IN WHICH I SHARE MY MORNING ROUTINE

 

One of the ways that I stay balanced and stable is creating routines. I have a morning routine that I try to stick to as much as possible. I will say that since I work from home it is easier to create a mindful, quiet, relaxing morning routine than it was when I was rushing out of the house everyday. Especially as someone who isn't exactly a morning person. 

The first thing every morning is brushing teeth, brushing hair, deodorant, and sunscreen. I do sunscreen daily as I already have a skin cancer as well as a family history.

Before I head outside I get the pot of coffee started unless I'm planning on tea, then farm chores are done. The farm chores take me about an hour, and they give me some much needed reflection and thinking time. I make sure to pet all the animals which is always calming. And while I'm standing to fill waters I think about my day and meditate. 

When I come inside, I drink my coffee usually in silence then I do my social media interacting. This is a part of my job, so I do set a timer for it. 

I usually have a meal after that. I would like to incorporate yoga into my morning routine. I think that I could forsake the morning social media interacting for a morning yoga routine. And I think that would be healthier for both my mind and body. 

Do you have a morning routine?

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PRICKLY PEARS & LIVING INTENTIONALLY

 

Prickly Pear Time

I have wanted to pick prickly pears since we moved here, and I just never have. But this year I made a pledge to myself to live slower with more intention which means doing the things I want to do and taking the time to do them. I haven't been being the best at this thus far. 

I am trying to learn how to say no to things that do not serve me, so that I can open up to saying yes to the things that do serve me. It's about more than the prickly pears, although I do want those, and I want to try making some dishes with the napoles (the pads or green part of the cactus). It's about living in the moment a little more and spending more time present instead of on social media or worrying about the future or worrying about anything.

It's about being in nature and doing something that is rewarding that doesn't depend on other people. Part of my businesses always include social media, and it's easy to get distracted by likes and comments and engagement. But at the end of the day, even though being on social media is a requirement for being an aspiring author, do those things really matter? Or do the moments where I enjoy life most what really matters? 

In 2025 I really want to focus my energy on things I love. And while I know it's impossible to love every single thing 100% of the time, I do think it's possible to build a beautiful life full of things I love. 

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SEASONS + BIPOLAR + ME

 

me + Cynthia

When the seasons change I feel a sort of boost. Bipolar is cyclic, and I have noticed that when there is a change (whether real or perceived) I tend to feel a low level mania. Fortunately, I am attuned to my moods after years of learning how to recognize them so it rarely turns to true mania. 

I think part of it is the excitement of something new. While my Bipolar is best managed with routine, it is nice to shake things up. The changing of the seasons doesn't really mean a whole lot here in the desert which is disappointing, but it does mean that the hot weather which tends to make me physically ill is on it's way out. This means more time outside and more time with my animals which always lifts my soul. 

I have no idea if this is something that other people diagnosed with Bipolar notice or deal with, but the change from summer to autumn is an especially strong one for me. And again, I think it's partially because my autoimmune disorders have caused me to be sensitive to heat. So in addition to my mental changes I am excited to not feel sick everyday because of the temperature. 

Anyway, I'm very excited for this change in seasons. Very much looking forward to fall.