The past couple of weeks have been amazing…

Great weather, I’ve been feeling strong in my workouts, not to mention my dad even came to visit for a few days!The husband and I have also had a few date nights (one for his 30th birthday), so it’s been nice to have that extra time for each other.

Late last year we hit a rough patch. I won’t go into detail, but I truly learned that if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anything or anyone else.Both of us were stressed for different reasons and I’m sure the kids were able to feel the tension. Plus it was the deep of winter, which doesn’t help anyone’s mood.

I decided it was time to focus on me 100%.

I started working out better and working harder on my professional goals. Ultimately, I was working on being a better version of myself.I noticed it first with work; my classes were getting better. People were more sweaty and giving me more and more positive feedback.

Then I noticed it with my kids; they were happier and more affectionate towards me. Lastly, the dynamic between my husband and I changed.We began talking more and having more meaningful conversations. 

These things didn’t happen overnight.

Today makes about six months of this “work in progress.” It just goes to show you changes are possible, but they take time. Sure there were hiccups along the way. I’m not happy all the time, I am human after all.I know I always mention it, but it was Joshua Becker’s book “A Minimalist Home” that truly shifted my mindset in the direction I’ve always wanted.

I’ve always known the type of life I wanted to like (aka simple) but never knew how to truly get there.I feel more aware of myself and the goals I want to accomplish in life.

Here are some books that have been a game changer for my [minimalist] mindset:

• A Minimalist Home
• The More of Less
• Essentialism
• The Joy of Less
• Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life (current read, so good!)

Before I had a family, I could feel miserable and not worry about affecting anyone because I had no responsibility but myself.Now I have kids who see my every behavior and I want them to develop healthy habits, not to mention healthy relationships [of all kinds].“Life is a journey, not a destination” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

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If you missed my social media “detox” recap, click HERE.