I want to create something more aligned with art, but given schedules I’m counting creating a beautiful Spring space on my side deck last weekend as my creative venture. I’m also throwing in tonight’s dinner as I mixed up seasonings for creating a quesadilla for my vegetarian self (black bean/spinach/broccoli, onion/bell peppers, cheese & tortilla) while also creating a regular chicken quesadilla for my husband, and a seasoned-but-not-spicy-with-the-right-tortilla for my son as my Wellness activity for Day 53. Finished quesadillas not pictured b/c I needed everyone out of my kitchen and then we all focused on eating- but they were yummy. 😊

Here is what doing a Live w/ a silly little love circling around you can look like…. A sweaty face, mustache, and lack of makeup. Reminds me ALL of us have things going on around us (or within us) that can be so chaotic and makes it challenging to get to the mat, or continue with the whole workout while distractions are happening. Like having fake facial hair put on you after your stretches. Rooting you all on every single time you show up, whether you are able to do all the jumps or whether you are dragging through it- you’re here and that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. Excuse me while I shave…

Added challenge is being quizzed about Pokémon characters your child drew while you’re getting your M/Body workout “me time” in. Whew! 🤪😂💪🎨 (I don’t post about Eli on IG, but he is often in the background and sometimes trying the choreography and cool down stretches with me).

This was difficult to pick! Today’s answer is M/ <45 90s Hip Hop Sweat 47 (because that playlist carried me through) and M/<45 Ballet Sculpt & Stretch (as the class flew by and I yearn for more of that poetic, ballet grace and hope to make progress in my ability to do leg stretches at the barre with a straight leg).

I try to comment under each video I do, but by the end of class I am a sweaty ball of love and gratitude for the experience. Will try to hone in on writing specifics in my comments for those who are picking a class based on what they read. And for those who post about some of their fav go-to classes on social media, pls know I am thankful and taking notes for inspiration on which classes to try next when the challenge is over.

I made a public Insta account to connect about M/Body, but I don’t want to post anything about my kiddo on there, so here is my journaling for today’s Wellness Activity.

Cheers to 30 days in with 30 days remaining to my fellow Spring Challengers! I’m on the volunteer committee at my son’s preschool and coordinated w/ a local organization on a project. This morning I collected 35 casseroles/lasagnas to deliver to the local soup kitchen, which feeds 80+ food insecure people a day. I was excited excited to have that much participation! And tonight I will catch up on the Wellness activity from 4/1, which gives me a reason to use this epsom salt/sea salt blend in a warm bath. I do “bathtime” nightly as a mom, and yet I cannot recall the last time I was the one soaking in the tub. 🛀

On an unrelated note- I heard the throwback “1 Thing” from Amerie last night while making casseroles and thought it would be a fun song for a class (once we catch the beat). 😊

One of the most beautiful things I am lucky to see every day is the array of colors in my child’s eyes.

Happy April, happy almost weekend, happy almost halfway through the Spring Challenge!! I’m glad there is a scheduled rest day on April 3rd and I honor everyone who needs a Mary J. Blige moment all day. So important to listen to our bodies as many of us have already said! Sunday April 3rd happens to be International Good Deeds Day, so if anyone had any energy left it’s a fabulous time to volunteer or mindfully do some good within your local or global community. I have felt the kindness and support given to me and others by you all on a regular basis here, and this truly is a global community, and that is beautiful and impactful. I imagine you all already put so much love and kindness into the world, so maybe every day is a Good Deeds Day. 💗 Hope your upcoming Sunday is nourishing through rest or action- whatever you need to continue showing up powerfully and gracefully.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I can dig deep. I can push through when I need to even if I’m exhausted. I can tap into reserves of love and compassion when I’m focused on that goal. I’m internally much stronger than I ever thought I was, even though I’ve always been sensitive.

And I can find something likable or that I can respect within almost every single person I meet and work with.

Today I’m releasing the need to please others; to be what others expect or want me to be when it does not align with who I am or what I need. Sometimes this is based on the desire to please others or impress them, and other times it is based on others expecting me to be whatever version of myself from the past which no longer matches who I am today or the direction I’m heading. My sense of self is not determined by the perspective, framework, or acceptance of others.