Full. Full. Full.
(Not “crazy”. Not “busy”. Especially not “crazy busy”.)
FULL.
I just finished Laura’s new book Off the Clock (available for pre-order now; comes out in a week!) and loved it. We discuss it more fully on the podcast, but I have to say it was a perfect read for me at this very hectic full period of life. I really was reminded that:
a) I chose this life (and objectively speaking, it’s pretty awesome)
b) The hardest parts will pass
c) I have nothing to gain by focusing on what ISN’T getting done
I’ve just been really trying (somewhat successfully!) to settle into each moment, each activity, each task. I’m finding some things to enjoy and others to endure, and I’m trying to learn how to endure them . . . better. I am finding my minimums in certain areas — exercise, reading, sleep – and realizing that minimum really is better than nothing.
Yesterday was an off day and I:
– recorded 2 podcasts — including next week’s episode which is a general ‘what’s going on’ kind of episode focused on the rather challenging past couple of months — it was refreshing to record so honestly and off-the-cuff
– attended a work meeting over the phone (yep)
– napped w/ G and had a good amount of G time
– read to the kids + helped A with homework
– did my Upper Fix workout
– finally balanced our budget (whew)
– took care of several nagging to-do items (G’s 6 month appointment, etc).
There was plenty I didn’t do, but that was enough.
Life is full. Day by day, it’s pretty awesome. G has a cold, I have 98374 undone notes, and I’m on call next week but right now I’m just going to do my workout, take things one item at a time at work (that’s all I can do . . . ) and remember to file some of the gorgeous moments that are happening lately to my long-term memory.
Mother’s Day 2018!! (my 7th)
The kids picked out an outfit for me!
A’s (probably final?) ballet recital
G LOVES this position
FULL. VERY FULL.
Off to do Barre Legs (yes 21 Day Fix, I’m into this!) and head into another full (but hopefully at least somewhat rewarding / productive) day.
10 Comments
I love your choice of adjective– "FULL" is spot on. Lovely post; being more mindful (and reminding ourselves that WE CHOSE for our lives to be this full!!!) is always beneficial.
My Lucy also loves that arched-back pose– G is SO cute.
xo
The pictures are adorable- and I’m another one who loves a good planner pic! I’m sorry if I’ve already told you this because I’ve thought of it a lot, but another planner to look into and just person to follow is Elise Cripe. Her planner is called "Get to Work Book" – the set up is similar to Erin Condren but there is more room for emphasizing 3 things per day and also for planning and reflection at the beginning and end of each month. The only thing that may be a negative for you is the size because they are pretty big. I love mine though and I find it best for FULL seasons of life 🙂
What a great Mother”s Day photo!!!
Does the 21-day fix and/or other beach body workouts cost money? How much?
Please share your thoughts on the 21 day fix! I”ve never done any beach body workouts before but because I thought they were a weird pyramid scheme but a lot of people seem to like them and I”m always looking for good at home options…
I will. Let me finish my 21 days 🙂 (actually might be 22 days since I did miss one . . oops).
I hate the marketing aspect. I will not ever work for them, so I can give an unbiased review. I do have to say I love the workouts + Autumn Calabrese in particular.
Look at that baby!!! OMG so so cute. I’ve been pondering the difference between "full" and "busy" since I read your post early this morning. I think "full" sounds much more purposeful, and "busy" like something that was thrust upon you. "Busy" also sounds sort of empty—empty of things that give you purpose & joy…just items on a schedule. Its amazing the difference words make in your attitude.
This is great! I love the phrasing "full" (and also the upclose planner shot because NERD ALERT!).
Random podcast guest suggestion that I’m not sure where else to put, haha–have you seen the blog/instagram of Laura from a Little Bit of Lacquer? She’s also a physician (married to another physician) and has three little girls. Also a woman of color and a "younger" (relative to a lot of working parents) mom–she had her first girl in med school. I think she’d be a great perspective!
She sounds great!! I will reach out to her!
Oh also, relevant to you, she’s doing her residency in Miami!!
I always love your writing and honesty but this has come at particularly the time I needed to read it. I’m writing this from night shift 4/5 for the week with my final, huge paediatric training exams only a week away while also battling a cold and to say I was feeling sorry for myself…well that might have been an understatement 🙂 So thanks for the reminder about appreciating the current moment and that my current full life has been my choice (and something I wanted for soooo long.)