It's Eight Things Thursday!

8 Things: Self Care Essentials

1. Sleep: I feel my best after 10 hours of sleep, but usually get 8, which is enough.

2. A Tasty Breakfast: Good food early in the morning is a wonderful motivator...I'll get out of bed for that banana and peanut-butter toast with chocolate milk! I NEVER miss breakfast.

3. Time Outdoors: Seeing green (in summer) or white (in winter) have a good effect on me. Walking to and from the bus stops each day is a nice time to enjoy this.

4. A Good Read: Not a day goes by that I don't read...something, for the fun of it. It may be a newspaper article, or a chunk of my latest book.

5. Hugs and meaningful Smiles: from Mr. JF of course! I've never been very affectionate so I was suprised to find this side of myself after getting married.

6. Stretching: If I'm motivated, some morning yoga, if not, some stretches to ease the pain in my neck/shoulders/head every day does wonders.

7. Connection: A good conversation, email from a good friend, or a random connection with a stranger

8. Talking to Myself: I like to help myself out by talking nicely to myself in my head. What can I say? I have to balance the part in my head that talks not so nicely to me!

8.5 Mantras: a form of talking to myself...I like short and sweet phrases that I pick to remind me of things I'm learning/wanting to incorporate in my life/being.

One of my favorites is

[God] She/He made me. He/She loves me. She/He wants me.

I tend to pick the gender based on whether what I feel like that day needs what we represent as a mother-figure, or a father-figure.

I been dreaming of using this wool for ages and now I finally am! It is THE softest thing you will ever feel. AND it's 89% bamboo, certified by Forest Stewardship Canada, made in USA, packaged in Canada.



In other, less happy news, my gnome is saddened that someone or something stole the head of my best tulip last night. RIP little buddy...Here's a photo of her in all her glory before the unfortunate event. She only bloomed for one day. : (