Currently | Summer 2023

I am spending a quiet morning reflecting and writing this post. My mental health hasn’t been the greatest this month. I have been feeling lonely, something this introvert doesn’t often experience, but my partner is in his busy season at work and my closest friends are all going through some big things in their lives, which means they are directing more of their time and energy elsewhere.

I usually prefer being alone. In fact, it took me a long time to adjust to living with a significant other again. I can find plenty to fill my time when it’s just me. There are times, though, when it’s nice to have a friend around when I need to talk, laugh, or be distracted from dark thoughts that creep into my mind. This is one of those times when being an extrovert would be helpful. I could easily go out and make a new friend or two, join a local club, or find a volunteer opportunity, but it’s difficult when you are painfully shy and are low-energy in social situations.

It might be time to pivot and find something else I can dive into. For now, my writing is helping. Snuggling with my always-cuddly kittens is nice. And having a partner who is encouraging and understanding is the best. Anyway, here’s what I’ve been up to lately.

Loving - making some new things in the kitchen. Recently tried a new spicy corn chowder recipe and must make it again.

Eating - tons of fruit, thanks to a trip to a boujee grocery store where they have excellent produce. And soup, always soup.

Working - very little, due to a seasonal slowdown and technology. (Thanks, AI.) Developing some new projects for later in the year, so watch for those.

Noticing - little glimmers, like fireflies twinkling in the field across from my house.

Picturing - what it would look like to have the type of success I deeply desire and manifesting it.

Collecting - pins differently on Pinterest. One of my projects is to simplify my boards, and I’m doing that by tossing a lot of junk.

Wanting - to get back to evening walks with my love, but the air quality has been dreadful.

Honoring - my body, my mind, my soul, for all that they are.

Anticipating - the Lion King Broadway show, one I’ve been dying to see for years, and finally will in early July!

Planning - on moving some of my writing from one platform to another.

Following - writers, artists, and anyone who inspires creativity in me.

Accepting - my past and letting go, shredding old journals, and packing away the keepsakes that I no longer want/need to remember.

Making - headway in the full-house declutter and organization project.

Smelling - a favorite candle that has been discontinued. Candle companies, can you please stop doing that?

Getting - hungry and tired.

Identifying - areas of improvement in my workflow and creating new systems that will (hopefully) work better.

Wearing - gym shorts and t-shirts, my wardrobe as of late.

Listening - to the “Going Through It” podcast with Ashley C. Ford. It’s wonderful.

Consuming - too much Instagram and really need to work on that.

Reconnecting - with who I am without someone else telling me who I should be.

Watching - The Bear, which is excellent, And Just Like That, which is nostalgic, and Undercover Underage, which makes me glad that I don’t have kids.

Wondering - what to get into this weekend.

Posting - pictures, notes, and important bits on my bulletin board.

Feeling - heavy but hopeful.

Releasing - my need to please others… Okay, I’m trying to release it. :)

Scheduling - some blog posts ahead of time, which makes me feel like I’m back in the blogging heyday of 2015.

Organizing - office desk drawers, because it’s easier than doing what I need to.

Reading - some classics and a few new releases. Follow along on Goodreads.

Taking - time to let my body recover. I’m not good at it and still don’t always believe I deserve rest, but I’m trying.

Craving - a pint of Ben & Jerry’s half-baked ice cream.

Investing - in some small round cake pans so I can make the birthday cake Frank requested for next week.

Appreciating - having a partner who is my biggest fan and cheerleader, but also gives me his honest opinion when I need to hear the truth.

Sending - a bag of new or gently used items to the local rescue mission for those currently experiencing housing insecurity.

Enjoying - popsicles on hot summer evenings.

Going - to a pool hall to kick Frank’s ass soon. He’s a nerd who has his own pool cues. I’m the girl who grew up with a pool table in my basement. It’s on!

Resolving - to use up skincare and beauty products before I buy new, and then fully making the switch to cruelty-free brands.

Playing - brain games in the morning: logic puzzles, sudoku, and more.

Encouraging - myself to take a much-needed nap.

Finding - little notes that I made years ago on pads of paper and smiling at some of the dreams I had.

Spending - time organizing wakes up my creative heart. (I need order to calm the chaos in my head.)

Wishing - for autumn weather. I need my cooler days back ASAP.

Thinking - about tomorrow.