FOOD.  Crunchy things. How I love salty, crunchy things. I’m going to need your help with this one. Is there anything in the world that is salty and crunchy that’s actually good for you? Crunchy in a dry way, like all those wonderful processed chips and snack mix type things. Not crunchy in a moist sort of vegetable way. I’ve tried dehydrating veggies in the past, just because this seems to be the logical choice when you love veggies. But I must admit there was nothing tasty about it.  If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear them. (Please don’t suggest popcorn, nuts, or rice cakes!)

The goal of topping up on veggies was easy this week. For dinners I made sure to max the veg portions and cut down a bit on the meat to make it more balanced. We had boiled dinner for St Patricks day and there was enough leftover to have for lunches at work all week. Yes, all week. My husband cooks enough for ten people even though we are only two! That’s okay— leftovers are great for meal prepping. Simply add other items to come up with new meals.

A new dietary trial: My husband is an advocate of a daily banana. He suggested that eating one every day would help with my painful digestive issues. So at his advice I’ve sliced a half banana into my cereal each morning. Yummy and decidely filling. Another small step on the road to wellness. The verdict is still out on this as more time is needed. I’ll try it for awhile and see how I feel. Do you have a ‘banana/gut experience’ you’d like to share? –Keep it clean please–

ACTIVITY.  The cold windy weather this week certainly doesn’t make me want to be out walking after work. There is still too much snow and ice in the yard, woods, and fields to do anything at all. As you can see from the photo though, it won’t be long now. The activity portion of this wellness journey is off to a slow beginning for sure, at least in terms of getting outdoors and active. My whole being is yearning for warmth and sunshine and tired muscles. (Perhaps I should have taken the name WinterSlug or TheHibernator instead of BrassMermaid!) It’s difficult to watch the sun get higher in the sky each day and know spring is right there, but be so restricted by all that ice and snow. >sigh< Even though the temps are mild today, the wind is very boisterous. We sat on the porch for just a few minutes before we were driven back inside. Tomorrow is supposed to be much nicer and I’m looking forward to spending the day mostly outdoors.  

MIND/SOUL.  I’ve continued focusing on other things in the meantime. Like taking time to tackle nagging tasks.  The one task that I dreaded the most was setting up the label printer for my jewelry & accessories line. I’m happy to say it’s done and functioning after a bit of growling and disagreeing with the equipment. These things never go as smoothly as you’d expect. The fun part is designing and producing the jewelry and other products and getting it all ready to sell.  When I can zero in on something that I find absorbing and pleasing then the world drops away. Creating objects, writing, reading…… these are all undertakings that are thoroughly engaging and relaxing. Often, I come up from a session and need to go outside to see that world is still turning. What gets you so absorbed that you lose track of time and the world around you?

I hope your own wellness journey is progressing along at a healthy clip. Where have your sneakers taken you this year? 👩🏻‍💻