one of my goals this year revolves around the word strong.  indeed, it has everything to do with wanting to be strong physically.  a big, loud, and resounding, YES, i’d very much like to look like the lovely in the photo above.  being all strong and, likely, centered.  i’m not overly fanciful in my imagination of how i think i might end up looking if i work a rigid plan.  honestly, more like realistically, i won’t be rigid because that is a fool proof plan to make me not work a plan.  but, this isn’t about a plan or weight loss goal, it’s about feeling and being STRONG.

since i put that word out there, without intentionally thinking about it, i have been subconsciously mulling over it.  i’ve been walking and doing weights, drinking a bit more water and taking vitamins (slowly bringing back good habits) and perhaps naively i thought i’d start feeling a small increase in energy.  only, it’s been the contrary.  i’m still feeling heavy and sluggish and eye ball popping tired.  newborn baby tired.  can you see the bags under my eyes (i think they are permanent).

i’ll keep at it and and add more greens, and add more sleep, and start my yoga, and try to remember to breathe (more).

but, strong comes from a place beyond exercise, rock hard abs and an 8 glass a day water drinking habit.

strong is a mindset.  strong is working your mind.  exercising it, really.  bad thoughts come, bad thoughts must go.

a famished soul must be fed.

a healthy and strong body rely heavily on a strong mind, soul, and spirit.

i’m working to exercise all of that too.  think better thoughts.  let go of toxic ones.  read books that help me grow and also ones that allow me a little escape.

being strong takes work.  it’s not for the few.  it’s available to all.

and, wouldn’t you know that some of my strongest moments, personally, have come from embracing my weakness (es).

if your body is tired, and likely your soul too, than maybe you are at a very good place.  a beginning, really.  the start to the end of the bad way you feel.

each step is a step.  so take one.  i’m putting one foot in front of the other with you.  it’s not a walk on a treadmill that leads to strong.  it’s a walk on the path in the right direction.  one foot in the direction of life and the other to follow on the way to living life to the fullest.

keep your eyes wide open.  the scenery is sure to be the very landscape that will paint the masterpiece that is your life.

xo . t

feeling heavy and having hard days?  here are a few things i like to do and also a few thoughts on mental de-cluttering.

* i’m thinking of taking a break from the monday mess series.  unless you want me to keep them coming?  i’m not 100% certain what i will replace them with, but thinking something along the lines of posts like this, on mondays.  i am always open to your suggestions, so feel free to send them my way.

image / frankly esoteric