They say the ocean air is good for your lungs.

I’ve had a cold that turned into bronchitis (plus asthma = no fun) but I’m finally feeling better. Sitting in the sunshine by the sea is good therapy.

Although our recent move was a good thing, I see now why moving is considered one of the biggest stressors of all, not far behind divorce and death of a loved one.

With the move now behind us, along with all the stress that came in those recent years before, I feel like I can breathe. I’ve been stuck for a long time in varying degrees of self-preservation mode and now I’m finally transitioning into what feels like restoration, which is vastly different. It’s a slow but profound shift and I’m glad for it; I was getting tired of myself. Though our experiences are entirely different, I very much relate to Renee’s Project Home & Healing, and I love how she’s written her way through it (and continues to do so).

Though I’m often writing blog posts in my head, and even jotting down notes about my ideas (two pages so far), I find myself doing any number of things rather than sit down to write. It’s not avoidance, and it’s not writer’s block. It’s just living. And I’m okay with that. Right now, I’m enjoying doing whatever seems best at the time, without a grand plan.

The kids do better with a routine, specifically in regards to mealtimes and bedtimes, so I do maintain that. If they’ve slept well and know when their next meal is coming, they’re up for anything.

I’m spending my days doing things like hanging my laundry to dry. (I’m new to it, still learning.) Letting the kids practice bike riding in front of the house. (They’re taking turns on hers, but he might get his own for Christmas.)

I’m watching birds in the backyard. Walking to the beach with the kids. Considering what else I can donate, and how I might organize the piles of books still sitting on the fireplace hearth. Even doing a bit of my own “grown-up” coloring, and an occasional zentangle.

I’ll still be here, writing and sharing, but I’m going to pause my week-end posts with their self-imposed deadline. Maybe they’ll become a weekly-ish thing, or maybe I’ll just modify the set-up for the new year.

If you subscribe by email, you’ll never miss a post, and you’ll get no more than one email per week. For more highlights from daily life, follow me on instagram, too.

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »