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Who wants to hit up the library this weekend? By the wonderful Grace Farris.
P.S. small ways to feel better and things I just love.
Which Era Are You In?
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Pure survival- 3 month old, 7 and 9 year old, teaching kindergarten, and moving in two weeks.
This comic actually made me gasp because I never thought I would say this, but I think I’m actually coming out of the pure survival era! Just this past week I dug out my library card and put a bunch of books on hold for my newly avid reading 2nd and 3rd graders…something I wouldn’t have even THOUGHT about doing 2 years ago. My baby is 2 now and my twins are 4 and the 7 of us are finally finding our way…and holding library books in the process!! FINALLY!
Oh my God, I love this. I feel like I’m finally in my “making it happen” era. My kids were in Kinder and 2nd grade in the thick of COVID — and I was a teacher myself — so it was ultimate survival mode. Then I had COVID twice last year and it took a while for my body to come out of it, so I spent a lot of early 2023 in pain. Now, my kids are thriving and more self-sufficient (hello 3rd & 5th grade!), I am feeling much better, and I started a new, more manageable job. Life feels so good, but I truly had to work to make it happen. By “work,” I mean that I had to start over on a lot of things (workouts, schedule, boundaries, relationships, perspective), but the “work ” and the “restructure” was SO. WORTH. IT.
I love that there’s a library holds era! I am firmly in it:)
Still in the “wish I’d gotten tickets to the Eras Tour” era, tbh.
Haha, same, Jess!! I truly thought I wouldn’t regret it but I kinda do. It’s coming out on streaming soon though!
I’m definitely entering my library holds era. I’m moving at the end of this week, and will be 1/2 mile (walking distance) from a library branch, so I’m very excited for weekly library visits.
I laughed so hard at this drawing because I am so firmly in the Library Holds Era. The best thing is if your library system allows you to order in books from all over – our library isn’t great with Interior Design books, but I can get lots of them from elsewhere. I especially love Library Holds when I’m feeling broke; I can order ton of books for ‘free-ish’ (taxes) and it’s like shopping! But without having to get out my debit card :-).
In a content with not climbing the career ladder era. Couldn’t be less interested in performance reviews, what role is going to be available next or even potential salary increases (content not reaching for more). Sure I still like those work challenges, learning and projects that come up, but I’m just not looking ahead to the next thing. The contentment of not feeling the need to reach.
YES! Can we also starting *normalizing* this? Not everyone wants to climb the ladder to the next up-level role. Some of us are content being individual contributors, not managing anyone else aside ourselves and our work (and our families, personal lives etc). This is typically seen as being lazy or unambitious, and how about instead we frame this as knowing ourselves and what we can (and want) to handle?
Yes, agreed 100%. Also some of us are considered older at our workplace and aren’t even considered for promotion or career path because focus is on younger staff. I’m talking mid 50s.
I couldn’t agree more. I wish we could normalize being content in the workplace. Not always wanting to work more or earn more. I’ve realized more than ever with a young family that time will always win over money/accomplishments. So…in my “Doing less is more” era.
My entire life has been – and will continue to be – the Library Hold Era. For me, it is less an “Era” and more a “Perpetual State.” And, I am totally cool with that.
So funny because I’ve been through all of these in the past two or three years. Now I feel like a big cliche.
Well, I’d guess I’m in the “medically-retired-with-wife-Rehab,-era” Writing poetry and sharing others’ creative arts to stay sane (see website: bythemightymumford.com). Have a good day now! :D
SAHM returns to work phase. Who am I? Contemplating my value. Terrified. Continually calming myself. Baby steps. I can and have done hard things.
Smack dab in the middle of, undeniably, the Bird Era
Heavy lifting era! I had major knee surgery last year and I’m finally feeling like myself. But I also work at the library and love picking up a good hold – I have Shoe Dog by Phil Knught waiting for me right now
Hot divorcee era, baby!!!
To all the women in the free weight section of the gym:
I see you, sister. You are welcome here. This is your place. Never fear being here. Let’s affirm our strength. We belong.
Big thanks!
I’m in my second-pregnancy-and-still-weight-training era. I’ve been going to a weight and cardio gym for 8 years, kept going up until 38 weeks pregnant with my first baby and now 19 weeks pregnant with my second (Obviously I closely monitor my heart rate and do moderated movements with light weights) and it’s the best! It’s keeping me mentally strong and without a doubt it helped me through my recovery after giving birth to my first baby.
