March! What a month! But I march on and the things below kept me sane.
- Happy Women’s History Month! It was enlightening to hear and read about the contributions women have made in history across all media outlets this month. CBS ran segments during commercial breaks featuring women’s contribution in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). I particularly enjoyed them.
- Books, books, and more books – I hadn’t been reading very much recently but rectified that this month. I will never understand why I stop. Books are awesome! This month alone I finished four books: a biography, a thriller, a literary novel, and a book of essays. I am back in love with the written word and it is keeping me sane.
- Barnes & Noble – Continuing the literary trend, I spent a few mornings in March here: drinking hot beverages to stay warm (the temps have dipped recently) and poring over magazines. This is something I have always liked doing but never made time for; it is going to become a regular occurrence in my life from now on.
- IKEA – Hubby and I took a day trip to IKEA this month. I was specifically going to purchase a candle in a scent that I have gotten before; they apparently don’t make it anymore (sad face). But I took a risk and bought three new ones. So far, this peachy one smells nice and cheerful. I have brightened several dreary days with it.
Ultimately, March has taught me that I MUST do whatever I need to do to stay sane. I have this warped idea that I should be able to survive, no thrive, with just one spiritual exercise in the morning and then get to get on with my day. But what I have learned is that I may need multiple exercises: running/walking, candles, writing, reading, etc. to thrive and be who I need to be in this world. My Hubby told me that I need to understand that I am an engine that runs on premium gasoline, so I should stop insisting on putting regular in the tank and complaining when things don’t go well. Here’s to a lot of premium in April.
Per usual, I am linking up with Leigh Kramer and the tribe to discuss what we’re into. Check it out over there and tell me what keeps you sane in the comments below.
shannan enjoys life! 
You have a wise husband. And you are wise to listen to him! What a good reminder that we need to take care of ourselves and discipline ourselves to be caring to our selves.
Yes, he’s pretty wise but we won’t tell him less it go to his head. Lol. Thanks for the comment.
I resonate so much wth realizing I need a bit more self care than I think I should require. IKEA and Barns & Noble are some great sanity savers!
Yes, indeed Kendra! I think if all of us are truly honest, we all need more than we think. Thanks so much for commenting.
Great metaphor from your husband!
Happy April, and may your tank be ever full.
Wasn’t it, though? That guy is pretty smart most days. Lol. Thanks for commenting. Same to you.
I enjoyed hearing more on Women’s History Month this year as well. There are SO many influential women that I’ve never heard anything about.
I haven’t been reading books as much lately myself, but I know why. 🙂 I’ve been traveling back and forth to spend time with my first grandbaby. I can always read later but she’ll only be this tiny once!
Yes, the littles grow up so fast, don’t they? “The days are long, but the years are short.” (Gretchen Rubin) Thanks so much for commenting.
Yes, that quote is SO true! 🙂
I love what your hubs said about you needing to just run on premium, stop putting in regular 😂 What keeps me sane? The time I’m able to spend completely alone after hubs and the kids have left for work/school and before diving into the busy-ness of the day I can cuddle back in my bed and have my morning devotion and then read or do whatever I like for 30 or so minutes. Gives me life!
Alone time is wonderful for us introverts, isn’t it? Thanks for commenting.
It sure is. I’m enjoying the book you recommended. Thank you!