Yesterday I went for a walk in the morning to the lake by my house and I realized that it was the first walk I’d taken to the lake this summer.
It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I’m a bit of a homebody. I don’t require much variety in life. Sometimes I think it’s just garden variety introversion. Other times I think it’s just that the life that I’m presently leading is kind of thrilling on so many levels, complete with joys and stresses and all the stuff that makes up this glorious existence. I work. I make stuff. I have conversations with people that I truly love. I navigate difficult situations and work to understand them.
But the life/work balance is a bit off. It’s been a bit off for the entire summer and I need to at least get outside and do something other than work. And make stuff. (Okay, maybe the ‘make stuff’ thing is just fine, but I definitely need to get out more!)
My fitness levels are probably at the lowest they’ve been in a while. On my little trek to the lake I thought to myself, “You used to RUN this route.”
It’s true. At the age of 45 I decided to start running and it was a glorious, empowering year. And then another year, and another until injury sidelined me and I never returned to that form. But that’s no reason to just not get out and do what I can, and that’s what I intend to do, people.
I’ve been really inspired by Ali Edwards‘ new Instagram account ae_wellness. At first I thought, “Good for you, you 41 year old awesome person you!” and then I thought, “Jeebus, Cathy, you run an online class about committing to self care and what are you really doing right now about that?”
Good question.
It’s all about balance, though, you know? Whatever form of movement I choose, I just need to sprinkle it into the everyday. I need to not just work and sit at this magical glowing box that gives me the opportunity to have a career and make money.
You see the lure, right? It’s hard to walk away during any time slot when you think, “But I could just do one more thing.”
I haven’t even really blogged anything of a personal nature lately. Didn’t I used to do that a lot more? Maybe I was less busy.
Either way, I’m hoping to breathe a bit more, get out of this office with regularity and chase down that notion of balance.
On a personal note, thank you for your enthusiasm about my new stamp line at Simon Says Stamp. It was a big media blitz yesterday, and a handful of items have sold out (mostly the matching stamp and die sets that are sold together) but you can click on the “notify me” button on each product page and they’ll let you know when the item is back in stock. The one nice thing for me in this partnership, aside from the amazing women I’m now working with, is their ability to run a business and stock it, something that was not really in my wheelhouse. So, hold tight and products will be restocked!
Last but not least, we are getting ready to enter the final week of Design Your Life 2.0. I so appreciate all of you who signed up! If you are an alumni of the original course, I’m still offering admission with a generous discount to those students until the last day of class, which is August 11. Email me for more details!
Denise says
Hi Cathy! Love the new stamps! Are the dies & stamps sold separately or do you have to buy the set?
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Diane! They are all sold separately! But the sets, the ones that are sold together, a few are sold out. You can still buy them individually! See everything here: http://bit.ly/czsimonnewstuff
Susan says
I loved how you included us on your walk yesterday. From the suburb to a lake to a state fair. You have the ideal town location!
Cathy Zielske says
I hope it wasn’t too dizzy! lol! I have a hard time holding a camera and walking. 😉
Katrina Holtz says
I have found that self-care is last on my list lately. I read back through some blog archives, and notice that I hit this same wall last August. Not sure what to make of that observation, but I’m sure it means something! 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
Definitely means something for me, as well. 🙂
Tammy B says
Self care has not been part of my vocabulary since I seriously wrecked my ankle in September. But a few weeks ago I decided to get back to doing something physical. My friend is a Pilates instructor and I’ve been doing some private sessions with her. It’s only been three sessions but I love it! Slow is our mantra right now and I’m okay with that. And because it’s a scheduled appointment, I can’t just say forget it and find something else to do!
Cathy Zielske says
Good for you, Tammy, for finding an option. Slow is my mantra right now, too! Slow but steady!
Judi says
Thoroughly enjoyed your post. I had th exact same thought about Ali and I told her I was living vicariously through her. I feel the same about you, though. Self-care is crucial to your well-being. And I do miss your more personal comments, cuz I live vicariously through you, too.
Cathy Zielske says
I’m definitely thinking about my lack of posting personal stuff. There’s actually a post in that. 🙂
Galen says
One of the things I used to really love about your blog was that it was personal. I felt like you were a friend. I looked forward to you posts to see what you were up to. With your new focus, I feel that friend has disappeared. It makes me sad.
Cathy Zielske says
Totally understand that. I hope to write about this very thing. There are some things going on internally that are complicated and I’m not really sure how to write about them. Working that out. 🙂
Mary says
I just took a 5 day 2 states away trip away from my life and pretty much was a hotel hermit. I went out one day with high school friends. I visited with my parents over dinner 1 night. Visited 2 stores one day……and otherwise…..I never left the hotel. I slept, watched the first season of Frasier on Netflix, read some magazines, visited the concierge lounge room for breakfast, snacks and a couple meals of appetizers 2 evenings. My family life is so busy, and I have adult kids, that I have to leave town to rest and reset my brain and soul. I come home a much better individual who is ready to jump back into the crazy. Balance is a must.
Cathy Zielske says
That actually sounds divine. Truly. I would like to leave town and visit one of my friends. Maybe I’ll plan that one.
Kathy McConnell says
Just relax! It’s all good. As a longtime work-at-homer and former life coach I learned two things that I keep reminding myself: 1. Put yourself first in order to be there for everyone else in your life, and 2. The present is always perfect. Whatever is happening now is what you need to go forward. There. Didn’t mean to expound. Part of my self-indulgence regimen.
Cathy Zielske says
All good indeed! 🙂
Peg says
As Ali would say….GoCathyGo. You got this. I am on a tear lately health wise for a few different reasons but it is always a tenuous thing at my house. I try to remind myself that I can start with just today when I am far, far from the ‘wagon’.
Cathy Zielske says
🙂 One day at a time! 🙂
janel says
Hi there,
I am thinking you have the Apple watch…and if so, I love “getting the circles” each day…and one can set the goals so that they are achievable and doable, without having it be painful. It becomes a gentle nudge to get out and complete the circles. It’s just between you and your screen. It is more of a small daily goal that is achievable. Glad you visited the lake and took photos of what I think is “echinacea” .. a sign of healing and immune boosting! You’ve got it!
Cathy Zielske says
I don’t have that handy little gadget, but part of me really wants one! : ) I do have a FitBit and yes, that does get me motivated!
camcat says
I also used to love your blog because it was personal. I felt so much like you. I was looking forward to read your posts as I was also going through the same period of life … Empty nest, hot flushes, everyday nutrition just to name a few …I really miss these posts.
Cathy Zielske says
Totally understand this. I really do. As I posted to an earlier comment by Galen, there is a lot of transition internally and some of it, I’m actually not sure how to write about it. It’s nothing earth shattering, but… I’m working on formulating the words to express this. 🙂