Happy Thinking Out Loud Thursday! What a strange week it’s been. I don’t feel particularly inclined to talk about the politics of it, honestly. Do I have opinions about it? Absolutely. That said, I work myself up over plenty of things I can’t control. For whatever reason, this is something that I can mostly avoid obsessing about. If you want your thoughts heard, my email is always open, but otherwise… let’s just join Amanda and catch up on what else is happening in my life and mind this week.
1.) Did you see these sweet potatoes on Monday?
You should make them. They are incredible and they reheat well. Add some eggs (and bacon/sausage?) to one and that’s breakfast. Just an (excellent) idea.
2.) Last Saturday was a day of major self care. After a few hours of yoga anatomy lecture in the morning, I worked out, walked back to the apartment in the ridiculously awesome warmth, showered, and was just productive enough to feel like a real student. Then, I headed off to Trader Joe’s and Target to stock up on the things I can’t find in Hyde Park. After all that, I got a massage. I even sprung for the 90-minute session because #treatyoself. And then I came back and curled up in bed with snacks and watched Ohio State crush Nebraska.
3.) Ever since the anatomy lectures last weekend, I’ve been hyperaware of my body and its alignment, even as I’m just going about my daily life. It’s obviously not a bad thing, but it is a little annoying when you notice every little instance of poor posture throughout the day and feel like you need to be making little adjustments all the time.
4.) Despite the fact that we were all receiving election updates through most of teacher training on Tuesday night, I managed to forget about the craziness for about 5 minutes while we were practice teaching. So… if you were drinking that night, maybe you should have been practicing yoga instead. 😉
5.) Yesterday morning, I decided I needed running and yoga to start the day, despite one of the worst nights of sleeping. I knew the yoga class would be squeezed in a little bit since I had to make it to Intro to Comparative Politics about 45 minutes later, but went for it anyway. Great decision, since both the running and the yoga were wonderful.
6.) That said, I was totally rushing to get to class. But I made it! And good thing, too, since we were given participation points for actually showing up given the events of the night before. I mean, you have to keep living life, right? (Unless you attend school elsewhere, apparently.)
7.) On that note… I really think It’s Going to Be Okay.
8.) Though I do like some “junk food” occasionally, I’m not usually huge on super processed foods. I was, however, craving them like crazy yesterday (maybe that lack of sleep?). My stomach will probably pay for all the animal crackers and granola and the Clif bar, but that’s what I wanted even after eating my usual real food.
9.) Speaking of, I’m such a sucker for seasonal flavors.
Lately, it’s mostly been tea, but seasonal chocolate is a pretty great idea, too. Seriously, 55% dark chocolate is too light for me most of the time, but this flavor is fantastic.
10.) And now I want to leave you with some of my favorite recipes + reads from the week.
- Thinking I need to make this ASAP. –> Quick Sweet Potato Mole Turkey Chili
- Exactly what I want after yesterday’s carb bender. –> Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Everyday cookies. –> Flourless Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies
- The reminders I need always. –> Self-Compassion: More than Just “Fluffy Stuff”
- Whole food feels good. –> Indulgent Nourishment
Your turn:
What are you craving lately?
What’s on your mind?
I have been craving chocolate like crazyyyy lately! I made some paleo chocolate bark that has been helping me to honor that craving without going too crazy. Still in shock about the election and not too sure about what to think about the future of our country, but it is what it is at this point and that article you linked is definitely helpful in putting things in perspective.
Ooooh I should make my own bark! I’ve demolished a few bars embarrassingly fast… 🙂
And I’m a bit in shock, too. It doesn’t feel real – but I guess it is. So I’m just trying to approach the future in a loving and open way and hoping it works. Maybe a little too optimistic, but I’m dreaming big here, I suppose.
Excited to see you tonight! Going to bring you a few little presents 😀 Theo’s is my favorite chocolate company. We toured their factory while we were in Seattle, and I lurve them.
Thank you. Dinner was lovely and you’re the best ❤️
Like most people right now, the election is the #1 thing on my mind. But, at least it’s shifted from a mourning state to a, “What can I do to move forward” state?
I wish my little town offered yoga classes here. I will occasionally drive up to Knoxville for yoga which is 70 miles away, but having it nearby would do wonders for my soul!
Holy cow that’s so far! It’s hard to get the motivation to do it at home (for me, at least), but there are lots of good videos online if you want to give them a try! I ❤️ Yoga with Adriene.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll look into it 🙂
Ooh a 90 minute massage? That sounds absolutely wonderful. And I know what you mean about having an occasional day of mostly processed foods. I don’t usually want them either, but some days they are just right! 🙂
Haha today and yesterday I’ve been craving them a lot. I’m thinking I’ll be back on the homemade food train by tomorrow 🙂
lately I’ve been craving all the Perfect Bars and yogurt!
Yay for self-care days too. So glad you did that for yourself! A massage sounds amazing
Oooh I love Perfect Bars. I’ve had a couple this week when I’ve been in a pinch and they’re just SO good. I mean, who doesn’t want to eat a block of nut butter? 😉
It must be so nice to not think about this election. It must be nice to go through life as usual, go to yoga classes, anatomy lectures, drink tea, get a massage. It must be nice to know that whatever happens, this outcome won’t affect you. It must be nice that this is something you can “mostly avoid obsessing about” since it doesn’t threaten your life and people you love.
Hi Patricia! If you found my comments regarding the election flippant or my talking about the things I’ve thought about this week other than the election insensitive, I’m sorry. Please know that I do indeed have a lot of thoughts about what’s happened this week, but that’s really not what I want this space to be for sharing. What I think right now is that the world could use a little more positivity and that’s primarily what I want to share. At this point, I have no idea if any policies that might be implemented will affect people I love. A lot of my loved ones are immigrants, members of the LGBT community, and/or of different religious backgrounds. So when I say that I’m not obsessing, it’s not because I don’t care. It’s because I believe we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it – and hopefully we don’t.
YESSSS to treating yourself!
Sometimes it’s just the best thing you can do 😀
it’s been a really long week here. i felt totally at a loss for what to do with myself yesterday… really didn’t have time for self-care although it was much needed. i do notice i’ve been spending more money to try and work some retail therapy… a massage is a good idea
I hope you’re able to take some time for you soon, Zoe. I think we all need some time to process and get back to a place where we feel good and can take on the world.
Your day last Saturday sounds like a dream! Good for you for slowing down to take care of yourself 🙂
Thanks, Liv. Not always easy, but worth it!
I’m a big fan of seasonal flavours too – and that tea sounds so good!
I feel like I’d be doing the exact same thing as you after an anatomy lecture. I mean, I booked a dentist appointment yesterday for next week and now I’m hyperaware of my teeth and convinced they’re riddled with cavities even though I’ve never had one 😛
I do that with dentist appointments too. I know I take good care of my teeth, but whenever I get a reminder to make an appointment I get paranoid!
Lately I’ve been craving PB cups. I may or may not have to treat myself to some for a Saturday night treat 😉
I hope you got your peanut butter cups!