Feel Good Friday 59
Well, 2021, we’ve had a shaky first week. Think you can do better? Otherwise, I want my money back. It truly feels like an achievement to have made it to Friday this week, am I right? Let’s have a round of high fives, because we did it! And let’s end the week on a high note because, well, at this point, it can’t hurt to try! To be fair, despite the happenings in our nation, I’ve had a fairly good week. I worked out, ran, got in some yoga and balanced it all out with pizza – and not the cauliflower healthy kind. How are you? Were you able to find some goodness in this week? It’s not too late, and maybe this post will help. (This post contains affiliate links).
Inspiring quote
I heard this quote on a podcast the other day, so I researched it because I was certain it must have come from someone at some point, and I discovered it was indeed from a book by Mark Batterson. I love the intention behind this quote. So many times we get in our own way, stopping ourselves because we’re afraid we don’t know what we’re doing. However, when you feel called to do something in this world, whatever that thing may be, there’s a reason that yearning is inside of you. Listen, follow, and the how and the qualifications will come later. I am certainly living that in this moment! Speaking of which, my boss wrote a beautiful piece about a pastor leaving his church because he listened to that little voice inside of him. It’s a short, inspiring read you can find here.
Coloring Therapy
Speaking of my job, our latest issue has a beautiful coloring page in a feature about local artists creating visions of hope. This particular piece was created by illustrator Beka Butts. If you aren’t local, you can find the article here, save the image of the illustration and print it out home for your coloring pleasure. If you do, share it on social media and tag us on instagram at @o.henrymag so we can see and share it!
Treat People with Kindness
Emmy is a huge Harry Styles fan, so his music is often playing in our house, so much that Wilder even knows his name. The other day, I came across this super fun video for one of his latest songs and loved the message as well. Check out Treat People with Kindness below. By the way, after hearing this song, I got wind of his newfound romance with Olivia Wilde. As the news broke, so did millions of hearts across the world. Good for you, Ms. Wilde.
Healthy and Delicious Soup
My favorite winter activity is sitting inside where it’s warm with soup – crockpot soup, especially! Can you relate? Anyhow, I mentioned that one of our goals is to try at least one new recipe a week, and we tried a couple this week. One was OK, and one was a winner! We made Half Baked Harvest’s Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup on Sunday and it was delicious! I try not to eat a lot of pasta, so it was important to me that the soup itself be packed with veggies and that the base was flavorful and it checked those boxes for sure! We are going to make it again and mix it up be replacing the pasta with potatoes or adding more veggies.
Safe Running/Walking Gear
If you’ve been here a while, you know that early morning is my favorite time to head outside for a run or walk. Something about that dark stillness speaks to my soul. On the mornings where I let myself sleep a bit and run when the sun is out, I honestly just don’t enjoy it, unless it’s really cloudy or raining. Yes, I am a weirdo! For years, I’ve used reflective vests and worn a headlamp on my head to stay safe and be able to see. In my own neighborhood, I’d seen several runners using these vests that light up, so decided to give it a try and I am hooked! You can set it to whatever color you prefer or even blinking. The only downsides are that it’s not as powerful as a headlamp (but good enough to run in an area I know well), and the batteries died after less than two weeks. I plan to grab rechargeable for the future!
My Favorite Running Leggings
I am not gonna lie, these are pricey, but worth it! Chris bought me a pair of Lululemon Fast & Free Tights for Christmas (I knew about them because I selected a pair that was scarily non-returnable on Black Friday) and I am hooked. I felt like a little kid who gets new sneakers and is absolutely positive they make him faster. These leggings make me faster and don’t you try to tell me differently, because I know. I wish we had ordered two pairs at the time, but I had never worn them so I wasn’t sure about the fit. I wear a six in their running shorts, and I bought some yoga leggings in a six that have room. A friend gave me her old size twos, and I could squeeze my rear into those, so I settled on a four. They fit perfectly! So I would say perhaps size down? I generally wear a four to six in pants, six in jeans, just to give you an idea.
A Page-Turner
OK, OK, so I started out the year with good intentions of reading a personal development book to start my year, but then my book club selected The Wives by Tarryn Fisher as our January read and I was intrigued. I set aside said betterment book and ripped open the thriller instead! I finished this one in just a couple of days… a definite gripping page-turner! If you’re looking for a good quick read, definitely check out The Wives.
Well, friend, I hope that this post has given you something to smile about, even if it’s the thought of reading a dark mysterious novel. 😉 We’re watching snow fall here (of course, I am writing this the day before, so currently trying to manifest that this will actually happen!), and it’s peaceful and still, though I’ve got a toddler who’s the perfect juxtaposition to that in here. Going to enjoy his nap time today as I dive back into that self development book – or, if I am being honest – another thriller I picked up. Happy weekending!
