Hey Y’all!
My sabbatical is officially over. It’s why, yet again, you’re getting this newsletter late. I promise that I’ll get on a better Writing schedule now that I’m re-introducing structure back into my life. In short: returning to work has not been fun. I never thought I’d see the day where I could be content without my place as a cog in the machine of capitalism, but here it is. But alas, I have to keep the lights on around here. At least this month I’m paying for Christmas lights, so that makes it a little better. This week is a short musing, just a reflection on my 6 weeks off and how I plan to keep the habit of caring for myself going.
Musing
Wayne always used to make fun of me because I’d be itching to get out of school for the semester and then a week into the break, I was itching to go back. He even used to say that if we won the lottery, I’d still have a job because I don’t know how to sit still. And at that time in my life, he was 100% right. I couldn’t imagine not working myself to the bone, relying on that mantra ingrained in me of working twice as hard to get half as far. Rest was something I thought I didn’t need. I had a very, I’ll rest when I’m dead, If I don’t do it who will mindset. I wish I could go back in time, tuck that Miranda into bed and give her a kiss on the forehead. Boy did she need it.
But now that I’ve taken this break, have been working to truly rest, and finding value in myself and not in just what I create, I never want to work again. I realized that I can fill up my days moving leisurely and doing what I want. And there are so many things I want to do that I think I could never work another day in my life and be more than happy.
One of the biggest changes I noticed during my break was that my sleep schedule fixed itself. I went from forcing myself to stay up as late as possible so I could do everything I didn’t get to do all day (revenge bedtime) then waking up early for work → feeling exhaustion roll over my body around 11 pm and knocking right out then naturally waking up early. It didn’t happen right away, in fact, there were nights in the beginning where I would be up until 5 am. Then there were nights where I went to bed at 7 pm and was up at 5 am. Finally, after a few weeks, my body fell into its natural rhythm. Even more so than my sleep schedule being fixed, I find that I am learning how to better listen to my body–and not only when it’s screaming at me which is something I have struggled with for a very long time.
I also found that I need a morning routine. I used to wake up, get dressed, and go straight to work…and all honesty here, during the pandemic, I started skipping out on the getting dressed part. My grandma used to make fun of me for this since she wakes up at least 2 hours before she has to leave the house so she can take some time to herself each morning. Well, now I’m right there with her. I cannot fathom rolling out of bed and trying to work right away ever again.
Going forward, here are things that I want to make sure I continue doing:
Taking naps (cozy naps with a soft blanket and soothing music)
Moving my body with love
Taking time each day to just sit (being outside for this time is best)
Listening to my body
Taking the time to feed myself (by this I mean not rushing through every meal or only eating foods that are convenient)
Slowing down
Doing something that makes me happy every day
Saying no (as a full sentence and without apology)
I also just want to acknowledge what a true privilege all of this is, one that many don’t get but one that we all more than deserve.
What’s Playing?
I can’t believe that I haven’t featured Abbott Elementary yet. This is a beautiful show and it makes me so happy every time I watch it. There aren’t many portrayals of Black joy in media and this is one that does it so well. The whole cast is just perfectly fit for their respective roles and they all work so well together. So all that to say, if you aren’t already watching this masterpiece, please do yourself the favor.
Recent Reads
I’m in the middle of approximately 10 books right now so I’ve got nothing for ya…except this list of holiday books that I’ve collected and will be trying to get through in the next few weeks. I will definitely give a review of my experience at the end of the month so stay tuned!
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
Wrapped Up In You by Talia Hibbert
How To Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
Once Upon A December by Amy E. Reichert
Amor Actually (anthology of short stories)
Season of Love by Helena Greer
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
Pet of the Week
This week goes to Izzy. Why? I don’t know. All of the babies have been pretty neutral this past week, but Izzy is always the sweetest. Actually, I take that back, Ellie took a STANKY poop the other night and did not cover it so she get last place.
Joy on the Internet
Small Business Spotlight
10% off (not sponsored, I freaking wish)
I’ve been influenced. I saw an ad for Mahogany Mommies and in it, the model was wearing a shirt that said “she believed she could but she needed a break so she said no” (hence today’s title). Within 3 minutes I had purchased the shirt. I can’t wait to get it and it felt very fitting to buy it for myself on my first day back to work–a nice reminder that I am allowed to say no, even to things I am fully capable of doing for the sake of a break.
Okay y’all, I’m back to work! I hope you’re having a nice day and I’d love to hear how you’re taking care of yourself this week :)
Click here to leave feedback for the newsletter
See y’all next week!
Miranda