• The Complexities of Life

    My 2019 Wrap Up

    The Recovering Pessimist | My 2019 Wrap Up | www.therecoveringpessimist.me #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimist

    I started 2019 with a full list of goals to accomplish. As the year progressed, my priorities shifted from my list of goals to a focus on being productive with focusing on self-care. I’m proud of the things I accomplished. I’m also grateful for the lessons I learned in the midst of some hellacious storms. Below are the highlights and lessons learned in 2019:

    2019 Highlights 

    Got a raise

    Amazed and shocked. That’s all I can say.

    Got comfy at home

    Throughout the year, I made improvements at home to make things more comfortable. I brought a combination washer/dryer, which is fabulous! I replaced a noisy bathroom exhaust fan with a much quieter model. The hideous storage shed in the backyard got demolished. I also finished an outdoor storage space with drywall.

    Discovered couponing accounts on Instagram

    I love a great deal and I’ll wait months for something I want to go on sale before I buy it. Couponing accounts on Instagram have saved me so much money. Just remember to turn your notifications on:)

    I saw Hamilton!

    Ya’ll, when news broke that Hamilton was coming to Richmond, I was excited. The show is amazing!  If it comes to your area and you’re able to see it, go! You won’t regret it.

    2019 Lesson Learned

    Set boundaries…and stick to them

    Boundaries were a key part of my self-care this year. I had to finally acknowledge that I could no longer ignore the toxic people in my life. The hardest part of this process was separating the person from who they were in my life. I continue to struggle with that at times, but I remind myself why these boundaries exist, and I continue to follow through. By sticking to the boundaries I set, my stress/anxiety levels are manageable.

    This year was a great year. I’m grateful for all that I’ve done and learned. I’m happy to go into 2020 in a much better headspace. I hope 2020 will be a kickass year for you!

    Until next time,

    Joy

  • The Recovering Pessimist: (Please) Take Care of Yourself -- You have to put yourself first. Don't allow others to drain you of your energy. | www.therecoveringpessimist.me #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimis
    The Complexities of Life

    (Please) Take Care of Yourself

    The Recovering Pessimist: (Please) Take Care of Yourself -- You have to put yourself first. Don't allow others to drain you of your energy. | www.therecoveringpessimist.me #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimis

    Life is chaotic.

    The last couple of months have been challenging to say the least. Stress had my physical and mental health in shambles. By the time I got to do for myself, I didn’t have the time nor energy to devote to my well-being.

    Not good.

    I’m writing this post to not only remind myself but to also remind you that we have to take care of ourselves. Our mental, physical, and spiritual health depend on it. We gotta make sure our needs are taken care of before we take care of others.

    [tweetshareinline tweet=”You can’t be there for everyone if you don’t take care of yourself first.” username=”2n$28p1ijG!jkr6qAqbM5JM&XPcH%QfD:1:0″]

     

    Be good to yourself.

    Until next time,

    MsWalton

     

  • The Complexities of Life

    Beautiful Sadness

    Behind the dimpled smile

    Past the contagious laughter

    A flicker of sadness rests in her eyes.

    Anxiety agitates her stomach

    Stress dances on her spine

    Pride won’t show it

    Alone, she cries.

    Fear and worry flow hot

    Down her cheeks.

    Weight slowly lifting

    From her burdened shoulders.

    A beautiful sadness revealed

    A dimpled smile and contagious laughter.

    But no amount of tears

    Can remove that flicker of sadness from her eyes.

  • The Complexities of Life

    Thankful: Stress Relievers #XD31

    English: Effects of stress on the body.
    English: Effects of stress on the body. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Stress wrecks havoc on my body. When I was in college, I would get walking pneumonia once a year. It sucked. Stress, lack of sleep, and bad eating habits broke down my immune system. It was miserable. When I graduated in 2009, I realized that I needed to find coping mechanisms to deal with stress before it takes over.

    Here are a few things that help to relieve stress:

    Bath and Body Works Stress Relief Body Wash

    Bath and Body Works (BBW) has these AWESOME stress relief body washes from their aromatherapy line  that comes in soothing scents such as eucalyptus spearmint, eucalyptus tea, and vanilla verbena. I don’t know what BBW puts in these washes, but as soon as I apply the product, whatever was stressing me has washed away.

    Writing

    Of course I would say writing, right? Guilty.

    Sleep

    A nap can do me a world of good. Seriously.

    Honey Chamomile Tea

    A hot cup of honey chamomile tea feels like a soothing hug. Goodbye stress, hello calm.

    How do you relieve stress?