Simple Joys of the Week, February 22nd Edition

Last Friday in February! Next week at this time, I'll be skiing out West! Woohoooooooooo! 

But I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? And that, my friends, is why I write the SJOTW column. To make time to reflect on all of the amazing things that I'm able to experience every week, to learn to focus on the present moment, and to teach myself that life isn't always about looking forward...

So, here's what brought me happiness over the past week. What made you smile, laugh, or breathe a sigh of relief? 

HEAR: The Lone Bellow
My Dad recommended this group to me earlier this week, and I haven't been able to stop listening since. They remind me of a mix between Mumford and Sons, The Civil Wars, and The Avett Brothers. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? That's because they are. You can listen to one of my favorite songs from their self-titled debut album, "Tree To Grow," below:

SEE: Good friends
Last weekend, I partook in three (3!) birthday celebrations with friends. Each were super fun and it was really enjoyable to be so social for once (time for a social life is lacking for me sometimes these days...which I'm working on!). Plus. it was exciting to be celebrating such big birthdays (two of them were 30th birthdays) with people I truly care about. Yay!

TASTE: Skinny Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks
So unoriginal, I know, but I hadn't had one in ages and had one yesterday, and it felt like a total treat. Sometimes, it's the super obvious, unoriginal moments that make us happy, and I think that's okay ;) 

SMELL: Chlorine
One of my goals for 2013 was to start swimming more regularly again. The first step was getting an acceptable one-piece swimsuit, which I did in January (not so easy!), and this past Sunday, I finally went to our local pool and swam for 35 minutes. It was really, really wonderful--meditative, challenging, and new. I'm truly going to try and make this a weekly thing from now on!

TOUCH: Massage at The Teal Center
I know I've been using this as a SJOTW a lot recently, but honestly, what feels better than a massage? Another one of my 2013 goals was to start getting massages more regularly, and this week, I got my third since December. I'm trying for once a month, and it's been a very worthwhile endeavor ;) My massage therapist is beginning to really understand my body and all of my injuries, and she's become my total physical touchpoint. So thankful.

What brought you joy over the past 7 days? If you can, pause and reflect on some of the many wonderful moments from the past week--it feels really good! 

I hope your weekend is truly fabulous. You deserve it!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine