Last year I posted a photo on Instagram and mentioned that January can be a tough month. Someone left a comment asking what I have to complain about in sunny Santa Barbara, and I suppose the question was fair. Our winters are mild, and sometimes we even get a heat wave. I will not pretend to understand what it’s like to live somewhere with months of snow. But still, despite it all, January stares down the entire year ahead…and it can feel daunting. (Also, the whole nation apparently had Omicron this month, including us, so January you are not exactly the friendliest.) Blogger Anne Bogel always makes a list this time of year with ten things saving her life. Here are eight things saving mine!
Eyebrow mascara. We still have a mask mandate in California, and while we’re used to it in a lot of ways, I’m ready for it to be lifted. I miss people’s faces. Already this week I’ve walked past two people I know because I didn’t recognize them. So if there’s only one part of my face showing, it might as well look nice, right?
Orange Theory. I never thought I’d be a girl who includes HIIT workouts as saving my life, especially when they’re also kicking my booty. I leave every class saying, “I think that was the hardest one!” and I’m almost always sore the next day. But nine months in—I’ve never felt stronger or faster. As I stare down 40, that’s a good feeling!
Beef Jerky. When I started working out more, I realized I wasn’t getting enough protein. Eating more plants has been a really good thing for our family, but it does take work to fuel work out days. I’ve been hiding Costco beef jerky from my kids and eating it while they’re at school. AND IT’S SO GOOD. Shhhhh!
Less sports. I’m not a great sports mom but I want our kids to try a lot of things when they’re young, which makes it' tricky to find the right balance for our family life. This winter we’ve said yes to the boys trying golf lessons and added some easy music classes, but we’re not on any teams which keeps our evening and weekends free. It’s been really nice to be home together with margin to sleep, workout, play games, go for walks, etc.
New routes. I’ve been doing the same three mile running route for several years now. It’s close to our house and a beautiful view, so I can’t complain. But last weekend I drove just a few more minutes to a new path…and it made all the difference on my mentality. I found that I wasn’t getting as motivated to go for a run and simply needed new scenery. Plus, I found a few tree swings which I tried mid run. I mean…can you even? (See above photo!)
Hiking. I used to hate hiking, and now I find it so thereapeutic. Our dog loves it too, and there’s something about watching him joyfully bound over bushes (off leash!) that makes me happy.
Favorite podcasts. I’ve discovered a few new ones this month that are great including Everything Just Changed and The Gravity Leadership Podcast. I also listened to A Church Called Tov and highly recommend.
Journaling. For a few years, I’d lost my journaling mojo. When I met with a spiritual director last fall she encouraged me to make it a discipline again and I’m so glad she did. There’s something about writing down what we’re learning or noticing that is powerful.
What’s saving your life right now? I’d love to know!