Get you pads and pens ready because it’s time for the Week In Review.
The Week In Review is a list, in its purest form, not of the things you still need to do, but of all the things you have done in the last seven days. It’s an achievement list, an ode to yourself, a celebration of sorts, and a virtual pat on the back or smack on the ass. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
Need more details? Head here.
♫ You can do it, put your list into it. ♫
As I mentioned in this poetic post, I’ve officially broken up with Zoloft, the anti-depressant I’ve been taking for two years, and it’s been interesting to say the least.
At one point, I legit lectured Ave on asking for things “nicely” and then promptly proceeded to yell at the automated person on the other end of my phone. Perhaps not my finest moment.
My patience, what little there was to begin with, is non-existent, and makes spending nearly every waking minute with a two year old loads of fun. Toddlers require god like patience, and my supply ain’t cutting it.
As a result, I stepped up my self care game last week and made it a point to practice what I preach. Bottom line, by taking care of myself, I can better take care of those around me.
On that note, let’s get listing:
I called on my people and scheduled as many play dates as possible. Having an adult support system is everything, especially for stay at home moms who don’t get breaks from their tiny dictators.
Speaking of breaks, I took advantage of my in-laws being back from their vacation and dropped Ave off at their place on Thursday, so I could get some much needed alone time. It was all that and a bag of chips. I am a much nicer human when I get time to myself.
Despite fighting off a moderate cold all week, I worked out almost every day. Normally I don’t advocate sweating out the sickness, but in this case, the movement keeps my crazy at bay, which is far more important than a few sniffles.
On that note, I did a vinyasa yoga class Saturday morning, and it felt incredible. Bring on the flow.
I splurged digestively on an evening out with the wee one and the Hubby. Sometimes you just need a boatload of fried food, followed by a double chocolate brownie from Breadsmith.
I plugged into my planner for the first time in weeks. Organization brings me an admittedly false sense of control. Whatever, I’ll happily take it.
I got up early many a morning, so I could sneak in some alone time before the tiny human got our day really started.
As such, I squeezed in a few naps when Ave napped.
Last but certainly not least, I picked up my first CSA share of the season. Fresh, local produce makes my hippie heart happy, and we’ve already consumed all the strawberries, the Swiss chard, and tapped into the rest of the greens.
While I’m still working out lingering bits and bobs of agitation, I definitely finished the week in a much better head space than I started it. Hooray for self care.
It’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you. Link up and get yo’ list on.
What is something you accomplished in the last week? Big or small. What does self care look like for you? Have you ever weaned off an anti-depressant?
Certainly glad to hear that you ended the week on a better note that you started it. Improvement is always a good thing! Your CSA haul looks delicious! I have been debating about getting in on one, but just can’t pull the trigger. Loved the phrase “movement keeps my crazy at bay”. I have felt the same way sooooo many times! Keep taking care of yourself!!!
Laurie recently posted…What Kindness Is Written on the Tablet of Your Heart?
This was has been challenging in light of recent events at our southern borders but I’m trying to keep the self care going.
For my CSA, they now have it so you can sign up whenever. You don’t have to commit to the full 20 weeks. Maybe one of the CSA’s in your area does the same….
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
you are doing everything you need to do and exactly what I do to best center myself and find my patience. I don’t know how stay at home moms DONT make plans every day – I would have gone insane I’m sure if I didn’t have my mom friends, Gymboree type classes and play groups almost every day of the week giving us activities and routines.
Thank you for always making how I feel as a SAHM acceptable and normal. You have helped me more than you know, and I really appreciate it.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
Hooray-is-right. You are doing everything you can. Even alllll the self care in the world won’t take all the uncomfiness that you feel – as you go through the transition – away, but damn tootin’ if you don’t give it your best shot. You did practice what you preach, which steps up your inspiring title even more. As you tell me ever so frequently, things will get easier with time (…..and with fried food, and yoga, and naps, and slutty TV binges).
“I’m a much better person when I’ve had time alone.” You and meeee booothhhhh lady. Hope you’re feeling ready to take on this new week. You got this.
Cora recently posted…Week In Review: “Being With,” Farmers Markets, Grass Shots and Scones
Thanks lovely. I’m certainly trying. I feel like i need to accept the feelings, and learn how to process them and part of that is giving myself that alone time so I can be a better person, mother, wife, etc.
I adore fried food, yoga, naps and slutty binge TV sessions. The only thing missing is a farmers market trip and a cocktail. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
I have never been good at self care and would be foolish to give advise! But I do know that it is a good, and positive thing. With the four kids I just never really found time on a daily or even weekly basis. I don’t think a lot of moms did, but I am so glad that you are getting in some great hours for your just yourself, and with other moms too. Connectivity!
We have been over our heads (exhausted) with puppy responsibility there isn’t even a garden this year and I am wishing we’d joined our local CSA. That kohlrabi looks like a wonderful shaved salad waiting to happen!
