Self Care

The forest heals. The fresh air infuses life. The sights and sounds of nature refresh and revive.

After a busy time with unexpected challenges, I could feel the fatigue building as I plunged into final preparations for and all weekend reading and writing conference. I did something quite smart that I don’t usually do. I took a day off and enjoyed life. A full day of hiking, happy hour and even a football game, with my husband, refreshed me.

I had way too much fun at the conference, despite the fact that it had to be online. I gave presentations. I went to presentations. I helped host others. It felt good to be part of something that has been fundamental to my writing success.

By the end of the three days, I was cooked. I did something smart, that 9 don’t usually do. I read in bed and binged Shudder (if you’re a closet horror lover like me, check out my other website, KillersAndDemons).

After two days, I felt better. I decided to continue to be smart. I did a bunch of work, then, I went outside into the sunshine, and walked for two hours through the forest.

Am I finally learning to listen when my being needs something? I hope so.

Do you listen when you need some self care? I find having a list of things that I know I love thay make me feel good, and being setup to easily execute on them, sets me up for success. For example, having good hiking clothes clean at all times, a great pair of shoes by the door, and pack ready to go with snacks and sunscreen. Or having books or movies on hand so I can chill. Or having my bathroom stocked with bath salts, candles, and aromatic bubble bath.

Take care, and be sure to stop and be nice to yourself when you need a break.

Nature Walk and Happy Hour

I have recently fallen in love with nature walks.

Through the various phases and stages of lockdown, my husband chose a fantastic way to deal with closures and isolation. He walked. Everyday. Sometimes for hours.

He even got a rotation going where he would walk with different friends on different days. It was a fantastic way to achieve both mental and physical health.

I started going with him. Two or three times a week, even during the coldest winter days. With the right gear, and right attitude, a dose of physical activity and nature can be good for the body and the soul.

Today I had my head buried in a couple of writing projects. Late afternoon I realized my brain was done for the day and I felt blah. I decided to put on some walking gear and do a beautiful forest loop close to home.

My hubby ended up joining me. Two hours later, forest loop done, I feel revived and relaxed. Time for a home brew on the patio.

What do you do to stay healthy, physically and mentally?

Kickboxing, Power Lifting and Empowering People

I recently had the absolute pleasure of getting to know Tasneem.  Tasneem is small in stature, but big in personality.  Her energy flows from her, and leaves one feeling uplifted, excited, and ready to take on life!  She is extremely hard working and dedicated to quality and the people in her life.  She is an absolute fireball, taking on life straight ahead, no backing down.  She is also wise beyond her years, embracing both balance and learning from her mistakes.  Let me take you on a journey with Tasneem…

Tasneem has been a part of many sports thoughout her life.  Many, including basketball, rugby, rowing, running and trialathon, came into and went out of her life.  In high school she took her first kickboxing class.  She immediately knew this was the one.  She really got into it in her 20s, and at first she struggled!!  She had two left feet and no co-ordination.  But she chose to keep getting her ass kicked, literally.  She stuck with it, she worked hard and she learned.

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A Beautiful Brunch

The air was electric.  The room was vibrating with high frequency energy!!!

I was a newbie, it was my first time, yet I felt like I had been here before.  Everyone was so welcoming, energetic and enthusiastic!

It was no coincidence that the entire morning was such an amazing experience for me.

I had seen ‘Babes Who Brunch’ float by on social media a few times, and something about it grabbed my attention.  Thus, when a friend told me it was a must try, I immediately bought my ticket.  If this is in a city near you – GO!!!  The Ace Class is where you can find info and tickets.

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The space created by Mandy (host of Babes Who Brunch) and the energy she infused the entire room with completely guided me to an elevated place.  If anyone was feeling off or bad before arriving at the event, their entire being would be changed the minute they walked into the room.  The atmosphere coaxed happiness out of everyone present.  The vibe was naturally elevated by so many positively charged beings, sharing, supporting, and collaborating.

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Burning Eyes of Fire

I was SO excited.  We were finally hitting the road!  It had been a while since we had done any travelling.  We had just moved into our first house.  It was a huge endeavour that took much more time and energy that I had anticipated.  The fruits of our labor included an amazing summer in our new oasis.

I was craving some time on the road.  Some time away to explore and be free.  We had a great two weeks planned, packed full of craft beer, cycling, and outdoor exploration.  We arose before sunset.  As we backed out of the driveway in our little Subaru, packed to the brim with bikes and outdoor gear, we were guided by the soft glow of the moonlight.

The summer had been an absolutely terrible one for forest fires.  We were fortunate.  Being in Alberta, and the fires mostly burning in British Columbia, the most we experienced were some minor inconveniences when we had to cancel cycling or hiking plans due to poor air quality.  For those in the heart of it, lives had been changed.  I didn’t realize how much, until we embarked on our exciting little road trip.

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The Bionic Woman Returns – Cinque Terra

 

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We didn’t know it yet, but, we were nearing the end of a several month adventure.  We had left home with hefty backpacks, planning to chase the pro cycling circuit.  We had seen a lot of cycling races, done a lot of our own riding, and had also found many other adventures along the way.  Coming off of the high of accomplishing some big things in my own cycling journey, I think I was in complete belief that I was the bionic woman!!!

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Another Blog Award – Mystery Blog Award

WOW!!!  The blogging community continues to be amazing, strong and supportive!

Thank you SO much to elanaflutterfly for the nomination for the Mystery Blog Award.

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Mystery Blogger Award is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging;  and they do it with so much love and passion.

– Okoto Enigma

 

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