By: Gabriela Yareliz
There are weeks where we fall into old patterns of behavior, and we do not take proper care of ourselves. We all have them.
This week, while sick no less, it was one of those weeks for me. I was doing my exercise routine but definitely overdid it at work. Falling back into old patterns carries a certain degree of exhaustion and shame, so in efforts to lift that, I am talking about it.
What do we do when things get derailed? My executive coach would always tell me— we reset and use the tools we have because you already know what needs to be done. The key is to regain agency.
We face the question— who do we want to be?
So today is my *exhale*, and tomorrow, I will start the Pvolve October challenge (which I will do simultaneously with my Ladder routine).
I am cleaning up my mental clutter and some clutter around me (even electronically). I recently reviewed my YouTube subscriptions, and most of those channels died six years ago, and most of the ones that hung in there haven’t posted in a year. Only about ten of them still regularly post. I unsubscribed from a bunch. Seeing the channels I used to watch was like opening an old journal. There are some things I am not even remotely interested in anymore.
When I look at the media I follow, whether it be by emails, Substack or other media, I have realized that most of it is women who keep a lovely home, workout, cook and dress well. I guess that is the goal.
Rather than a makeup tutorial à la 2016, I am watching a woman show me how she sets her table. Full on Martha Stewart.
I read a great piece from Our Table’s Company:
One of my favorite lines of advice from Georgia’s mom is, “Dress like you have somewhere better to be.” A motto for life. It’s things like that, that bring us back to ourselves. Turning the ordinary into extraordinary moments of intentionality.
Reading it reminded me of how much I am still learning. There is a lot we can learn from people who have led lives with more structure, boundaries and intentionality.
I truly believe that to thrive, we all need to step out of survival and the numbing effect of it all. We need wonder.
Speaking of wonder, my husband punctuated the week with wisdom. He took my overworked numb little self out of the city and on a magical adventure. Getting out of the city always does my soul so much good. This place feels so oppressive to anyone who is a free spirit. Truly.
Being in nature. Petting an alpaca. Seeing the golden light hit the changing leaves—
Just like that, I am back to loving life again. 🎶
Golden light autumnal country roads. Soul cured.
