Beyond the Blog (Along the Way) |
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Fall 2021 (and First-Ever) Newsletter: 6 Things Keeping Me Cozy |
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Fall can feel wonderful with its changing colours, bountiful harvest, and return to routines. At the same time, the lessening sunlight and cooler temperatures can have us craving comfort. In this (first-ever) newsletter, I'm sharing some ways that I've been keeping cozy, hoping you can borrow some and make them your own! But first, I have a little message just for you... |
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From the bottom of my heart... |
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Dear Reader, Whether you've read one blog post or all of them...Whether you've commented, shared, written to me, stopped me on the sidewalk to tell me that something resonated with you, or simply taken the time to check out Along the Way...THANK YOU! This is a labour of love, and it brings me great joy to know that someone is out there reading my words and taking in whatever they need from them - entertainment, inspiration, useful tips, or maybe even encouragement to try something new. |
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6 Things Keeping Me Cozy (that will hopefully keep you cozy too!) |
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1. Treating myself like a child I always make sure my kids have everything they could possibly need before leaving the house - snacks, rubber boots, mitts, etc. but I don't always do the same for myself. Lately, I have been putting a little extra thought into what I might need when I'm out and about, and it's felt wonderful! For example, the other day I packed myself a snack and some mitts in case I got hungry or chilly. This made me feel so loved! |
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2. My music and podcasts Now that the house is a little quieter with both of my kiddos at school, I've been listening to my music and podcasts more often. This rendition of Simple Gifts, with its deep cello and familiar folk tune is as comforting to me as a cup of tea. I've also been listening to the Happier Podcast, with Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth (Liz) Craft. This is one of the first podcasts I ever got hooked on! The familiarity of Gretchen and Liz's voices as well as the tangible warmth between the sisters soothes my soul on dull days. |
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3. Warming up Simple as it sounds, I don't always think to warm up when I'm cold, and feeling cold definitely isn't cozy! I actually had a hot bubble bath the other day, after a cold, rainy morning at the community garden, and it felt heavenly! I've also recently used a heating pad on my lower back when it was a bit sore, and it felt so good I almost dozed off in my chair! |
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4. Sitting down with a good book I borrowed this book - Anxious People by Fredrik Backman - from the library on a whim and it ended up being soooo good! The characters were so incredibly...human! And that made them undeniably loveable. Also, his way of relaying the human experience may make you feel like he has lived your very life, in your very head, and somehow put to words precisely what it feels like to be in there...which is equally spooky and beautiful! |
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5. Getting sweaty Exercising may not sound cozy...But my body has definitely been craving some good heart-pumping, sweat-inducing workouts lately! Even when I'm not in the mood, I always feel better afterward - mentally, emotionally, and physically. I've enjoyed some fall jogs, around the neighbourhood or in trails, as well as some indoor stationary biking when it's felt too cold or too dark to venture out. |
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6. Being sat on by giant furry sloths and koalas No, I don't live in a zoo...My mom bought my kids super-cozy hooded creature pyjamas recently and when they're wearing them, I can't help but want to snuggle them up! I noticed that feeling the warm weight of a sloth-kid on my lap really helped my nervous system to wind down. A weighted blanket may have the same effect...But I can get giant sloths to sit on me for free! |
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Whatever has brought you here...I would love to know! Are there certain topics I've written about or certain posts that have stood out to you? What would you like to read about? Perhaps you have something to say about an aspect of self-care, sustainability, mindfulness, or motherhood/parenting! I posted my first Q&A-style blog recently and would love to include more in the future so let me know if you'd like to chat! |
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Fall Writing & Reflection Prompts |
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Thanks again for tuning in. Finally, I'd like to leave you with a few Fall Writing & Reflection Prompts to help you tap into your inner voice. Complete the following, letting your intuition be your guide: This Fall, I want to feel _____________ I want to know _____________ I want to keep _____________ I want to let go _____________ |
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Looking forward to connecting with you along the way, Jessica |
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