Did you feel like I disappeared on you? I’ve missed chatting over here these past couple of weeks. Last Friday I spent my day having emergency dental work done, thanks to a dislocated jaw. That was a painful way to spend a weekend, but I just got a night guard and we are hoping that we can settle things down with resting my jaw in the evenings.
Last night I used it for the first time and woke up with relaxed muscles in my face and no ear pain.
I think it is going to help a lot.
That said, I’ve had so much good stuff in my life lately that it cancels out the more difficult times. I begrudgingly (feet dragging all the way) decided to go to a women’s Bible study because I know that I haven’t been in a great place in my spiritual life. For awhile, we just quit going because I was so run down all the time, but now I feel like a pew filler and not much more.
My body is there filling the pew and my heart is there because it is good for my children.
That’s about it.
An encouraging message from a group leader though lead me to a study and I’m feeling a lot more centered.
It’s a raw, gritty, look at your mess kind of study.
Real talk.
No fluff and fakery.
I’m crying a lot of tears and acknowledging my mess.
That’s just what I needed- to look at my life through a different lens.
Religion has always been a part of my life so it is comforting to have the routine and support in this challenging chapter. Instead of leaning in, I was pushing away in anger. I think this has been the secret ingredient that has been missing in my life.
I started praying again and I asked for things that I need to happen in my life right now and God has surprised me by bringing in what I’m requesting.
The best part has been being OKAY with the slowing down part now that my mind can be quieter. I have turned down my engagement on social media and have been trying to fill my cup in different ways.
This book was a great guide for me on understanding what I really need in life to keep a good balance and feel centered. If you are a highly sensitive person or an empath, I can’t recommend it enough.
The things that are good for me- getting up early to read quietly before the kids wake up, long baths, walks or taking in nature on our patio, enjoying the process of cooking again, exercising, real time with my people, and quiet.
I’ve also discovered the beauty in FaceTime and now have a weekly date with my best friend to talk to each other. We both remarked we can’t believe we hadn’t done that before! There is something about seeing people face-to-face that makes these calls much more satisfying.
Here are three other things that are making me happy!
Documentaries
We caught two surprisingly feel good documentaries this past week!
Obit is an inside look at the New York Times obituaries desk.
Doesn’t that sound so depressing?
It really wasn’t!
It was absolutely fascinating to hear how they gather the facts and photos for these obituaries. These writers work on tight deadlines to be sure to secure accurate facts about the obituaries they share and take a lot of joy in writing about their lives. In one comment by a columnist they said, “Obituaries have next to nothing to do with death, and everything with life.”
You can catch this one on Amazon Prime, if you have it!
Starring Adam West was an absolutely fantastic documentary about his role and life as the first Batman. Even if you aren’t a Batman fan, there is so much to be learned from his career and life, told with surprising humor and heart. My face hurt after watching this one because I was smiling so much throughout the entire film. Adam West is absolutely hilarious! His daughter’s quest to get a star on Hollywood Boulevard really brought ALL THE FEELINGS.
You can catch this one on Hulu, if you have it, or you can rent it on Amazon.
Professional Blow Out at Home
I have been using my hair straightner daily for years and I am starting to see the damage that is starting to come from that. I picked up one of these Conair Infiniti Spin Air Rotating Stylers and I absolutely love it. I had one of these forever ago and I burnt it out, but I had not though how much this would help with my hands and elbows to have a brush and dryer that can rotate with a push of a button.
This version comes with two different sizes for tighter or a looser curl. There is definitely a learning curve with these, but once you get the hang of it, it is so much easier than the brush & dryer holding that I was doing before.
I should say that this doesn’t replace your blow dryer, it is more a styling tool. You get your hair 80-90% dry (air drying or with your blow dryer) and you finish with this gadget to get that professional blow out look.
The spinner rotates two ways so you can flip hair up and away or curl it under.
I have coarse and really frizzy hair which is why I straighten it. This is what it looks like using this awesome tool and zero product.
The best part is the next day, you can wake up, put on a little dry shampoo (here is my favorite) and give it a little fluff with this tool. TA-DA!
Lipstick That Lasts
I know I have blabbed about this A LOT, but this matte lipstick has unbelievable staying power and I couldn’t be happier about that price. I’m also wearing it in this picture and it will look just like that until bedtime.
No joke!
I keep grabbing more of these when I see them at the drugstore because every color I’ve picked up has been so gorgeous. I’m wearing Lover in that picture.
Reading: I’m halfway through this book and absolutely loving it. Did you hear that they are making this one into a film? Can’t wait!
Inspired By: Things someone who loved you should have told you. I hope you read these words if you need to hear them.
Playing: This board game with my kids and they LOVED it!
Discovered: This fascinating piece today. I’m looking forward to the documentary!
Can’t Wait: Oh, this should be GOOD!
Eating: No way heat wave, I’m in full on FALL MODE. Bowls of this were enjoyed this week at our kitchen table.
Listening: To this audiobook right now. I’m not too sure about this one yet…
Have a wonderful weekend! xo
*this post may contain affiliate links- I only recommend what I love though. Check out past editions of It’s the 3 Little Things!