HERE WE GO...

…AGAIN. For me, that cliché sums up the truth of having started another year of life three weeks ago. The immense gift of still being alive despite the trials and traumas I have overcome thus far is a source of immense gratitude. Yet I have recently become aware of interior wounds either long ago haphazardly bandaged up in my psyche. Or up until now was genuinely unaware that I carried. Which means this month has been filled with some incredible highs and lows as I continue to maneuver through the mess that is the human experience. Life gets MESSY at times because all of us are imperfect. Plus healing is hard, and takes honesty with oneself as well as others. OH, it can also take a sh*t ton of time. (As in DECADES.) But I guess that is the BEAUTY of living. We don’t have to always get it right; we just need to keep learning to live — and LOVE — better until the answers arrive.

So yes, this September has been a swirl of stress and sunshine. Full disclosure = This time of year usually is between the academic year beginning (for my kiddo and my teaching artist gigs), in addition to the plethora of friend and family birthdays stretched throughout the month (including my daughter’s and mine). It is A LOT to stay on top of. But as a friend recently reminded me, it is only temporary. I am allowed to feel what I feel while still tending to the professional and personal commitments that require daily attention. The desire to tap out of adulting for a bit is totally normal. This is where “mini-breaks” like weekend getaways, sauna sessions and spa days are beneficial.

Nevertheless, these are balms; not long-term solutions. This is why periodic inventory of my schedule has become increasingly necessary to maintain my sanity. For example, I had initially planned to do another long distance race this year. However after having done a marathon, a 25k and an ultra-event all within 10 months (while still teaching yoga and Pilates; doing sculpt classes; walking + running with the dog etc), I have decided to now hold off until next year, thereby giving my body adequate time to properly recover. This may sound like an easy decision. Although for a chronic “doer” like myself, it is challenging at times to SLOW DOWN.

I have equally made my peace with often needing an energy boost in the early afternoon — no matter what is on the day’s agenda. So having two cases of Saint James Iced Tea on hand has been quite helpful. Each flavor is freshly brewed from green or black tea leaves before being canned in 100% aluminum bottles. I frequently reach for a chilled Pineapple & Mango. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I like Blood Orange & Hibiscus A LOT. Speaking of new fave finds, I stumbled across “Women of Good Fortune” by Sophie Wan at the library. Very glad I did too. Well-written fiction that centers complex, dynamic female characters is very much “my jam.” As is FALL. Let the sweater weather begin! ~Rachel