Amy had this really amazing idea... to go to the farmer's market! There is no way I would ever turn down that invitation (great friend, flowers, food, free samples!)... perfect combination. I was up before seven (thank you, natural alarm clock). There's really something nice about getting up early & starting your day. I feel like I've got a head start on things. This week I've been much better about getting to bed early and listening to my body.
On Tuesday I had a shift of mindset and determination... I really want to take care of my body by eating well, and exercising (on a more consistent basis). I know this will make me feel good. So far, I've got five check marks in my calendar for doing a good job... and I look forward to putting another one on for today! I can still fit a little donut and carrot cake into my day, and give myself a check mark... it's more of a mindset/balance/totality of the circumstances thing :o) I'll enjoy what I've got, go for a run, and drink lots of water. That's pretty much it!
This mindset culminated in an "aha moment" for me on Friday. I was in the middle of watching Twilight (having just finished reading the book), and the phrase "make yourself happy first" painted itself in neon pink & twinkly lights in my mind. I know it's not a unique concept, but it truly stood out to me so vividly, and I've been contemplating it ever since.
I mean it in the least self-centered way possible. It is applicable to my life in the smallest of ways on up. I need to take care of the little things first. The things that I know make me happy. If I work most peacefully in an uncluttered environment, I need to take the time to clean/organize... that is to say, I need to know myself well enough to take care of the prerequisite things that put me at ease and allow me to contribute to the world in the fullest way possible.
Maybe it is a bit like Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I sometimes feel like making oneself happy has a negative tinted connotation... well, what if it is actually an act of generosity? In our happiest states, I think we are better friends, kinder people, more fun to be around, and better able to help others.
This means that it is my responsibility to take care of the "make yourself happy first" part of things... because I'm the only one who can do it. It's not going to come from outside sources, people, things.
So that's what I've been thinking about lately. That, and packing out. I thought I had considerably lessened my belongings... but goodness, there's still so much stuff. I guess it also looks more daunting when it's all out there, rather than tucked neatly away in drawers & cabinets.
So I've still got the kitchen to pack, plus a few loose ends in the living room to stash away. Not too bad. I know my mumsy would be so proud to see me such a good packer, rather than the pack rat I was in my childhood days.
The weekend really just zipped on by! Saturday's highlight: definitely the farmers market. Sunday's highlight: drawing in the park (I can't wait to tell you more about this!). Thank you for following along with me. I hope you have a wonderful Monday.
These strawberries remind me... I just picked up a ripe & almost mushy strawberry pint from the store, washed, and boiled them on up. I'm going to mix it into my yogurt tomorrow morning & add a little flavor to the mix.
Look at those goooorgeous photos! Those flowers!!! I am NOT an early riser but occasionally I like to get up early, all those extra hours of daylight! And farmers markets are such great places.
Posted by: Steph | 15 June 2009 at 00:15
good for you...beauty all around you and you see it and smell it and taste it. that's living! you brought a burst of energy into my life today...thank you!
Posted by: leanne | 15 June 2009 at 08:46
Such gorgeous pictures! One of the things I miss most about Minneapolis is the farmers market. It's sooooo nice and everything there was soooooo cheap!
Posted by: sara | 15 June 2009 at 12:02
Lovely pics, it is wet, cold and gray here! So nice to see some colour! I love peonies, please can I borrow a picture for my desk top. It would be nice to look at something pretty when I turn on my computer. Good luck with the big move, I hope you get settled well and safely.
Posted by: Regan | 15 June 2009 at 14:50
Gorgeous photos!! Love all the peonies!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 16 June 2009 at 17:32
... strawberries ;-) Check out my last post - two girls - one thought, I would say ;-)
Posted by: Theresa | 17 June 2009 at 23:33
Definitely, getting up early makes you have the feeling that you took advantatge of the day. I am a specially early riser: I get up at 6.00 AM even on weekends or holidays. It's an habit and I can't help it. But although it's quite annoying to get up at this time when you know that you could rest a little bit more, it allows me to do much more things during the morning than others (my brother, for instance, who gets up at 11 or 12 AM)
I would like to go to a farmers market too =) I have never seen any here, in Barcelona. The pumpkin bread (the 2nd photo) looks soooo appetizing!
I hope you could put that check mark on your calendar ;)
Posted by: Ksenia | 18 June 2009 at 03:28
Such gorgeous photos! I am drooling over the berries!
Posted by: aja | 18 June 2009 at 13:40
Miss your blogging. Hope your move is going well. Love your photos. Peonies and lily of the valleys are my favorite flowers. Look forward to hearing about your move and your new apartment.
Posted by: Bonnie | 20 June 2009 at 17:33
You have to love yourself first in order to love others. :) So making yourself happy strenghthens your relationship with the world :)
Posted by: Amy Nieto | 25 June 2009 at 11:13
You just have the most inspirational way of making life look so beautiful!
Posted by: Jessica | 30 June 2009 at 12:55