Self care seems to be a relatively new concept (in the past 15 years or so). Back in the day, we had to “grin and bear it,” or at least that’s what I remember. I have no idea how my my mom did it with three kids, mostly a bit wild.
With my CSA, you can now sign up at any time, and the price if reflective of when you signed up, not the entire program. Maybe one of the CSA’s in your area does something similar….
Puppies are adorable, BUT so much work, especially in the beginning.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
GIVE ME THAT ONION RING. That plus yoga plus pool dates is the best self-care I can think of. I’m so proud of you for making time for yourself. It’s so hard with little people, but you deserve it.
Jamie recently posted…This is the Joy of Watching My Non-Verbal Son Learn to Read
It can be so hard, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without my in-laws. Thank goodness they are the nicest, kindest people, who happen to also live close by and be retired. Hashtag blessed beyond belief.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
Yay for adult friends! I love TV that’s so bad it’s good. The Bachelorette is my go-to not-so-guilty pleasure for sure.
Completely agree on the feelings of control my planner provides.
Hope you keep giving yourself some grace in getting used to this change. 🙂 Thinking of ya Meghan. Happy Monday!
Kaylee recently posted…Week in Review: Staying Busy
Thanks Kaylee. I appreciate that, and I’m hoping to get more binge TV time later today when Ave is with my in-laws.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
I am so glad for you that the in-laws are back. And I bet they are, too. Now they can get their Ave fix again 🙂 Hope they had a good trip!
I too am a better person to be around when I get my fair share of alone time. Hey, we’re just not built to be around people all the time. And I now wonder more than ever how we both could work in corporate for so long. Maybe that’s part of the reason why we left this life behind us!
As for your current state of mind, it will pass! As you said it’s a transition and you will come out just fine at the other end. And I bet all the self-care and specifically the fried food will help! These onion rings are the best ever!
Just take your time and plan away! Love the look of yours. will work hard next week to make mine less messy and as pretty as yours <3
Juli recently posted…Week in Review – The Jetlagged Edition
I should have shown you my planner when I first started. It’s taken some effort to get to this level, nut in either case, you do your planner whatever way feels right for you.
I have no idea how we survived in corporate America. Maybe that’s all we did then…survive….
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
Sending you all the good vibes; you’re doing such an amazing job, and please don’t be too hard on yourself 🙂
Your planner is GOALS. I have the same one but it is NOT that pretty. You need to write a post just about how you decorate your planner like that 😉
Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off recently posted…Monday Motivation {10 Inspirational Tidbits} + Weekly Workouts
If you go onto youtube and do a planner tutorial search, you’d be amazed at how many videos you’ll find. They make mine look like child’s play. No joke.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
Ooh I’m jealous of your garlic scapes. I’ve been impatiently waiting for my garlic to….scape? Just going to assume that’s also the verb form.
Fried food is absolutely the best self-care sometimes. I swear there is something about deep fried carbs that just calms my nervous system down.
The scpaes were from my CSA. For some reason, I never get the same effect with my own garden grown garlic so you’re not alone. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
Good for you getting support and having some “me” time. and some fried food. Those onion rings look heavenly!!!
The potato skins were my favorite, not surprising of course.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
I think once we identify what self care means to us personally, it suddenly appears to make sense. We all need different types of self care and even that evolves at different points in our lives. Talking about play dates, we met up with friends last week for a hot chocolate after work. It was only one hour, but oh boy did I feel recharged from just going out, having some company and sharing some laughs for a little while. The chocolate obviously helped on the self care front too!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…Week in Review
I learned about my unique form a self-care in a therapist office years ago and it was simply employing those methods again, although in a perfect world, I’d be incorporating these things all the time.
Chocolate and connectivity is a win for me too. Good for you.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
Awesome job at self car, and hurray for naps!
Naps always get a big ol’ hooray from me too. The best.
Meghan recently posted…Parenting Is (The Uncut Version)…
oh yeah girl you are singing my song. sing it! yes to all of this. i was diagnosed with extreme anxiety years ago and i took myself off the meds and onto natural things. however. the way i keep the anxiety at bay is with exercise and indulging on life. whatever that is at the time. writing my lists. doing my things. having my calendar in order. all of these things make me feel ‘sorted’ the eff out. i workout for my brain not my bod, which is strange sometimes but i don’t care. plus when i’m on the bike or treadmill i can actually catch up on all my reality tv from BRAVO!!!! yes!! that right there gets my ass outta bed 🙂
i’ll tell ya though after being away from my tater tott a whole week i nearly lost it – i missed her like crazy. last night seeing her face and snuggling was better than… well anything and everything. sorry hubs 😀
Here’s to BRAVO and all the slutty TV they have to offer. May they keep finding Housewives in every city and state. 🙂