I’m totally giddy that it’s September, guys. I love the change of seasons, especially from summer to fall. I get a renewed sense of energy, purpose and drive that maybe is linked to going back to school and hustlin’ but whatever it is, I dig it.
Breakfast: overnight oats with stewed rhubarb and granola
I was doing some reflecting on the summer, which kind of turned into reflecting on the past couple years’ seasons changing, and I realized I’m finally starting to not only acknowledge, but embrace the ebbs and flows of life.
Almond butter & Jelly Balls & a Perfect Bar
Embracing the ebb and flow applies to so many things:
My energy levels being a good example. As a self proclaimed outgoing introvert (yes we’re a thing) I do enjoy being around other people, exploring, getting out of my comfort zone, trying new things, traveling, meeting new people and all the rest. However, I know that for these experiences to be the most rewarding and enjoyable they need to ebb and flow. I need to allow myself to be uncomfortable, then take the time to re-energize alone.
Lunch: Arugula, quinoa, carrots, almonds and tahini salad
I notice the ebb and flow with running, work, creativity, honestly it touches almost every area of my life and I’m guessing yours, too. For so long, I tried to plan every second of my day, my diet, my workout, my work, down to the last detail. Sometimes I’d crush these goals, but sometimes they’d crush me. And it’s taken so long for me to understand that it’s pretty damn normal, in fact it’s a great thing. The ebb and flow makes life interesting. Honestly, if I could crush every workout would it really be satisfying? If I was always high energy would it ever feel like a gift? It totally takes me crashing, getting sick, getting tired, getting discouraged to remind me how good the good feels.
Dinner: zoodles, arugula & eggs
Anyways I’m totally rambling on this one, but the reason I thought of it was because acknowledging the ebb and flow with food has helped me develop such a healthier attitude around eating. There are times of the month *wink*cough* or when I’m training more intensely, I know I need more nutrition, my body is craving more. In the past, my perfectly planned calorie counting would have made me feel guilt or shame rather than allow me to listen to what I needed. I’m sure there will be plenty of times I won’t listen or I’ll try to control everything (and inevitably fail) but maybe they’ll be fewer and farther between.
[Tweet “Do the changing seasons change your energy? WIAW: Ebb & Flow”]
Your Turn:
- What areas of your life do you notice you ebb and flow in?
- If you don’t want to answer my semi #deep question (no pressure), just let me know sometime delicious you ate recently!
You have put my exact thoughts down in writing so perfectly. I always get SO excited for Fall, and right now I am trying to embrace these ebbs and flows because they are ever so present right now 🙂
Being resilient is seriously one of the best qualities to have. I’m always here if you want to vent about some of the ebb/flows <3
Ohhh I love this. As a super planner, I’ve definitely had to learn to go with the flow too. I still plan most of my days out, but if the day doesn’t go as planned (it pretty much never does) I’ve learned to be ok with it.
That’s the best attitude to have – plan but don’t sweat it if it doesn’t all work out
PERFECT BARS. God those things are good. Used to be an addict! But there’s so much honey in ’em #wompwomp. I’m with Erin — I’m a super planner. It’s been difficult embracing ebbs and flows… but it was my New Year’s resolution so, I’m still making a conscious effort every day to “not sweat the small stuff.” I’m also a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, which helps keep a positive mentality in the worst of moments.
Haha probably why I like them so much.
Yes, sweating the small stuff is a personal downfall buuuut I’m getting better at brushing things off and charging forward.
OMG YES! Totally with you on everything happens for a reason – you’re either winning or you’re learning
Great post! I love your reference to outgoing introverts – I feel like I totally fit this category! I am learning to ebb and flow as I go. It’s a struggle for me because I like to plan out my days down to the last second. I know it’s not a good habit because it can leave me feeling stubborn and unwilling to compromise – working on this!
I also just love the change of seasons from Summer to Fall. I think for people my age (23) not too far out of school still associate this time with setting goals, getting organized, and embracing a new routine. I almost feel like September 1 has the same “new years” effect as January 1.
To answer your #deep question about ebbs and flows, I can relate on so many levels. I have serious creative ebbs and flows. Some weeks I have a million ideas and want to blog six times a day, but others I just don’t feel the creative juices flowing and need to take a step back rather than posting mediocre content just to get something up there.
I can relate to ALL of this…I’m exhausted right now and I am making sure to take the time these next few days as summer officially comes to a close to rest, nourish, and practice self love, because I want to feel FRESH, ENERGIZED, and rejuvenated for Fall…It’s time for a change!
This is so true!! I would call myself an introvert introvert (haha) so while I like meeting new people and exploring…I need lots of alone time, too! I can go through those periods of being busy and traveling and meeting new people, but then I need my downtime like you!
And I totally feel you on the energy thing. Some days I’m on fire and others I’m blah (for no apparent reason). I have to learn to not overcommit to things when I’m feeling on top of the world haha which is something I tend to do.
I AM THE BIGGEST EXTROVERTED INTROVERT!
YES. All of this. Always. Ha. But seriously… this year in particular I’ve actually gotten so much better at “going with the flow”. I still try to plan out my days if I know I have a lot I’d like to accomplish, but try to remind myself along the way that if it doesn’t all get done, its not the end of the world. Move on, stay positive, and try again the next day <3
I love this for so many reasons! Partly because I’m loving the changing of the seasons and partly because I totally agree with what you said about the ebb and flow. I think that’s the perfect example of balance!