I recently took a watercolor class at a national park that looked very much like the journaling without the words- if that makes sense. It was taught while hiking to spots and sketching and then using watercolor. The pens and paints were in tiny sets. The prof from the local college taught it and she also is a seasonal ranger. It was a free class, just had to have your own supplies. It was really fun and relaxing.
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Not about the next generation but about me: I used to pore through the supermarket circulars and buy stuff on sale. As a result, I have enough food in my refrigerator and cabinets that as long as the fridge stays on, I have enough food for months. No more! And no more buying food that spoils before I finish it. I have much healthier ways to spend my limited funds.
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My D is taking the opposite approach, and leaning further into her minimalistic and environmentally friendly habits. We were on the phone last night and she said, āwe need to talk about our familyās reliance on Amazon and how we can cut back on our purchases.ā And then she gave me her short Christmas list: one small kitchen appliance, environmentally friendly dishwasher pods, and postcard-writing supplies/stamps so she can continue doing postcards for Markers for Democracy. Thatās it, thatās all she wants. My S is much more of a buyer than she is, but future financial security for his family is now such a big concern for him that I think he will rein it in.
Love the watercolor journaling, wish I had the nerve to take an art class of any kind!
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I had never done watercolor ever. You would be surprised how good it can look on a small page after sketching.
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Yes. Iāve raised kids who are big savers. I know it as fact because both of their respective significant others have shared examples of their āfrugalnessāā¦as well as some other clues.
Their biggest splurge is on their apartments. They can easily afford them but couldāve gone cheaper. But I actually encouraged them at this stage of their life to enjoy the good location (walking distance to work) and amenities (security, workout facilities, etc) their respective buildings offer.
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I am trying to cut down on social media use. I am taking a break (possibly permanent) from FB. I am only reacting to/responding to posts/comments in 2 groups : one is a fitness group I have been part of for years. The other is a newer group in my neighborhood which was formed to get us to know one another and socialize. These two groups are supportive and an important part of my life. They represent my community.
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I think some of you are much better people than I am.
I think my best course is to become more me focused. Iām going to figure out what brings me joy. What I can do to drown out the noise. To turn inward instead of outward.
Itās all about self preservation and whatās best and nice for me now.
All I know is what I thought I wanted isnāt working.
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My focus right now is āWhat I can do within my sphere of influence to impact the world in a positive way?ā Giving and gratitude really help my mental health. Last week I gave money to an organization I have supported for years, donated blood, and picked up items for a Thanksgiving food drive at work. I also really leaned into my work at a medical school to support my students and colleagues. I went from feeling really sad and hopeless to feeling lighter and more hopeful. Iām going to do my best to continue to help and serve, because I know itās the best use of my energy.
Additionally, I am making sure to get up early every morning to take the dog for a long walk before work. I am also trying to spend less time on social media this week and am reading more. More indulgently, Iām planning a big vacation for next summer after S25 graduates, and itās giving me something fun to look forward to.
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I just checked out āQuick and Clever Watercolor Pencilsā book (I say checked out, ie Kindle Unlimited, I think of that as a library sort of thing). For those that want to journal with sketches, it makes it seem easy! (I am NOT artistic but fun to think I could make something).
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All this dog walking has me thinking I need to be a volunteer dog walker at our local shelter. It is a thing. Iāve always wanted to ārent a dogā when we went to a tailgate without a game ticket to walk around the college campus (and throw a frisbee or two) and when we go to beaches that allow dogs. I wonāt tell my cats though.
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Oh your post reminds me that doing a nature journal like this was a required assignment when I did a study abroad back in college. You do not need to be any sort of artist, and it really is just as interesting as it sounds. You can do entries on plants, bugs, rocks, really any type of nature you come across including a weed in a crack in the sidewalk. I am going to do one again, and am so glad you posted. I had forgotten all about that journal.
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As frugal as I am, I have used shopping as retail therapy in the past. Over the last week I channeled it into shopping online for some teachers after checking with them about their needs. Since I was stuck waiting on service techs, I spent the time finding discounts, then ended up spending twice what Iād planned. Itās fine, we wonāt miss any meals because of that and Iāll be doing more throughout the school year.
Iāve gotten H hooked on watching videos with me by Jolly and Korean Englishman. They fill the gap between episodes of the Great British Bake Off when we want to unwind in the evening.
H has been taking a soak nearly every night. After an Epsom salt soak for his tired muscles he sleeps so much better. Heād gotten into a habit of having two bourbons a night, and now itās one every two or three nights since the pain is diminished.
I, on the other hand, have increased my intake, although my āviceā is dark chocolate covered almonds. Maybe theyāll help prevent - or at least delay - dementia despite my family history. While H soaks, I enjoy some fluff TV such as Holiday Baking Championship. Iām avoiding anything potentially depressing or stressful right now.
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I am visiting S and DIL before I attend a meeting in a national organization that I serve on the Board. Today, we caught the ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We have been treating them to a lot of nice meals and just enjoying spending time together. After this, will be at my fundraiser and meeting for my national organization and then will be going to see my MD and going to see my BIL. Heās had a challenging year!
I am trying to meditate and take time to be present with my loved ones. I also printed and framed photos from Sās wedding last year and will be gifting people those for the holidays this year.
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One thing that worked like a charm for me in the past was to find someone I knew was hurting and spend time trying to improve their life. It worked really welll when I was trying to recover from the heartache of breaking up with a long-time BF. I visited my grandmother very often, while she was melancholy about being a widow and living alone. It worked well for both of us and helped me āsnap out ofā my funk while I felt I was being helpful.
Some of Hās friends are helping with āMeals on Wheelsā and the food bank and church and other charities that are helping the growing numbers of needy. It seems like a win/win.
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My mantra for difficult times is a quote from Winston Churchill: āWhen you are going through hell, keep goingā.
Favorite coping technique: binge watching The Great British Baking Show. Most effective stress reliever ever!
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