Simple Joys of the Week, February 8th Edition

We lost another family member on my dad's side of the family this week. I thought we might have a little break from loss after all of the loss of 2018, but I guess I was wrong.

My dear uncle--only 62--passed away unexpectedly on Monday night. He left behind two incredible children in their 20's and my beloved Aunt Joanie. Everyone is obviously devastated. I'm headed to the funeral in North Carolina this weekend and might write more about it in the future, but suffice it to say that a sudden, out-of-the-blue loss like this one is sobering, scary, and heartbreaking. It reminds you of the fragility of life and of the realities we always talk about in yoga--specifically, that this one moment is ALL we have for sure. 

This loss has led me to be more present, to give more love, and to soak up all of the gifts in my everyday life even more this week. Thus, I still wanted to reflect on my SJOTW today.

Here are some of the little things that brought me joy over the past week, despite all of the sadness in our family... 

​HEAR: "Akaal" by Ajeet Kaur
This is a total yoga song so if you're not into yoga music it's probably not for you, but if you're a yogi and love a good slow song for the end of your practice or class, check this one out. I put it on my new February playlist and every time it comes on it makes me feel more soothed and relaxed. Listen below.

SEE: Doulas
I interviewed a doula team at our house yesterday and it was wonderful. They were the perfect fit and made me much more excited (and freaked out/nervous) to attempt childbirth again, this time with an extra support person. Thanks for all of the advice + personal experiences you shared on my IG post about this! Your words of wisdom were really helpful. 

TASTE: Ice cream after a month of no deserts ;) 
Ben and I went on a rare date on Saturday night (yay for us!) and then, because none of the desserts on the menu spoke to us, stopped at a convenience store on the way home and picked up some ice cream (that's how we roll). I got Ben + Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough--as I always do--and can't even begin to tell you how delicious it was after a month of no desserts. And the great news? My sweet tooth was so refined after a month away from sweets that I only needed a little bit to feel satisfied! 

SMELL: Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Have you ever had a Japanese Sweet Potato? If not, and if you like sweet potatoes, I can't recommend them enough. They're delicious and really good for you. I baked a bunch on Tuesday and have had one with dinner every night this week. Yum. 

TOUCH: Baby kicks in my belly
I don't remember feeling Charlie Mae move around in my belly until around 20 weeks or so. This pregnancy, I first felt the baby move at 14 weeks and the movement has only been increasing since then. This week I felt the most movement yet, and every little twist, turn, and punch makes me SO happy and gives me a whole lot of [much-needed] reassurance. 

So there you go; a tough week that still included lots of little simple joys (+ SO many Charlie Mae and "tidying up"-related pleasures that aren't included above).

I hope you're able to spend some time reflecting + feeling the gratitude today/this weekend. We are so lucky to be here and to be experiencing the simple joys of life.