Answers, 1-25-24

2004

I didn't want to love you,

So I didn't, 

But I do,

Still. 

I needed to love you,

And I did,

And I do, 

Still.

~Juli

Start Living-Thoughtfully, 1-12-24

I haven't been able to get this quote out of my mind since I heard it a few nights ago. My husband and I are huge Mad Men fans and have watched the entire series over and over again since 2014. When there is nothing else that appeals to us, we always settle on watching Mad Men. I'm sure I've heard this quote many times before, but never really gave it a second thought. This time, though, it settled in a different way. So much so, that I made it my screen saver, so I could reflect on it every day. Although I am very content in my life, I know I can always be better and do better. Who I want to be in this world is always evolving, no matter my age. How I want to show up in the world and for the people in my life and how I want to be remembered by my kids, grand kids, great-grand kids (hopefully!) is always changing. I know I can always be a little better, in some way or another, than yesterday.  

Since reflecting on this quote, I've been asking myself, if I could be the amalgamation of any combination of people, who would it include and what are the qualities I admire in them? It's an interesting subject to chew on, right?

Considering this, I thought I'd pose the question to you (again, no matter your age). Who and what would make your list? Maybe write that list and start mulling it over every day. See what comes up for you. 

My point to this is to say, we can always change. It doesn't matter who you are, how old you are, where you live, how much money or stuff you have, or any other circumstance- you can always change. You can always decide how you perceive the world, who you want to be, how you want to live your life.  You just have to decide. Even if it's the tiniest change for the better, you'll always have something to look forward to. 

I've shared this many times over the years, but Maia is on my list. Although I don't know her, she reflects the life I want to have when I'm older. This is what I look forward to- living life simply, thoughtfully, peacefully, and beautifully.

Be Well, 

Juli

 

S L O W day, snow day , Jan. 9, 2024

 It's been a minute since I've been on here. To be honest, I really haven't been able to find the words, lately. Thoughts of judgement and irrelevance have been holding me back. But, lately, I've been inspired by other women, just telling their story. That's it, just telling their story. Maybe they've developed a new routine to help them lose weight, get fit, or grow into their gray/white hair (hello!). Maybe they are sharing their art. Maybe they are sharing their home. Whatever it is, I know if it hits the right person at the right time, it can be a powerful influence. I know, because that is what their words have been to me. 

As for me and my story (or stories)... I've been working through some really complicated grief and I've become passionate about living simply. Living my yoga has been a huge part of getting through the grief and finding peace with living a very simple life. Following the eight-limb path of yoga is always in the back of my mind, throughout every, single, day. I'll be referring to it pretty often in this space. It has been my steadfast companion on the road to "loving what is" and knowing that my only home, with every answer that I will ever need, is already inside of me. So, hopefully, my words will touch someone at just the right time to make them feel less alone in the world, knowing someone else has been through what they've been through, and found their joy waiting for them on the other side of it. 

I'll leave you with an image of my favorite view of the day, our first snow day. Snow days seem so special, almost sacred; like you've been given this gift of what seems to be a bonus day- an extra day of your life. Maybe that is a little over-the-top description of an ordinary snow day, but that is exactly what it feels like to me. I take them very slow, trying to make every moment count. They always end up being very productive days for me. Today was a nesting day. Getting ready for our newest grandbaby, a little girl (Baby Girl Schuster, as we have to wait until she is born for the name reveal!) due in February. We are over-the-moon excited and getting her little room ready, in my mish-mash style, with a lot of her daddy's baby things, was the best way to spend this sacred, slow, snow day. ❤🌞

Just waiting on a cozy rug, a bird mobile made from Grandpa Gary's clothes, and a little Sunshine.

Be well, 

Juli