Everything in Between January
Happy New Year! Welcome back to another installment of everything in between, a continuation of what I know about life, love, and acne.
Well, I made it through December and the holiday madness. And it all went well. My angst was unfounded; what a joy.
I hope you had a lovely, quiet, and restful holiday and got everything you wanted.
It's a new year, and of course, everyone is just buzzing about resolutions. But unfortunately, I can't be bothered with resolutions or the idea of "resolutions." To do or not do something at a given time of the year seems punitive, oppressive, and rife with failure. It also implies that I have been "bad."
So instead, I am committed to myself all year round. I am not interested in following a notion or idea of how I will change myself on January 1st. It's simply too much for my sensitive self. I prefer a less harsh approach. I set goals, manifest, and visualize; I am a list maker and quiet meditator. I journal year-round, always thinking about how to better my life, myself, and my circumstances. And, because I am human, I go through times when I am stagnant, stale, and lack creative inspiration or have a bad case of inertia or obstacle-itis. As a result of those times, I feel depressed, or I am hard on myself, then I come out of it and start the process all over again.
On that same note, I have yet to rely heavily on vision boards. If I want to attract material items, then a vision board is a great way to do it. At the moment, I'm looking for something other than material things. Don't get me wrong, I love beautiful things, but I am interested in connection, community, experiences, expanding and love.
My intention for the new year is to grow socially and expand emotionally, meet new people, fall in love and have new experiences. Coming out of the lockdown after more than two years has been challenging. Like so many others, my life changed significantly during the deepest depths of the pandemic. Starting with my career that I had had and loved for more than forty years, friendships I had had my whole life ended, and my beloved dog became elderly, hard of hearing, and visually impaired. Still, the biggest one was my empty nest, my son returned to college, and I had to readjust once again.
Now, I am in "rebuilding" mode. I am seeking a sense of Equilibrium—a feeling of fitting in again as I venture into the new world.
I have been thinking about what's important now and what matters most. Who and what fit into my life? What are my next steps? And do I see a clear path to walk down? These are all questions I ask myself daily, and some days, I find ease in getting to an answer, and other days I find myself upset and frustrated. I also sense that time is slipping by, and then I feel panicked because I feel time slipping by. Can you relate?
As I am exploring a new path, I will be gentle and kind to myself. Sleep and rest are essential; eating healthy food and drinking lots of water or tea to help move fluids through my system is paramount. Avoiding sugar is monumental in sustaining strength for healing and avoiding internal inflammation.
I often write about my love of yoga; I know that yoga isn't for everyone but stretching, bending, and moving are essential for all. We will all have to bend over to pick something up off the ground at one time or another, and to do so with ease is a gift to our bodies.
I also walk a few miles daily. Again, nothing crazy but an urban hike can be delightful, and if you live near a lush park or forest, a nature walk is healing and inspiring and can bring joy to someone having a rough day.
Clearing toxic people from my life has been necessary for growth. It doesn’t come without heart break but for me saying “I love you and I will miss you” is self care.
I have been doing some extra skincare steps over the last few weeks. For example, I added ZO skincare resurfacing pads in the morning. I use one pad all over my face and neck before I apply my Couvet de Rosée. I have also been using my Perfeteur serum, which contains Bakuchoil (natural Retinol) and Salicylic Acid to help exfoliate and slough off dead and dry skin. Then, in the morning, I apply Equilibrium (ironic); it provides a lovely primer base for my foundation, which I've been keeping light during the last few months.
I have been re-loving Charlotte Tilbury light wonder foundation. It provides light coverage and a healthy glow. I also add Hollywood Flawless Filter. Byterry makes a primer or cc serum I have used over the years and love. Along with Westman-Atelier light-setting powder. Love. Love. Love.
Incense is another tool I use to change the vibe. It sets the mood and tone for the day. I love anything with patchouli, amber, sandalwood, or rose.
I have also been taking time daily to read a novel and nourish my mind offline. I love it. I am currently reading Poser, my life in 23 yoga poses. It's good. And more importantly, it's good for me to engage in something that feeds my mind.
Life is long. Life is short. And I don't know what's next, but I do know that for me, being intentional is the only way to be.
Side note, If I were to make a real New Years resolution, it would be to stand tall, hold my head high, and walk gracefully into another year on this earth.
I wish you all a happy New Year.
Xoxo Jamie