A few weeks ago, Brittany tagged me in a post on facebook. She included a link to her blog. I love Brittany's writing and then to be included in it, what what? I was so excited to be mentioned in such lovely writing. I met Brittany when I met her roommate when they were looking for a place to live...a little over three years ago. Brittany inspires me in so many ways. She is my go-to woman when talking about hip-hop, diversity/inclusion, feminism, spirituality and general reflections on living life. She is so cool.
Check out her 31 things. What do you think of them? I love them. I hope to hang out on her hammock, too.
Starting a few days ago, there were 31 days till summer — gosh, I can’t believe May is basically over.
Over the last few months I’ve been spending some time exploring what it might mean for me to be well in my 25th year and a few friends invited me to join the 31 Days (till) Summer Challenge. Lots of folks are joining in, making lists of 31 ways to take care of oneself, and acting on each one. I’m jumping in a bit late, but made my list this afternoon. So, here goes something (not nothing)…
Commute by bike 4 days each week
Clean out my bedroom closet
Create a meditation space in the guest room
Read poetry
Take 2 turns at watering the garden each week
When cooking beef, only cook grass-fed cows
Only say ‘yes’ to opportunities that energize me
Cook a new recipe each week
Get a summer hair-do
Learn basic bike repairs
Practice yoga three times
Give away some clothes
Buy a new sports bra
Eat mindfully (including 3 meals a day)
Finish projects I start
Paint my toe nails as often as I want
Go to the Farmer’s Market & buy white radishes (yum!)
Write a few letters to Grams
Notice & pay attention to when I feel confined or constricted
Keep a food-mood journal for a few days
Remind myself as often as I need to: How & Who I Am Is A-Okay
Go to the park with Adina
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Listen to music loud, loud, loud
Invite conversation w/ my friends, fam & partner about what it means to be well
Take a nap
Laugh
Go to the pool once
Hang the hammock on the clothes line
Lay in the hammock
Give myself a break
Monday, May 31, 2010
Three Weeks
How's it been going on your challenge? It's been just a week into celebrating the arrival of summer. For me I've found that I'm listening to my body more and more. I am really excited for summer for a number of reasons this time around. I'm not sure if it's because I'm surrounded by people all around the world who are celebrating health and summer (and winter for our southern hemisphere folks). Part of it is celebrating summer in a place I can call home...and someone who is all my husband and all...and our favorite dog...and celebrating my summer hair.
So, what have you noticed in your body so far?
What has been the most difficult, surprising part of the challenge?
What would you adjust from your list? Add or delete?
What are some encouraging words you can offer others on this journey?
So, what have you noticed in your body so far?
What has been the most difficult, surprising part of the challenge?
What would you adjust from your list? Add or delete?
What are some encouraging words you can offer others on this journey?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
31 day submission: Dave!
Another submission for today! Sweet friend and coworker David B!
I met David through my service at Word Made Flesh. He was on our board at first, then he was an intern and I helped him with his internship and now he's on staff in Argentina! I have a favorite pair of flip flops that he gave to me as a gift for helping him with his internship. I break them out every spring/summer, they are even here with me on our vacation. He's a sweet friend and has really great resources on the contemplative spirituality and mindfulness that people have referred to in their sharing. Check his blog out!
A few weeks back Jara, our WMF Advocacy Coordinator, introduced a “31 Days till Summer” health challenge. I kept reading the Facebook and Twitter updates, as more and more people joined in. And a kept ignoring the challenge as not for me right now. After all, we aren’t counting down the days to summer as the temps chill down towards winter here in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus, I already have a pretty long to do list before leaving for my visit to the U.S. in July. I didn’t want to add more things to “should” on myself about. This past week I was communicating with Jara in some emails back and forth on some work stuff. I added a P.S. in one of the emails thanking her for the challenge and the inspiration she gives, but explaining why I wasn’t going to take on the challenge this time around.
She replied back with a super encouraging and understanding email. Then a couple days later I found this blog post from Jara…"Stop. Deep Breath." So, for the past couple of days I had second thoughts and decided to jump into the challenge! If nothing else, it will help me think more intentionally about my health and rhythm of life (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually).
I am a little late in the game. Better late than never, I guess. And I will make up for lost time and keep up the challenge until I leave for the U.S. in early-July. I figure that is when I’ll find summer again up north anyway!
I started my list this morning. I’ve got 20! I’ll start with that and add more, as I am able. I’ll try to share some updates along the way on my blog. Big thanks to Jara and others who are taking on the challenge for the inspiration. (I stole some of your ideas.)
If you want to follow the challenge blog, click here….
http://31daycountdown.blogspot.com/
1) Stop. Deep Breath!
2) Complete the final three units of the Spiritual Exercises (Sacred Listening, James Wakefield).
3) Eat one vegetarian meal a week.
4) Learn and try simple vegetarian recipes.
5) Make an appointment with the dermatologist to have my skin checked over in the U.S. in August.
