Hello Friday!

This is me with a huge smile because it is FINALLY . . . after what has felt like 157 days . . . it’s the last day of January.

Some weeks kind of get away from us, and this was one of those for me. We all have those, right? Just kind of “meh” energy and feeling a little off. I think it’s important to be super real with you about that because the focus of Elevated Nesting is to learn about ways to Thrive in this phase of life. But the reality is that we are not going to thrive every single day. We’re just not. Despite our best efforts and all the things we do to take of ourselves, sometimes we just have a few “meh” days. And, guess what? That is okay. I sure like knowing that I’m not the only who experiences off days, and I hope that talking (or in this case writing) about it helps someone feel like they aren’t alone.

When I’m feeling like this, I take it as a sign to give myself a little break to recharge. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be productive, energetic and super-focused on taking care of ourselves (and everyone else). But sometimes, despite all the good habits, we just need to listen to our bodies and give ourselves a break. Because taking care of ourselves doesn’t always look the same. I think it’s so important to give ourselves permission and the space to be a bit “meh” or off.

So this is me telling you – If you need it – Cut yourself some slack. Take a beat. Take a “Snow Day,” as my friend Sue calls them. You know when you need them, and when you do, lean into it and let yourself reset and recharge. However that looks for you, and whatever you need to do to make it work with your life, job, family, and obligations. Please, if you need it, work in a little time to do . . . nothing. Come home from work, order dinner or let someone else cook, go hide your cave (or bedroom) and plop down to relax. If you need to plan ahead for a day of nothing so that it falls on a Saturday, DO IT! Plan it, block it out, and guard it with your life! Because, friends, at some point we all just need to take a beat and do nothing.

I’ve been in that mode the last couple of days, and It. Is. A. Good. Thing. I know that the “meh” will fade, and it will be replaced by my “oomph” after a Snow Day . . . or maybe two.

In other news – our mega-cold spell is gone, and we’re having those bright, sunny Colorado Bluebird days AND we have our Besties from Boulder coming up for the weekend!

I love to host our friends and family up here. I love to cook big meals and lay out a big spread. But isn’t it awesome when the same friends who appreciate those big spreads are also sooo happy to be paper plates and frozen pizza kind of guests! May we all have those friends who we can be completely real and relaxed with. No pretense. No expectations. Just happy to meet you where you are and be there with you. That’s the good stuff.

Let’s Re-Cap Our Week

On Monday, I continued my Five to Thrive series, this time focusing on Movement for Menopause. We started with Mindset and then looked at Strength, Cardio, Impact, Flexibility, and Balance Training. These are all critical to our long-term goals of healthy aging and functional mobility. Here’s a link in case you missed it or want to review.

I love this photo. These are my “Ride or Die” girls, and I love doing life with them!

On Thursday . . . well, the article I started for Thursday didn’t quite materialize because of my case of the “Meh’s”. That’s okay! It’s coming next week, and it will be all the better because I gave myself a little break.

Thank you so much for being here with me on my “meh” days! Truly.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend . . . and if you need it . . .

Take the Snow Day!!

I’ll leave you with this silly little photo of Daisy. This is what happens when we trick her and play fetch with a snowball instead of her tennis ball. Kinda mean . . . but also kinda fun!