Joyful Rhythms

10/26/2024

For a little over a year now, I’ve had the wonderful privilege of staying home with my boys. During this time, I’ve made a surprising observation: even though I’m physically more present, I feel that I’m less present - both mentally and emotionally - for my kids than I was when I was working outside of the home. I have a couple guesses as to why this is. My first guess: Since we’re in our house more, the house gets more messy, and I’m distracted by all of the things that “need” to be accomplished. Also, because there are so many things, I get overwhelmed and almost paralyzed because I don’t know where to start! Second guess: I’m using social media more in an attempt to feel more connected to the world outside of my home.

I listened to a podcast earlier this week that had an interview with Neil Pasricha. I appreciated many of the things he talked about, but one specific thing I took away from the episode was his idea called “2 Minute Mornings.” Every morning, you take two minutes to write down one thing for each of the three things listed below:

• “I will let go of…” (can be fears, something holding you back, or a confession)

• “I am grateful for…” (specific examples, not just generic blanket statements)

• “I will focus on…” (can be a task, a conversation you need to have, or any other thing that needs your attention)

As a person who has a hard time with the habit of journaling, I thought this practice seemed more doable. It literally only takes 2 minutes in the morning. So I’ve tried it for a whole 3 days 😅 I know it’s not much yet, but I’ve seriously already noticed a difference!

Because I have taken the time to write down my intentions for the day, my mind is focused, and when I have a moment when the boys are taking a nap or playing independently, I know exactly what I can do. This also keeps me from hopping on Instagram and doom scrolling 🤪 I consider this a win!

Let me know if you already do something like this or if you are going to try it!

P.S. I decided to focus on getting our winter gear ready for the next season which is still hopefully very far away 🤪
P.P.S. You better believe I took this opportunity to make a spreadsheet 🤓

03/02/2024

Oh hey! It’s me! Yes, the challenge is still going! Only today and tomorrow left! I’ve been checking off my goals each day, but I’ve been a little absent on here lately. Sorry about that!

For the first three weeks of the challenge, I was doing some fairly high impact workouts, so this past week, I focused more on recovery workouts like Pilates, yoga, and barre. I typically don’t like those types of workouts, but they were just what I needed this week! If you’re feeling bored with your current exercise routine or your body isn’t responding well to what you’re doing, try switching it up a little bit. I personally use the BODi platform to find a new program, but I’m sure you could find some good ones on YouTube as well! Feel free to reach out to me as well if you are looking for some recommendations.

Let’s finish these next couple days strong!

02/23/2024

I learned something new today! Did you know that experiences of awe can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health? The feeling of awe is associated with an increase of oxytocin being released, which in turn can lower inflammation in our bodies.
The more I learn about our bodies, the more in awe of the Creator I am!
Take a moment to pause and reflect on something awe-inspiring, and then don’t forget to thank the One who made it.

01/31/2024

In my last post I mentioned that I’d be doing a February challenge. Well, I’ve finally had some time to finalize it, and I’m really excited about it!

I wanted this to be a challenge that could be customized for any stage of life. Whether you’re in a season where brushing your teeth each day is a win or you’re feeling like you’re ready to conquer the world, you can join us and cheer each other on!

In this challenge, you can choose which level you’d like to complete. Challenge A (choose one daily goal), Challenge B (choose three daily goals), or Challenge C (choose five daily goals). Participants in the challenge will be added to my Joyful Rhythms Community group where they can share their progress and encourage each other.

To make things interesting, you can choose to put a little “skin in the game” by putting $10 in the pot. At the end of the challenge, the participants who placed $ in the pot, completed the daily goal(s), and submitted their trackers each day, will split the total $ in the pot.

Like I said, I’m so excited to start this challenge, and I’d love to have you join! The more the merrier! 😊

Either DM me or comment “wellness” to participate.

01/18/2024

I did an unintentional experiment the past couple of months… I had a really good routine going in November and December. I was waking up early to get in a workout and was ready for the day before my boys got out of bed. I also was making a point of drinking lots of water, setting aside time for personal devotions, and trying to limit my screen time each day. It was great! I was feeling productive, present, and ready for what the day threw at me.

