I have always been an advocate for finding time to nurture ourselves, no matter if it is 5 minutes on the yoga mat or an hour long soak in the tub at the end of the day. I would like to think that I am a pretty good mom, but I am certainly a much better one if I have remembered to take a few moments out of my day just for me.
As my family is expanding, and there are now three little ones running around (okay, two running and one making a darn good attempt), time is getting a little thinner.
The other day I sat down with my journal, set the timer for 60 seconds, and wrote a joy list out. This is an exercise that I love to do because it is both a reminder of all of the blessings I have in my life, and it is a way for me to see what is important in this moment to focus on.
Perhaps the best part of a joy list is that it brings up small things that make me happy, and simple quick things that I can do to make the day a bit better. When lots of water and the smell of lavender showed up on the top of the list (under sweet Landon kisses and Jakey hugs, of course), I found an easy way to incorporate them into my day.
Just after I wake in the morning, I fill a huge mason jar full of cut up oranges, cucumbers and ginger and place it in the fridge to stay cold. A quick glass here or there makes me feel like I am getting a refresher in my day, while getting the water I need as a nursing mama. As for the lavender, that goes in a bowl of fresh water with two washcloths, and goes over the eyes or face when the stress of the day begins to show itself.
It takes 5 minutes of my morning to prepare, but as simple as these two things are to make, they have a long lasting impact on my mood throughout the day. Maybe they are just my reminders that there is always joy in the simple things.
What simple things bring you joy today?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the idea of adding oranges and ginger to my water. I’ve been drinking gallons of lemon cranberry water that I make each morning and it’s starting to get really old. I’m off to switch things up today.
)
ginger orange cuke water sound so good, and would taste so “bright” here in winter.
I’m finding joy in a strange place today, as I prepare to go to a funeral. I will cry with the family but also do my best to celebrate a joy filled life cut too short. And I’ll find joy in gratitude for having know this person.
I’ll be thinking of you Amy. Lots of hugs.
For me it’s music. If I can get in 10-15 minutes (or more) of MY tunes… in the car, making dinner, late at night… it’s a huge recharge. I tote around my iPod in my bag all day for those moments.
How lovely Heather, thank you for sharing this.
xo
Linda
I will have to try this water recipe. It sounds so refreshing. My simple joy on Tuesdays is going to the cafe in the morning to have coffee with my girlfriends. We’ve been meeting like this for years. It’s my day of connecting with others, a great joy !. Have a wonderful day Heather.
Heather,
Your water idea is perfect. I am enjoying the joys of a simple birthday celebration here at our home today – cake, icecream, and balloons and all are happy.
The simple pleasure I enjoyed today was a heart to heart chat with a wonderful friend…I felt valued, cheered and cared for and I hope she did too! I love your simple pleasures too…I think that lavender water idea might be making it over here! Thanks xxx
Simple joy:: something I am trying to look for on a daily basis! Some days it is a 10 minute shower, others it is going to the bathroom BY MYSELF!! Lately, I have been carving out time to go to the gym… I hope to keep it up!
Yours sound truly fabulous, by the way!
my simple pleasure today was to try the infused water (very good!) and making a little, reusable/refillable sack out of potato sack fabric for the lavender . we now can enjoy a refresh just like you do (my little ones had “issues” with the lavender buds on the wash towel so i quickly had to make something to cover those up).
thank you for the inspiration!!!
Lovely ideas, Heather. I need more of this in my day, I think.
I love the smell of lavender – it’s like a breath of summer!
I can almost smell the lavender. Such a good reminder. I try to sneak in a few rows of knitting each day. It helps center me.
The water sounds lovely, I think I need some right now. I have had such a hard time staying hydrated and hydrating myself this pregnancy- I finally gave up. I asked my eldest to be in charge of filling my water bottle one in the morning and once in the afternoon. She takes the time to make it all cold and icy ( learned this from my husband) and I just do not take that time. And instead of feeling guilty about it, I’m just gonna be proud I asked for help- even if its just filling the silly water bottle!
I need to use these tips. Lately I feel a lot of pressure and stress as I head down this path with Green Acres Closet. It is growing fast and that is what I wanted but yet sometimes I feel overwhelmed.
Oh my goodness, Heather! I never thought to add ginger or oranges to my cucumber water! ive always just made it with lemon and mint – it will be nice to try a new combo
I have to agree that taking a bit of time for me to regroup each day makes me feel like a much better mom! calmer, more intune with kiddos and just easier going.
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! I always think of this kind of drink in the summer but it’s so refreshing any time. I have started putting a jar of this in the fridge at night so I can wake to some delicious spa water to balance out of my coffee. Love the way the cucumber softens and sweetens the water. Thanks for this great reminder to take care of ourselves.