Diary of a Spinster and Lunatic

No one describes the true meaning of Christmas better than Linus.  Today, say a little prayer of thanks that God sent His only son to teach us and bring us closer to Him. 

It’s the end of the year, and you know what that means!   It’s time to reflect on the past year, and see where we need to continue to focus our personal growth.   I tried to look at several areas including health of body and mind, spirituality, and just overall bad habits that need to be remedied.   Here are some things I’m going to be working on in 2018.   Do more challenging exercises.   I don’t do any type of rigorous exercise.   I enjoy a more restorative yoga practice that I use more to relax my body and refocus my mind.   But, I need to challenge myself more.   And, exercise is one way I can do that.   Whenever I find myself getting stressed, anxious, or angry with someone, I can draw upon my regular yoga practice, and just focus on my breath and the job that needs to be done in front of me.   I figure that if I challenge myself more physically and mentally on my yoga mat, I’ll also be able to deal with more challenging things ...

There is officially just one more week until Christmas, and exactly 11 days until my sister's wedding!  There is so much going on, that when I think of everything I need to accomplish, I start to give myself an anxiety attack.  As we get closer to the holidays, we tend to indulge in more sweets and rich food, and exercise less because there is so much to do.  Be sure to take a few minutes to get out and take a walk at lunch, take a class or enjoy a little yoga. It will do wonders for your stress, as well as your focus and mental health.  Today, I will be taking 30 minutes for myself, and doing some yoga for stress and anxiety with my favorite yogi Adriene!  Care to join me?

It has turned incredibly cold in my area lately.  And, when it is so chilly outside, there is nothing I like more than cuddling up at home in warm sweats and fuzzy socks.  Something that I invested in a few years ago, and cannot stop using are my fleece sheets.  It's like lying in a warm fuzzy cloud.  They are so warm and snuggley!  The only downside is that they make getting out of bed so hard in the morning. I picked up my light blue set a few years ago.  They have worn really well, and look pretty much the way they did when I bought them.  They are just as warm as ever.  Since there are just a few days until the holidays, it might be a good time to give the gift of warmth and comfort this holiday season.  Or, maybe pick up a set for yourself.  I mean, how cute are the snowflake sheets !?

As I get older, I feel like life is just passing me by.  And, while I call myself a spinster, I don't consider myself to be that old.  Even though there have been periods lately where I just feel old, like I could be twice my age.   I so badly want to feel alive again.  So, when I saw that my office was offering a lunch seminar on the secrets to a well lived life, I signed up immediately.  So, what is the secret to a long, and well-lived life?  That secret is connection.  And, there are four areas that we need to re-connect with... food, our bodies, to the people around us, and to purpose. Food.  In general, as a society, we have no idea where our food comes from.  We don't know if it's locally grown or if it was shipped from half way around the world, and when the fruit or vegetable was actually harvested.  It would be helpful for us to connect to our food, by first knowing where it comes from.  It would be ...

Maybe it's just me, but there have been days where it just feels like everyone I come into contact with is working together to prove how bad the world has gotten.  People cut you off in traffic, or blame you for something that was in fact their own doing.  On those days, it's all I can do to not react in a way that would keep the cycle going.  But, it can take just one person's kind act to turn the day around.  I remember one day like this, where someone completely restored my faith in people when they asked if I would like to go ahead of them in line at Target since I only had a few things, whereas they had a full cart.   Today, spread love.  Lead a dignified life.  It may only take a small act of kindness to turn someone's day around.  Be that person that brightens someone's day.

I was speaking with my cousin a couple weeks ago, and he was telling me all about his new relationship with a girl he’s known since high school.   He was so excited, and I could just tell he was just super happy.   One of the things that he was telling me about, was that this girl was easy to talk to.   And, it got me thinking about not only how important communication is in general, but how important it is to create an environment that actually allows for open communication!   No one will open up to you if you’re going to take that information and gossip, or use it against them, or even criticize or make fun of them.   There have definitely been people in my own life that I wanted to open up to, but didn’t feel safe.   In some situations, I felt safe with telling a person certain things, but not others, depending on the subject matter.        We are each responsible for creating the environment we want.   Unfortunately, there a...