And then the holidays happened… and then the baby hit the 4 month sleep regression … and then he got an ear infection… and then snow days… and then… 😅 All that to say that my routine has been thrown completely out the window.

Here are my observations:
1. Sleep is monumental — When I’m not getting the sleep I should, I have little to no motivation to do the things like exercise or even get ready for the day!
2. Self care is not selfish. My personal definition of self care: “what you need to do for yourself in order to love and serve those around you well.” I’m a much more present mom and wife when I make an effort to take care of myself each day.
3. There will always be something that will make it hard to reach your goals. You just need to wake up and try again. Perfection isn’t possible, but progress is.
4. I need accountability. Maybe it’s the community or maybe it’s the competition 🤷‍♀️, but at any rate, I love having someone to share in my goals (misery according to some … I won’t mention any names 🤪😂)

So, my conclusion: I would like to make the time to care for myself again, and I think it’d be so much more successful if I had others to do it with me. I’m coming up with a challenge that can be catered to any level or goal, and I’ll be sharing more details soon. Who wants to join me in the month of February?!

01/13/2023

I’m not gonna lie, winters are hard for me. The lack of sunshine, the cold temperatures, and the fact that I have to wear shoes that take effort to put on, just really bums me out! BUT, look how beautiful winter can be!! The pictures don’t do it justice, but I’ve been so in awe of God’s creation this morning!

01/09/2023

4 years ago. In some ways it’s gotten easier, but in others, it’s so much harder. I just want to call her. To hear her voice and her giggle again. I want to see her roll her eyes and talk through her teeth. I want her to get her pen and paper out and make plans for the day. I want her to see my kids grow up.

As I look through pictures, I get angry. Angry that cancer took so many years away - not just these 4 years, but the years she was with us. How that horrible disease caused so much pain and suffering.

When she passed away four years ago, I was sad, but was rejoicing that she no longer had to be in pain. But now that we’re four years removed, it’s as if that pain isn’t as poignant, and now her absence hurts more.

It feels selfish. I know that she’s rejoicing in heaven and “singing all the parts at once”, but some days I just wish this wasn’t part of her story - our family’s story.

I’m so grateful that God hears us in our anger and sadness. Just read through the Psalms and you’ll see so many examples of the psalmists crying out to God! One of my friends shared Psalm 11 with me this week in a different context, but I love the way it ends, and am going to cling to these words today and in the days to come:

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.”

01/03/2023

The weather lately has been making me crave comfort foods! Anyone else??
Last night, I made the Lightened Up Hamburger Helper recipe from Ambitious Kitchen, and we all gobbled it up. My 5 year old even added his side of peas to the dish and inhaled it! 😂
So if you’re looking for something that reminds you of your childhood and brings a little warmth and comfort on these snowy days, try out this recipe!

One pan healthy hamburger helper made with simple ingredients for a nostalgic, comforting dinner the whole family will love.

01/01/2023

Happy New Year!! I’ve been quiet over here lately! Just prioritizing family time and enjoying the extra time we get together 💗

As the new year begins, and we all get back into our regular rhythms and routines, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be starting a new challenge group tomorrow! It’s a 21 day challenge that focuses on 5 different areas each day: doing devotions, exercising for 20 minutes or more, following an eating plan, drinking half your body weight in water, and following a nighttime routine to improve your sleep.

I’ve made two trackers to help you with these goals: the daily tracker and the 21 day tracker.

To make things a little more exciting, I’ll be adding a little competition to the mix 😊 The winner of this competition will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Here’s how to participate:
1. DM me to join my challenge group
2. Complete the 21 Day Tracker (can be downloaded and printed once you’re in the group)
3. Submit the tracker to me at the end of the 21 days for a chance to win the gift card.

The best thing about this? There’s no cost to participate! Just show up and be consistent! 😊

12/21/2022

It's easy to get caught up in all the planning and hustle of the season, so for today's writing prompt Wednesday, I'm encouraging you to take some time to reflect on what you are most thankful for this Christmas. It might help you change your mindset from overwhelmed and stressed to overwhelmed with gratitude!