The last Sunday of November

It's been a long week.

A few extra shifts on top of my new normal schedule has been leaving me feeling all worked out by the end of the week. It's kind of nice to be able to get off work and not focus on anything work related for the rest of the day. It's been one among many big changes for me. In the past, working part time and or multiple positions simultaneously, it can feel as though work never stops if I'm not being mindful about taking the time to break and take that pressure off.

I'm happy to share that this is my second week carrying on the rejuvenating and relaxing habits I made time for last Sunday.

My last load for the weekend is spinning away in the dryer as I write this.

One of my favorite part of the process is the warmth and comforting smells of the candles and the relaxing feelings that come from taking the time to stretch out and let go of the day once everything has been done and prepared for the days to come. These dark November evenings I've also been enjoying a really aromatic and lovely cinnamon apple spice tea before bed. I love everything about it.

It feels so amazing to take the time to unwind and just be alone with my thoughts in a quiet, warm, and mindful space.

It feels good to know that at the end of a long week or even day, I can come home and search in a calm and relaxing way for peace and understanding within myself.

It's a bit of an inner battle to let go and not hold onto self-blame and self-doubt.

I am fairly certain the battle is not mine alone to bear, I imagine others feel this too and to some extent, I am comforted to know I'm not alone through the process.

I have been taking things slow and trying to be more aware of the narratives going on in my head and how they impact me. I'd like to make sure those stories are up to date with the person I am and am becoming. I've caught some old programming that has needed to be reassessed already as well as others have brought some of these aspects to light.

Onto a lighter subject, here are a few photos from this past summer, shot by my dear friend Danielle Nicol.

It was such a beautiful summer day.