Today marks the first week of Advent!  This week we are called to be alert, and mindful of how we are preparing for the coming of Christ.  If tomorrow was our judgement day, would we be ready?  I know, I wouldn't.  There just seems like there is so much I need to work on.  There are times when I feel really overwhelmed by this, and have literally just thrown the covers back over my head and took a nap.  But, this is not the first long-term challenge I have faced.  After all, it took me 20 years to complete my formal education, first with grade school, high school, college, and graduate school.  It's also taken 12 years to finally work my way up to a position at work that I really love and enjoy.  This is no different.  Even though it it will take time, we mustn't shy away from our personal journey of growth, whatever that might mean to you. My Advent e-calendar yesterday provided a wonderful week long activity I wanted to share. ...

Sometimes getting into the holiday spirit can be a real struggle.   For some, it might be the loss of a loved one that makes this time of year more difficult.   For others, it might be the stress of finding that perfect gift, or even finding a way to pay for said perfect gift.   And, for those like me, it might be not having a special someone to spend the holidays with.   I have a serious love-hate-relationship with all those romantic Hallmark movies, as they can make me feel even more lonely than usual.   In the past, I would have tried to ease my pain by indulging in more sweets or wine, buying things for myself, or even trading in my coveted rom coms for thriller movies.   But, these are just small fixes to feel good right at this moment. So, this year, I’ve decided to focus on preparing for, and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas… the birth of our Savior, Jesus.   Sure, I’m still going to be physically prepared with my perfect...

This time of year, there are sweets everywhere!  And, it's really hard to say no when there is always someone encouraging you to indulge.  Just remember these words of wisdom... You'll never regret skipping the cupcake or the cookie.  Just think of the thinner and more healthy you of tomorrow, instead of trying to satisfy your feelings right at this moment.

There are so many things to be thankful for.  I was going to list them out, but it would have just gotten ridiculous.  Mostly I'm thankful for my loving and supportive family, my friends, the job that I love, and the fact that I am fortunate enough to be able to support myself.  I'm also really thankful for the time I get to spend with my best friend.  I'm grateful that I have been blessed with a more open mind, and have been able to continue to make improvements in my life.  I'm also very thankful for the relationship I've developed with God.  Through his grace and blessings, I'm happier than I've ever been.  What are you thankful for? 

Jacket | Scarf (London gift shop) It's been really fun incorporating scarves into my fall outfits lately.  I just love wrapping myself up in a cozy scarf on a crisp fall morning for my commute to work.  And, it's the perfect thing to not only combat the cold outside, but inside as well.  My office is always so cold!  One of my favorite scarves is this one that I bought from a gift shop in London, while visiting my best girlfriend.  It always makes me think of her.  :)  So, today I rounded up a few scarves that I thought you might enjoy.  They would also make a great holiday gift! This cashmere scarf looks so cozy! This two-toned scarf is so pretty. Oh my goodness, the pearl details ! I love the idea of a cape scarf . A rainbow scarf !?  My inner child is so excited.  :) I think this one will make my Christmas wish list! I wish I could pull this one off.  It looks so warm! And, this just makes me think of Ch...

My sister is getting married on December 29 th !   I seriously couldn’t be more excited.   However, since the wedding is just a few days after Christmas, I want to make sure that   I don’t look like I’ve been overly indulging since Thanksgiving.   I needed to find some ways to effectively keep my body healthy, and the toxins flushed from my system.   One way I’m choosing to do that, is by learning how to effectively drink more water.   Yes, there is a right way to drink water.   And, it involves more thought than just putting a glass to your lips and chugging.   No more ice!   I’ve traded in my ice water, for lukewarm water.   Drinking cold water actually constricts your blood vessels and digestive tract.   Instead of digesting our food, our bodies actually work harder to warm ourselves up.   This could be good if you’re looking to burn more calories, but I’m looking to keep my lymph system working properly.   Essentiall...

