Flowing Through 2024: Life Updates
Has it really been seven whole months since my last official blog post here? I guess it has…
It really is amazing how quickly time passes — and the older I get, I really do feel the that the pace speeds up (like so many people say). If we don’t stop to take it in and BE with the now, we’re so fast on to the next thing.
Between work, raising our two kids, making time for just Sam and I, house/yard work, teaching yoga, trying to stay active and healthy, and all the in-betweens, it was easy to blink and be mid-way through another year.
But, this year, I’ve been getting better about observing the many blessings in my life and slowing way down. That’s probably why I chose “Go Easy” as my 2024 theme (thanks to Kates Hayes’ “Virtual Workshop | Develop Your 2024 Theme” at the end of 2023).
I have a tendency to get ahead of myself. I anticipate the what-ifs with work and life. I’ve come to find so many things don’t pan out how we imagine them to. That the worry is never worth it. That’s where the slowing down comes in for me. It’s much better that way. I’m more awake to my own life if I just. slow. down.
Some Life Updates
Mindfulness:
In April, I enrolled in a 4-week Mindfulness Tools class through UMass Memorial‘s Center for Mindfulness (CFM). I had always wanted to take this course since working at UMass Memorial, and as a yogi, it made even more sense to me to take the time and deepen my understanding of it.
The class and instructor were wonderful. I felt a sense of community within the group, though it was all held virtually. I had daily homework that consisted of 20-minute focused awareness meditations and 20-minute body scans. It truly felt great to just tune in to myself and my own needs. It’s a practice I plan to continue, though I won’t lie when I say finding that time nowadays (post class) is not easy. It’s really hard. Even if I can take 5 minutes to meditate, it’s beyond beneficial for my own well being. I highly recommend checking out the CFM.
*One (now) hysterical note about this course was that it was during our kids’ bedtime routine (7-8:3pm0) so I REALLY had to work on being mindful while wearing my headphones amidst all the background whining, door banging and “Mommys!!!!” Ooof.
The Kids:
It’s hard to believe we’ll have a Kindergartener soon. Henry just had his adorable Pre-K graduation, and his Kindergarten orientation/screening. When we moved back to MA in 2020, we had a six-month-old, and now he’s a week away from turning five. Henry is still the biggest sweetheart. He’s observant, kind-hearted, silly, curious and super smart (if I do say so). Watching him get on that bus for the first time this fall will be a moment, for sure.
Ruby is so much fun. She has so much liveliness, spunk and confidence in her. She is always jumping, talking, dancing and asking us, “How are you today?” We have no doubt she is going to be one to keep up with. Personality for days. Extremely vocal. Assertive. 😉
I’m in awe of them. They’re perfectly themselves and they teach us so much every day. Above all, they’re teaching me to slow down. Because if I don’t, I’ll miss it all. All of this.
We’re pumped to spend more time together as a family this summer. A week-long vacation in Maine, Henry’s “Under the Sea” birthday party, and many little outings together doing those New England summery things we all look forward to.
Work:
Work’s been going great. I’m four years in. Hard to believe I’ve been at the same job since moving back. What I love most is my close-knit team, the work/life balance I so desperately need as a working mom with young kids, contributing locally within the community I live in, and being creative day to day. I also have learned that I enjoy managing people.
Last summer when I was promoted, I took on having two direct reports, and over time, I have found my groove with it. It’s been really interesting to learn more about myself through this process. How to delegate more work, how to help people, how to be more confident in myself and what I am capable of, how to manage different people’s preferences and needs, etc.
I think at the end of the day, it’s really about human connections and relationship building. That’s the root.
There’s so much more to learn. If you’re a manager, too, I’d love to hear what tips you have or resources you’d recommend. I’m ready to dig deeper.
Yoga:
Since last year, I’ve taught a couple more 6-week yoga series through Holden Recreation! It’s been great getting to know more people and, of course, teaching what I love, and becoming a stronger and more confident instructor. I’ve even become friendly with many of the participants, so that’s been fun!
I also recently taught a “Yoga on the Deck” class in my backyard. That was a ton of fun and very zen (the morning was misty but it truly added to the ambiance).
Next up, “Yoga on the Deck” Family Style (yes, that means babies, kids, teens, spouses) on Saturday, July 20 from 9:30-10:30am. Reach out if you’d like to join!
Wellness:
Since getting my walking pad, I’ve definitely been getting more steps in during busy work days, but I prioritize walking outside in the nicer weather. I also have been fitting in more HIIT workouts, weight training, Zumba (a weekend must for me) and yoga on my own… when I can. Let’s be real. Every week is different.
It’s really a mix of everything that I love.
I try my best to eat well (you know, with the occasional drink or two, indulgent meal and dessert), stay active and show my kids what healthy living looks like. I largely live by that 80/20 rule… 80% of the time I am very health focused and eat well, the other 20% I’ll have that slice of cake and some mac ‘n cheese. Balance, people!
For me, it’s all about feeling my best. When I’m more health-focused, I feel better in my skin, I look more alive (lol), I sleep better, I feel more connected to my life…. you see….
Married Life:
Undoubtedly, Sam and I have been very busy this year with our jobs and raising children. We often say to each other at the end of a really long day or in a tough parenting moment — “We’re in the thick of it.” Between crappy sleep (Ruby still wakes most nights), busy schedules from morning to night, weekend plans and that inevitable never-ending house and yard work that needs to get done, we’re often catching up before bed and then just crashing.
We try our best to fit in a monthly date to a nearby restaurant — and our summer porch dates after the kids go to bed are always a sweet treat.
Plus, we’re big fans of the Sunday Check-In which I wrote about on Central Mass Mom. Basically, we take about 15 minutes on Sunday evening to look at the week ahead and get on the same page. What work obligations do we have? What’s the kids’ schedule look like? Any appointments or outings? What do we need help with?
We’re big on adding SPACE to our weeks. I’m not one to have something planned every night (no thanks), so we often try to lighten the load for each other and find time to connect and just BE.
In February, we went away to Ft. Lauderdale for 3 nights — just us. That was great! We fully relaxed.
Recently, we celebrated seven years married and 14 together with a day trip to Crane Beach — super nice and calm — and the weather couldn’t have been better! We’re thinking a 10-year trip sounds about right in 2027! ☺️
Home:
I’ve been tending to my garden this year — with success! Strawberries, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Last year, I grew nothing, so I’m already beaming with pride, haha.
We just had our master bedroom closet redone, and are in love with the new organized look and feel. Cannot wait to purge some 20+-year-old clothes (lol) and get back to the basics (well, that, plus continue my obsession with Nuuly).
Henry’s room got a big-boy upgrade. Goodbye Curious George wall stickers and toddler toy clutter. Hello animal artwork, a reading nook and a new bookshelf.
We also got a colorful hammock for our yard and have all been loving it. Just a few minutes in it = total relaxation. Just checking out the clouds and listening to birds.
Oh, and a new pull-out couch! So, now we have two and plenty of space for friends and family.
Fun (checklist-style):
Maria visited from CA!
All the Zumba on the weekends
Family neighborhood walks
Lots of summertime ice cream
Boston outing with kids
Ruby turned 2 and had a Minnie-themed party (her fave)
Memorial Weekend in Maine
Lots of friends dinners to catch up, and talk motherhood and life
We got a Holden Pool pass!
I hope you, my friend, are well! As we come to the mid-point of the year, I hope 2024 has given you some nice surprises, and with any challenges along the way, that you’ve found some peace on the other side.
May you take today to also reflect on how far you’ve come. Some bright spots. Some things to hold close. And know, that there’s plenty of good ahead.
-Ari
