It’s Friday. We made it to the end of this completely insane week. I haven’t posted because honestly, I didn’t feel like writing or creating this week. Most of my energy went towards digesting election week and keeping myself straight and grounded for my little family.

I don’t think I can say it any better than I said it four years ago when I wrote this post the day after the 2016 election so I’ll invite you to read those words again or for the first time if you’re a newer follower.

Another reason for my absence this week is that I’ve been struggling with Benji since we moved back in August. He’s having a difficult time adjusting to the new house for whatever reason and really struggling with anxious behavior issues. Things kind of came to a head where I was faced with making some difficult decisions.

I came up with a plan that I feel good about. He is a sweet boy and a good dog and I just really want to see him thrive. <3

As always, running has been one of my most effective tools for managing mental health. There was one day where I was feeling particularly anxious and hammered out my first 10K in quite a while. It was the best feeling thing I did all week.

I’ve shared many times in 2020 how much I’ve resonated with the teachings of Tara Brach and I listened to this podcast episode while I was running. Highly, highly recommend.

In the podcast she shared these words by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. I found a lot of comfort in it.

“God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.

These are the words we dimly hear:
You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.

Embody me.

Flare up like a flame
and make big shadows I can move in.

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Don’t let yourself lose me.

Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.

Give me your hand.”

Finally, a couple of updates on the homefront. First, I had a privacy fence installed and I love it! I have a corner lot so it does a lot to help the backyard feel a little more private and secluded. Hopefully it will also help the dogs not bark at every single person that walks by and my neighbors will like me more. 🙂

Funny story I have to share. When Finn saw the fence he said, “Look at Finn’s new fence! It’s so big and pretty. Wow!”

And my dining table was delivered last night. Here’s a sneak peek. I’ll show it to you in my space once the chairs arrive and I get it all set up. I am IN LOVE! It’s gorgeous.

I hope that you guys have a nice weekend and that you are able to unplug, unwind and do something that makes you feel at ease.

Sending love to all.