Hello, hello. I hope you guys are well. I’m coming off a stretch of four consecutive nights row of holiday parties/gatherings/celebrations so it feels nice to be cozy at home and cooking myself a meal tonight. Pork tenderloin, roasted sweet potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts are on the menu. I plan to watch a mindless, heartwarming Netflix holiday movie after dinner and couldn’t imagine a better scenario after four nights of social activities.
(Charlotte Yoga holiday party)
Here’s the thing…I was really looking forward to all of my holiday things but as most of you know I also struggle with social anxiety. I will sometimes dread things that I am also excited about if that makes any bit of sense at all. Like I’ve mentioned before, the anticipation is ALWAYS worse than the participation and I’m really proud of myself for showing up for this four-night streak and not bailing on anything. I was this.close to bailing on my Saturday night plans but my BFF lovingly called me out on it and I had a come to Jesus moment with myself where I knew I’d end up on the couch and feeling blah/wishing I’d gone. It ended up being such a great, low-key and memorable evening.
I talk about social anxiety, introversion, etc because I think that our human connections and relationships with others are so important when it comes to overall health.
So let’s catch up on this extravaganza of social activity + how I recharged between.
THURSDAY
Backing all the way up to Thursday – Finn had his Christmas program at school and it was just the sweetest thing ever. He was dressed up as a wiseman. My favorite song they sang said, “there’s a light inside of me just like on a Christmas tree.” Finn sang with gusto and his vulnerability and enthusiasm melted my heart.
We went from the school program to Publix to get some things for an upcoming partnership I have with the brand for cold and flu season.
We have actually been shopping at Publix quite a bit lately. I tend to go in cycles with grocery stories and we’ve definitely been in a Publix groove lately. It’s Finn’s most favorite store because they give the kiddos cookies in the bakery. 🙂
FRIDAY
Friday morning/early afternoon looked liked training clients and getting a workout in and then I worked on the computer until it was time for a girl’s holiday/birthday dinner at Rosemont. I met with Dorie, Virginia and Bevin and we celebrated Bevin’s birthday.
It was my first time at Rosemont. We shared a charcuterie board to start and then I had the scallops and risotto. Service and ambiance were great – food was pretty good. I would go back soon to meet someone for a drink but wouldn’t be in a rush to eat there again any time soon.
SATURDAY
I got myself up and moving on Saturday. I went for an easy 5K jog and then made my way onto my yoga mat to take my first yoga class since spraining my wrist. It went 10x better than I anticipated!!!
My Saturday evening social activity was a small group party/Dirty Santa with Dorie and a few other friends. This is the one that I almost bailed on but it ended up being a really great time.
SUNDAY
It rained all day on Sunday so it made for a perfect day to stay in and cook and bake. I made a batch of my favorite spaghetti sauce and baked banana muffins and these delicious oatmeal gingerbread cookies. I took the cookies to my holiday party for the gym!
We had a gym staff meeting at 3p – crazy the ways we are growing and I cannot wait to share it all with you!
And then I got dressed up for our staff party and a dinner out! My room was a mess in trying to find the right outfit but the night was so fun. I wore a black fitted turtleneck dress with opaque tights (dress was short!) and tall boots. A winter white scarf, white pearled hoops and a bracelet stack to finish it off.
MONDAY
Monday was a weird day! The gym was closed for renovations and Finn was with his dad so I had a slow morning. I taught yoga at 10:45a, ran 5 miles after class and then came home and worked on the computer until it was time to get ready for our Charlotte Yoga holiday party.
Attire was “festive” so I took that as “perfect occasion to pull out the sequin skirt.” I paired it with my FAVORITE chunky knit sweater of all-time, old school pantyhose and chunky boots. This is my attempt of being slightly on trend when I can’t understand what’s on trend so be kind in your judgements haha.
The evening was full of delicious food, laughs and deep convos. I have been teaching with these two ladies for over 10 years!!!
I am ending stretch of celebrations with my feet up and feeling very grateful for the many bright things in my life.
THE END.
QUESTIONS
Extroverted, introverted or somewhere in between?
Do you ever get social anxiety? What helps you the most?
How are you feeling this holiday season?