Sometimes what's most frustrating, is that we can't control what other people do.  We would be so much happier if other people behaved the way we wanted them to, wouldn't we?  Unfortunately, the world doesn't revolve around us, and we can't get everything that we want!  LOL.  Plus, if you think about it, I can guarantee that other people think that we can be equally as frustrating.  The only thing we can do is focus on what we can control... how we react to things.  We can control our attitudes and how we view the world, whether or not we hold onto things from the past, or whether or not we give up because things get difficult.  Today, I choose to have a positive outlook and look at all challenges as a growth opportunity. 

Understanding and accepting that we have control over more in our lives than we realize is extremely empowering.   In the past, even though this concept made complete sense to me, I wasn’t executing it.   One of the biggest lessons for me is learning to be consistent.   My moodiness was a really big problem for a long time.   And, part of that isn’t because I can’t control my temper, but because I was expecting other people to know what I need, when I needed it.   And, if I come out of my comfort zone and tell you I need something, and I still don’t get it... then I’m really not happy.  I don’t do well when I get hungry.   Not necessarily because I just don’t like the feeling of being hungry, but my blood sugar drops and I start to not feel well.   I’ll feel light headed, and if I go too long without eating I’ll get nauseous.   So, when I’ve been hanging out with my best friend, and the time started to creep towards...

For me, part of feeling like I can do anything, involves wearing something that makes me feel fabulous.  Which can mean many different things, depending on the day.  So, today, I'm putting my best foot forward, giving me a great attitude and making me feel like I can conquer the world. 

Last week at my Bible Study, we were discussing how as Christians, we are called to pray for those who frustrate or hurt us.   We should be treating those who treat us poorly with the same love and respect as those who do treat us well.   We should be turning the other cheek, as they say.  This is the very definition of kindness.  I believe most people want to be kind.  Unfortunately, this is much easier said, than done.     There have been so many times that I wanted to hurt the person, who hurt me.   At the very least, I wanted to put them in their place to make sure they knew they were in the wrong.     Something that helped to put things into perspective is that, whether we agree with what the other person does or not, we still have full control over our actions.   No matter what this person does or doesn’t do, there is no reason for me to act poorly, even if at the time, it feels like a well-deserved counterattack....

There are definitely days, weeks, or even more extended periods of time when I feel stuck.  I feel like I'm not going anywhere and no matter what I do, and that I'm not making any progress.  But, the truth is, whether we see it or not, every day we get up and continue to work on our goals, is a day that we are moving forward.  We just have to keep persevering despite all the obstacles and distractions.  Think of it this way, we don't value things that come easy!  

I can’t believe it’s already the end of October.   I’m not sure where the month has gone.   I’ve been wanting to write a post about my month of September, since it was the month I was going to change my life after all!   But, I actually found it really difficult to write.   I mean, how do you write about a feeling?   My experience was a great one.   From the beginning I was dedicated to changing several habits that I had been wanting to change for a while, and also reading the book of Proverbs in an attempt to deepen my relationship with God.  After the experience, I really just feel different.  That's the only way to describe it.  I feel happier, more grounded and level headed. As far as changing some of my habits, a few stuck, and a few didn’t.   I was exercising every day, making home cooked meals, avoided eating out, flossing daily, and even taking my vitamins.   However, since the beginning of October, I haven’t been as...

There has been a lot going on in my life lately.  I've had several social and family events recently, which is great because I really don't get to see the people I care about as often as I'd like to.  And, on top of that I have been super, ridiculously, insanely busy at work.  So, I'm working long days, and staying up late to complete my at home responsibilities (including exercising), and then doing a lot of traveling back and forth between several different states on the weekends.  I feel like a crazy person!  But, I'm also a happy crazy person.  So, you know... it's not so bad.  :)  I hope everyone has a great week! 

