Simple Joys of the Week, February 26th Edition

How was your week? Did it fly by as quickly as mine did? {Whoosh!} 

Lets slow things down by doing a bit of reflection...if you can, take a few minutes to think back on the simple, sensory pleasures that brought you joy over the past 7 days. Maybe jot them down or just take a moment to soak up the gratitude associated with all of the wonderful experiences that we get to enjoy every day.

Here are a few of the things that came up for me when I thought back on the past week...

HEAR: The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast
This podcast is definitely not for everyone because it's *very* heavy, but I've just started listening to it and have found it to be extremely interesting, well-done, and powerful. Each week the host, comedian Paul Gilmartin, interviews artists, friends, and the occasional mental-illness professional about their experience with mental illness of all kinds. Although it's not necessarily "joyful," there is a beautiful sense of hope and healing that comes through in each episode. I highly recommend listening  if you're interested in this subject.

SEE: Moving my studio downstairs!
As I mentioned in last week's SJOTW, we're doing some serious room switcheroos and painting projects to get ready for baby. On Sunday, we handled the big move of my studio--from upstairs in what is going to become our bedroom, to downstairs in what used to be the guest bedroom. The result? I can't believe that we didn't make this room my studio in the first place!!! It's been SO amazing and so much more convenient to have my studio downstairs, where I spend most of the day, anyways. I'm in love with this new space and in my mind, it's the BEST house change we've made so far. 

TASTE: Lärabars
I'm sure I've mentioned my love of Lärabars here in the past, but I have to bring them up again now because they've been my go-to bag snack during these past 15 weeks (during which I need to eat basically every hour on the hour to keep myself feeling good). I love the fact that they have no added sugar or gluten and are all basically made of fruit and nuts. Delicious! 

SMELL: Freshly-laundered sheets
I have to brag on Ben for a second: every Saturday, no matter what, he takes it upon himself to remove our sheets, wash + dry them, and then put them back on the bed before the end of the day (he does ask for my help with this part, of course). He's been doing this for over a year now, on his own, and I so appreciate having freshly-laundered sheets each week without having to do anything myself. 

TOUCH: My crazy growing belly...!?!
I'm a little over 15 weeks and am finally starting to show a bit. My belly is growing much quicker now, and when I touch it, it has a noticeable hard roundness to it (I'm sure those who have been pregnant before know what I'm talking about). It's really weird and exciting and crazy! As Ben said yesterday, "it's not the same as fat, it's coming from the inside" (ha!!!). So yeah, that's been fun and has got me touching my stomach way more than ever before. Can't wait to feel this little nugget start to move! [PS. I'm not ready to share belly pics, so decided to share a pic of a sweet handmade stuffed animal that some of my friends sent me, instead...]

And there you go! I hope you can take some time to reflect on your SJOTW today, too.

Oh, and a few housekeeping notes:

• March Workshop on the Cape: I've got my seasonal slow flow + restorative workshop, [Early] Spring Awakening coming up at Centerville Yoga + Wellness Center on Friday, March 11th from 6-8pm. Sign up here to reserve your spot!
• April Workshops at Tranquil Space Arlington: I'll be heading back to Tranquil Space Arlington to teach two workshops in April! Join me April 15th and 16th for one or both events; sign up here. 
• Namaste Nantucket June Retreat: There are still 2 spaces left in my Namaste Nantucket Yoga Retreat June 5-11th...learn more + sign up here. 
• March Newsletter: my March newsletter goes out Tuesday! I've got a new format that features a roundup of some of my favorite resources, articles, and internet finds. Sign up here to make sure it lands in your inbox.
  
  

That's it for now ;) Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!