week reflection + perspective

if there were ever a week during which a theme emerged, it was the events of the past week shoving perspective down my throat. between devouring the book Wonder (amazing. seriously read it immediately. do not pass go. do not collect $200. go now and read.), spending a time with a dear friend and her amazing brave infant who is battling cancer,  chatting with a friend who is deployed overseas and a very powerful therapy session during I was finally able to let go of some big things that had been weighing me down — I felt a shift in my perspective.

for the past few months, I’ve been dealing with a bit of an existential crisis. unsure of if I’m on the right path in life and what direction I’m going and fun stuff like that. it’s contributed to many sleepless nights and lots of internal chatter that was difficult to shut out. and while I wouldn’t say the events of this week provided all of the answers, I was reminded that there are some pretty amazing humans out there battling a lot of shittiness that the universe has thrown their way and, somehow, they’re not only getting through but doing so with such bravery and grace. it’s amazing — and humbling. and I’m so grateful to know and have in my life some of those ridiculously strong people. I just hope that I can somehow and some day give to them what they’ve provided to me in the past week. ❤

on that note, as you’re going about with your plans this weekend and gathering with family and friends, please take a moment to think of those whose holidays may not be so jolly this year. remember that regardless of what we each have going on, we’re all just trying to get through in our own way. wish a stranger happy holidays. be kind. appreciate and enjoy your imperfect life. pause and be grateful.

happy holidays to all!

“Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world.” ~Auggie Pullman, Wonder

week in review
last week’s gratitude: friends who are family
this week’s intention: connection
what I’m reading: The Lost Girls + The Rosie Effect
read Wonder (pic 3)
continued Dressember challenge (more info + participate) (pic 6)
completed 2017 budget
completed holiday shopping — sort of
cleaned up digital footprint
addressed + sent holiday cards
met up with long-time friend + daughter at neighorhood bookstore
attended holiday beer industry party
shoveled + enjoyed the first big snow of the season
appreciated working from home most of the week (pic 4)
made a snow angel — while wearing a dress (pic 5)
met up with good friends for gift exchanges
enjoyed receiving holiday greetings from friends and family (pic 2)
productive + satisfying work week
dinner + catching up with a good friend
therapy
happy hour + discovered a new yummy neighborhood restaurant
spent an afternoon with a good friend and her brave little one
attended 1 of 4 Christmas dinners
wrote + posted my favorite reads of 2016
rejoined WW + on-plan week
continued planning + intentions for 2017
wrote + posted week reflection

weekend happenings + intentions
attend holiday parties + spend time with friends and family
read
continue Dressember
continue working on 2017 intentions