I have become a huge fan of Matthew Hussey!  I never miss any of his weekly videos.  They are always full of useful information, and gentle reminders of how to act like a mature adult in relationships.  Something, I personally, can always use a little help with.  Last week, he posted this video on YouTube, and it was such a great reminder to fight fair.  I tend to go silent when someone hurts me because I don't really want to fight.  I don't like the confrontation.  And when I go quiet, I end up bottling up the hurt for a later date.  Then, when that same incident or a similar incident happens in the future, I end up exploding.  Which means, I look like a crazy, emotionally immature person because the incident is normally something small.  But, when you compound it over the course of weeks or even years, it doesn't feel so small.  In my old age, I've learned ...

Last week was an intense one.   I worked close to 12 hours every day in order to get everything done.  (Well hello quarter end!)  It's so easy to fall into those patterns of coming home after a long day and forgetting my responsibilities and the goals I've set for myself simply because I've had a long day at work.  Being busy is just an excuse.  There will never be a more convenient time to work towards your goals. Happy Monday!

Last week, I was doing my morning Scripture reading on the First Five App, and the passage just really hit home.  For a long time I’ve had this perpetual feeling of being lost and confused.  I was always asking, “Why?”  Why am I here on this earth?  What is my purpose?  I don’t do anything great, I’m pretty simple minded, and I certainly would not describe myself as a tremendous person.  So, what’s the point of me being here?    Over the years I have defined myself by my grades in school, my career and how important my job sounded, to the clothes I wore, to the places I traveled, or things I did.  Once I figured out those material or superficial things didn’t matter as much, I decided that I would define myself by my relationships.  Because, it’s the people in your life that are important, right?  Except, we can’t control what others do or don’t do.  So, I was left feeling really empty and alone a good chunk o...

Happy Monday!  This weekend was extremely busy.  I had to drive between 85-120 miles a day!  But, it was all worth it.  :)  Here's to savoring that first sip of coffee this morning, and knowing that while tired, life is really good.

This week I was reminded about the importance of taking care of oneself.  Over the past several weeks, I have really pushed myself at work, at my exercises, and my personal studies, which led me to get less sleep and feel really run down.  Then, last weekend, it hit... sinus congestion.  Ugh!  It's more frustrating than anything, but I still don't feel completely like myself. When you're a spinster, you become very aware of how much you depend on someone else when you're not feeling well.  There is no one to run to the store to pick up tea or medicine for me.  I have to get up and go myself.  And, let me tell you... it's not pleasant.  I imagine that lots of parents feel this way too, since you really can't call in sick as a parent.  Your kids still need to be fed and looked after, no matter how much you want to sleep all day. I've watched several friends and co-workers insist that they'll feel better if they go to the gym and really p...

Now that it's officially October, I'm allowing myself to drink pumpkin spice latte's, and it has truly made my Monday morning a little brighter.  I love how the little things, can make me stop and smell the roses, or coffee, in this case.  It is the start of a new month, and a new week, and for me, the start of quarter end!  I'm going to need a lot more coffee!  LOL. Over the last few weeks, I have really been tested at work.  I can tell that people are being put in front of me so that I can grow and work past some things in my life.  Like, how I can't control everything.  And, no matter what job I work in, there will always be challenging people that I need to work and partner with.   I read something recently that kind of put it into perspective.  Gold, when found in nature, is encased in rock and must be manually removed.  I don't know the science behind it, but these rocks must be crushed, chemically treated, and heated t...

It is really easy to get distracted by worldly things.  There are so many things that we think are so important, simply because they make us feel good.  But really, in the grand scheme of things all these pleasurable distractions aren't important at all.  It could shopping, or the feelings of success, or the constant drive to make more money.  None of it matters, if we don't put God first in our lives.    One of my guilty pleasures is to catch up on several lifestyle blogs in the morning on the train on my way to work.  I enjoy reading about a new skincare product, a new designer, or even a great way to give yourself an at home spa day.  These are great, but they're all distractions, ultimately taking my mind away from living a Christian life.  I've noticed that without reading the Bible daily, and saying my prayers, I get pulled away from God.  It's not intentional, but I get distracted.  And, all things need to be centered a...