6) Ride my bike once a week.
7) Walk for pleasure and exercise at least once a week (beyond daily walking for necessity).
8) Walk or ride bike through ecological reserve once in June.
9) Write at least one note or email of gratitude once a week.
10) Finish reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright.
11) Read Wisdom of Stability by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove before the Staff Gathering (if it arrives in time).
12) Drink more water.
13) Floss more.
14) Take a day E.P.C. retreat in June (agenda free!)
15) Keep up with “31 days Til (l) Summer” blog for inspiration and ideas.
16) Practice examen once a week – consolation/desolation.
17) Do something life-giving every Sabbath.
18) Buy my veggies and chicken at the farmer’s market in Tuesdays.
19) Stay after church for lunch in the Living/Comedor once in June.
20) Visit a Museum.
I met David through my service at Word Made Flesh. He was on our board at first, then he was an intern and I helped him with his internship and now he's on staff in Argentina! I have a favorite pair of flip flops that he gave to me as a gift for helping him with his internship. I break them out every spring/summer, they are even here with me on our vacation. He's a sweet friend and has really great resources on the contemplative spirituality and mindfulness that people have referred to in their sharing. Check his blog out!
A few weeks back Jara, our WMF Advocacy Coordinator, introduced a “31 Days till Summer” health challenge. I kept reading the Facebook and Twitter updates, as more and more people joined in. And a kept ignoring the challenge as not for me right now. After all, we aren’t counting down the days to summer as the temps chill down towards winter here in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus, I already have a pretty long to do list before leaving for my visit to the U.S. in July. I didn’t want to add more things to “should” on myself about. This past week I was communicating with Jara in some emails back and forth on some work stuff. I added a P.S. in one of the emails thanking her for the challenge and the inspiration she gives, but explaining why I wasn’t going to take on the challenge this time around.
She replied back with a super encouraging and understanding email. Then a couple days later I found this blog post from Jara…"Stop. Deep Breath." So, for the past couple of days I had second thoughts and decided to jump into the challenge! If nothing else, it will help me think more intentionally about my health and rhythm of life (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually).
I am a little late in the game. Better late than never, I guess. And I will make up for lost time and keep up the challenge until I leave for the U.S. in early-July. I figure that is when I’ll find summer again up north anyway!
I started my list this morning. I’ve got 20! I’ll start with that and add more, as I am able. I’ll try to share some updates along the way on my blog. Big thanks to Jara and others who are taking on the challenge for the inspiration. (I stole some of your ideas.)
If you want to follow the challenge blog, click here….
http://31daycountdown.blogspot.com/
1) Stop. Deep Breath!
2) Complete the final three units of the Spiritual Exercises (Sacred Listening, James Wakefield).
3) Eat one vegetarian meal a week.
4) Learn and try simple vegetarian recipes.
5) Make an appointment with the dermatologist to have my skin checked over in the U.S. in August.
6) Ride my bike once a week.
7) Walk for pleasure and exercise at least once a week (beyond daily walking for necessity).
8) Walk or ride bike through ecological reserve once in June.
9) Write at least one note or email of gratitude once a week.
10) Finish reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright.
11) Read Wisdom of Stability by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove before the Staff Gathering (if it arrives in time).
12) Drink more water.
13) Floss more.
14) Take a day E.P.C. retreat in June (agenda free!)
15) Keep up with “31 days Til (l) Summer” blog for inspiration and ideas.
16) Practice examen once a week – consolation/desolation.
17) Do something life-giving every Sabbath.
18) Buy my veggies and chicken at the farmer’s market in Tuesdays.
19) Stay after church for lunch in the Living/Comedor once in June.
20) Visit a Museum.
31 day submission: Erin!
I love this woman!!! Erin B. and her family have been lifesavers in so many ways. They support me in my service at Word Made Flesh and they also are just really great friends. I was able to welcome their fourth-born in the hospital. I was honored to see a new life enter the world...on my birthday.
sooo. a beautiful friend of mine ( isn’t she though?!) has sought out to inspire her friends and others to a healthier way of living. she has challenged and encouraged us all to choose 31 things inthe next 31 days that we want to do better or differently. we are to make a list and then do our very best to follow it! I started theis when there was actually 31 days til(l) summer for real . . . .no there are 20 . . . something. anyway. I am just getting around to sharing my list! here goes!
1. exercise everyday for at least 20 minutes
2. run stairs (plus some . . .sheesh!) with the 31 days omaha crew once a week
3. purpose to get the rooms inmy home decluttered and simplified. (one at a time erin . . . one at a time)
4. sew more
5. write at least once a week
6. be commited to my blog!
7. purpose each morning to be energetic, creative, attentive and loving to my children.
8. be a better wife by acknowledging him everyday.
9. tell myself each day that who I am matters and tht who I was made to be deserves to be nurtured.
10. do 20 push ups and 20 triceps a day (at least)
11. get my dance scedule figured out and ready to commit to for fall.
