested out my newest quick bread (and approved – recipe coming this week) and we caught up on the happenings of the week. After the markets I washed my car at Mum and Dad’s place and I was grateful to Dad for helping me wash and polish my car and for Chris taking care of the parts that I can’t eat. In the cool of the evening air as the sun was sinking below the horizon I went for a run along the water and watched the sunset get trapped in the tidal pools. Tonight Chris and I had a late night watching movies. I was grateful for a day where I got to spend quality time with some of my dearest.
Sunday: I didn’t make it to a trail run that I was planning on going to this morning, but I did end up going for a very slow run along the water again. This is one of my favourite places in the world and I am so grateful that we get to live in such a beautiful part of the world. My run was a good idea because later today I had high tea with Josie and Caroline to celebrate Josie’s birthday! We went to the Sofitel and 30 stories above Brisbane we enjoyed varied delicacies and each other’s company. I am grateful that my oldest friends and I are still in contact and get to share these adventures. When I got home Chris and I took a short walk along the foreshore. We watched the storm clouds gather on the horizon and I could smell the shadow of rain in the air.
Also this week:
- I shared a rustic winter Ginger, Apple, and Almond Cake
- Here are some great quick lunch ideas to keep you healthy and fed during the work week
Now I am tucked in bed awaiting a bowl of warm veggies for dinner and anticipating the beginning of a new book. Happy Sunday night everyone.
Tell me dear reader, what are you grateful for this week?
