A Little Closer

I'm getting closer to being myself again. The problem area is my neck and upper back. It kept me awake a lot last night aching with no relief. I might need to go to the acupuncturist. It's worse this morning -- heading the wrong direction. My nose will take more time, but it's improving. I'm getting better at remembering it's broken (careful with my glasses and blowing my nose).

Yesterday was a pretty good day, considering.

I picked up TWO toddler table and chair sets. Long story, but a delayed response from the seller sort of left me on the hook for both. They were $20 and very different. The white one is hand painted with alphabet drawings -- 20 years old. I offered one to the kids. I love buying used.

I stopped at a thrift clothing store. It benefits a women's shelter where I used to volunteer. I got a pair of denim jean shorts and a yellow cardigan (year of color) -- both for $20. I'm working on an evolution of my summer dressing style. I don't have it quite right yet, but I'm trying a lot of things and combinations and, of course, color.

My birthday is coming up next month and that's when I change my yearly mantra (motto). Last few years I've switched it up about 3/4 the way through the year. Last year was "the beauty is in the walking" and I changed it to "how can I live this now."

It's meant to be a reminder of how I want to show up, make decisions, etc. Some older ones ... Choose the bigger life. Walk until the day becomes interesting. Little by little. 

I'm considering something with "pebbles or pebbling." It's a new phrase people use to say little moments of joy or connection or fun. Sending a funny meme to a friend is pebbling. I'm thinking of you and think you'd like this. 

This can relate to how I connect with others and also how I connect with myself. It's a start on this think-train. What do I want from this year? That's the question I'm pondering as I look for ideas and begin planning an intentional year. Coming up with the mantra helps develop a plan for the year, a direction to head. It's easy to get caught up in "life" and forget what I want from that life. This helps.

More on all this later. 

I don't have anything on the calendar today. I'm going to take my dog for a long walk on the belly leash so it's shouldn't bother my neck. Then more work on the to-do list. I actually got a lot finished yesterday. I keep pushing back some things because my neck is uncomfortable, but there's plenty left to do.

Hope you're having a good week. Later gators.