Romance & Reality

earlier today, i’d returned home from an afternoon of volunteering and as i was getting out of the car, thinking about what i’m going to do next, i thought to myself, “this is why it’s so important to have your own life outside of work.”

i started out the morning bright and early with a warm cup of coffee, like most people, i assume. mornings are my favorite time of day because that’s when the earth feels the most still.

the birds are chirping cheerfully, the sun is rising gradually, the sky is lightening softly. everything just feels so fresh and renewed. it’s the perfect moment to take your time, be still and breathe.

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i ended up spending about an hour and a half in this space, then hopped in the shower and prepared for my 9am pilates class. i haven’t attended this particular studio for long, but i’ve attended several classes before. today’s session made my second class with a specific instructor, and let me tell you, the amount of energy this lady has… is insane, lol. once class was over, i felt even higher on life than i did at the start. so shout out to her!

i came home, took another shower (yes, i’m one of those people who loooves a good shower), then headed back out for volunteering. when i returned home again, i put together a nice lunch, watched a bit of my current show, Fake Profile, on netflix, then went to the park for a walk.

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going for walks always gives me a boost because i’m moving my body, getting some sunlight, and casually interacting with a variety of people. and idk about yall, but it seems to me that some of the most friendliest and welcoming individuals are those who go on nature walks!

for years, i underestimated walking. i tried running for a bit but i got to a point where i felt like running wasn’t necessary for me. coincidentally i realized this back in 2023 after learning the concept of “slow and controlled” from my favorite pilates instructor.

because not everything needs the “go, go, go. hit it, hit it, hit it” energy.

when you take your time, you’re more alert and aware of what’s happening to you, around you, and for you, which ultimately helps you to see, hear and feel what’s needed most.

it’s when your body, mind and spirit are the most receptive, in my opinion.

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i say all that to say, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustles and bustles of life’s demands. however, you’ve got to find that balance.

don’t get so caught up in the hustle that you neglect what feeds your soul.

i can’t count how many times i’ve caught up with family and friends and the only thing they say they’ve been up to is work.

what about life? what about living? what about all of the things that make you who you are? and all the things you enjoyed before working, parenting, and hustling took over?

this is what led me to publishing this post today. get back to participating in the things you used to enjoy. find a new hobby that silences your brain from all the chaos. nurture the parts of you that have been in a drought.

don’t get so caught up in surviving that you forget to live.

encouragingly,

AD