12. dont give up so easily
13. spen way less time on the computer
14.take my kids to a park or somewhere at least one a week
15. be committed to my diet staying away from foods that bother my body.
16. take care of the garden WITH the kids!
17. decide not to be afraid of wearing my swimsuit.
18. laugh more
19. write more letters
20. speaking of writing letters (find some typewriter tape!)
21. start at least one drawing.
22. stay within my grocery budget.
23. make a weekly meal plan.
24. leave the dishes and go for a walk with my kids.
25. visit my grandparents.
26. call my parents more.
27. read the Word each day (even if only for a few minutes!)
28. practicing loving everyone (it’s harder than it seems!)
29. make a skirt for myself
30. learn to be comfortable with who I am inside nd learn not to be afraid that people are going to think I’m a joke.
31. do this longer than 31 days.
whew! that took some thinking and now it’s gonna take some major commitment. I need to print this list off and tape it to every wall in my house!
well, that’s ll for tonight. I gotta go to bed and get rid of these sniffles!
nighty night!
Love to you!
sooo. a beautiful friend of mine ( isn’t she though?!) has sought out to inspire her friends and others to a healthier way of living. she has challenged and encouraged us all to choose 31 things inthe next 31 days that we want to do better or differently. we are to make a list and then do our very best to follow it! I started theis when there was actually 31 days til(l) summer for real . . . .no there are 20 . . . something. anyway. I am just getting around to sharing my list! here goes!
1. exercise everyday for at least 20 minutes
2. run stairs (plus some . . .sheesh!) with the 31 days omaha crew once a week
3. purpose to get the rooms inmy home decluttered and simplified. (one at a time erin . . . one at a time)
4. sew more
5. write at least once a week
6. be commited to my blog!
7. purpose each morning to be energetic, creative, attentive and loving to my children.
8. be a better wife by acknowledging him everyday.
9. tell myself each day that who I am matters and tht who I was made to be deserves to be nurtured.
10. do 20 push ups and 20 triceps a day (at least)
11. get my dance scedule figured out and ready to commit to for fall.
12. dont give up so easily
13. spen way less time on the computer
14.take my kids to a park or somewhere at least one a week
15. be committed to my diet staying away from foods that bother my body.
16. take care of the garden WITH the kids!
17. decide not to be afraid of wearing my swimsuit.
18. laugh more
19. write more letters
20. speaking of writing letters (find some typewriter tape!)
21. start at least one drawing.
22. stay within my grocery budget.
23. make a weekly meal plan.
24. leave the dishes and go for a walk with my kids.
25. visit my grandparents.
26. call my parents more.
27. read the Word each day (even if only for a few minutes!)
28. practicing loving everyone (it’s harder than it seems!)
29. make a skirt for myself
30. learn to be comfortable with who I am inside nd learn not to be afraid that people are going to think I’m a joke.
31. do this longer than 31 days.
whew! that took some thinking and now it’s gonna take some major commitment. I need to print this list off and tape it to every wall in my house!
well, that’s ll for tonight. I gotta go to bed and get rid of these sniffles!
nighty night!
Love to you!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Happy happy happy one week!
Good morning world...you've made it the first week of the 31 day til summer challenge :) What whaaaaat. You're on day 7! I'm soooo proud of you.
How do you feel? 8 days ago you may have been writing out your 31 things...14 days ago you may not have even known about this challenge. But today you know about the challenge and have participated in some capacity. And i'm proud. Keep it up.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Taco Salad
Alright, most of my summer vegetarian recipes are simple and use a lot of what we have around the house.
I like to have themes for my meals...so if i'm craving Mexican, i'll do a taco salad or a version of a taco salad and I use these items.
Herdez Salsa (This is amazing)
Brown Rice
Black Beans
Corn
Onions
Avocado
Tortillas (optional)
Salad Greens
Morningstar Crumbles (these replace ground beef or turkey)
Some type of taco seasoning or a combination of cumin/coriander, red pepper flakes)
I saute the onions and spices..maybe some garlic...and then add the crumbles...I usually throw some water in with this.
Then I cook the other veggies...and the grain.
Top it with salsa, sometimes plain yogurt....and avocado.
This is just something simple I put together. I use my food scale and find the portions and enjoy!
I like to have themes for my meals...so if i'm craving Mexican, i'll do a taco salad or a version of a taco salad and I use these items.
Herdez Salsa (This is amazing)
Brown Rice
Black Beans
Corn
Onions
Avocado
Tortillas (optional)
Salad Greens
Morningstar Crumbles (these replace ground beef or turkey)
Some type of taco seasoning or a combination of cumin/coriander, red pepper flakes)
I saute the onions and spices..maybe some garlic...and then add the crumbles...I usually throw some water in with this.
Then I cook the other veggies...and the grain.
Top it with salsa, sometimes plain yogurt....and avocado.
This is just something simple I put together. I use my food scale and find the portions and enjoy!
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