It has been a few days... forming new habits is hard, especially when I am juggling many responsibilities. Managing my family, taking care of my physical and emotional health, practicing genealogy, reading academic books to increase knowledge, nurturing my relationships, and balancing volunteer responsibilities are important to me, but also overwhelming.
Working out and eating healthier are no longer things I can put off. I want to strengthen and condition my body so that I am healthy and active for as long as possible. Perimenopause and menopause are brutal to women, and I have to counteract those effects with diet and exercise. I have recommitted to my gym routine, and I enjoy it once I make it to the gym.
The time spent at the gym frustrates me when I come home and have to rush through my other goals and responsibilities. I can only manage 30 minutes of deep reading with notes. It is not long enough, and I wonder if I will retain what I read. All of it takes time, and time is precious and fleeting. If I spend time on a craft project that fulfills me, that is time NOT spent practicing genealogy or meal planning.
I just managed to freak myself out. I heard about a study in which men were subjected to the multitasking conditions women generally face at work and at home. Depression, anxiety, and stress levels skyrocketed in these men, and it is no wonder. Just vaguely writing about everything I have and want to do is overwhelming. I do not know how to get off this ride society created for me. I am just trying to survive it.
But enough about my stress and anxiety about my life. I did work out today--walking, stretching/mobility, and strength training. I read a chapter in a book about the Old Testament. The chapter describes the geography and weather conditions of the Old Testament world. This chapter reminded me of Peter Watson's book, The Great Divide. Watson argues that the environmental and climatic conditions of the two hemispheres profoundly shaped religion, culture, and societal development.
I spent time completing the DAR Members Course. I filled out a couple of worksheets and worked on my independent project. I am sooooo close to finishing. The course outlines the work of the DAR, its three-fold mission (Education, Historic Preservation, and Patriotism), and covers the projects each committee undertakes.
I also worked on two new folio books. I completed the bases and have started adding the decoration. Bookmaking is definitely one of my passions. While I enjoy making and using them for myself, I might venture to start an Etsy business.
My gratitutde list
1. My capable body
2. Therapy
3. Pretty paper
4. Crafting
5. My home full of books, music, and craft supplies
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