Another preggo who loves weight training here! Was going way too heavy and had to lighten up around week 32 but it helps so much with circulation, swelling, and relieving anxiety.
Pure survival era with two small kiddos AND library holds era of fantastic books I sometimes don’t even have the bandwidth to crack open once I get home… after the toddler story time and waving at the fish tank and disinfecting post-Duplo playtime why do I think I’m cooking anything from the lovely cookbooks I check out.
Pure survival era pairs beautifully with the library audiobook holds and Airpods era! I lay with my toddler each night and listen to an audiobook while she cuddles to sleep, and I look forward to that 15-20 minutes all day.
Bahaha. Can we be friends? I have the loveliest new cookbook just wasting away under piles of kid debris right now and always. Coincidentally I ventured to the library tonight with my wild little humans and promptly ran out of all energy to make a real dinner when I got home.
Very much in my survival era!! Toddler son is 19mo, baby sister expected in November. Good vibes welcome!! He has chickenpox right now.
i’m in the “just devoured the book ‘tom lake'” era, and i’m not sure if it’s because it’s as good as i believe it was or because i’m a woman of a certain age who loves nostalgia and theatre and our town and cherry orchards and lakes. but i loved it, and i even bought it, i loved it that much, though i’m usually a library girl. that’s the era i’m in. the “i’d like to own that book” era.
Same. Just brought it to a bar on a solo date night and found myself actively crying in public at page 163.
Just sent in a hold request to my library as per your rec! Thanks!
Survival era here! With a 3 year old and 8 month old. Also loving it though.
I have a 3 and 8 month old too, Polly! Total survival mode and growing to love it. Missing our life when it was just us and our 3 year old, and am also humbled and appreciative of witnessing how our 8 month old continues to encapsulate all of us. I read a comment here a while back about how a mom frames her mindset when she’s up in the middle of the night with her baby; that she thought of herself as an 80 year old woman, with no one waking her up in the middle of the night, and missing the feeling of someone needing and relying on her. Missing the feeling of holding their baby, and all of the cuddles and love that come in those late nights/early mornings. I use this mindset when everything just feels overwhelming; that one day, they won’t need me anymore or want to come to me for everything. It can be hard to remember in the moment, but when I do, its very grounding.
Same! In my survival era with a 3 year old and 8 month old! I see you Polly and Brittny. Huge hugs ❤️
I have been telling friends that I’m in my tote bag era. I am mid twenties and single and I work long hours in consulting. I’m trying to squeeze it all in (physical health, emotional, social, etc) and every day I go to work with my work bag and 1-3 extra tote bags with my various outfit changes in them. Sometimes the gym in the morning, sometimes an activity with friends in the evening, and so on. I’m doing a lot of changing in the bathroom stalls at work
Once a toter, always a toter- in my experience. Lol.
I’m in my meme era. Somedays it’s just too much to carry on a conversation. But send a meme to a friend you know they’d love? It’s pure gold.
I’m in my running era, finally! It took a lot of challenging walk-runs to get here.
Library holds era! I have 5 physical books and 2 audiobooks checked out right now. It may be a bit much…
Definitely library-hold era. I’m like a book hoarder but don’t have time to read everything.
Is there a keeping-your-kid-alive-by-any-means-necessary era? Medications locked up, knives locked up, a lock on the laundry room. (Like babyproofing, but for a suicidal teen.) Six ER trips since May, three inpatient hospitalizations, and no sense of how long we need to keep holding on until things get better.
He’s in the process of getting a county case manager, starts with a new therapist next week, and is on a waitlist for a DBT program that everyone says should help. It’s just hard in the meantime.
I cannot imagine. Big hug Carol.
My friend was once where you are now. She and her son are still alive and in a much better place now …. It’s the hardest hardest thing for any parent. I hope you all get the help you need.
Carol, you are doing hard things. I have a brother with severe mental illness and sometimes it is very much day-to-day. I know it is harder to be the parent than the sibling. May you keeping finding hope.
Carol, I just saw this in passing and wanted to reach out. We have been there. My child was 8 when we had to take her into the ER for suicidal ideation. Locking up knives and meds is a whole new level of parenting. Worst moments of my life by far.
Please know that there are other parents that understand. It’s the WORST club to be in, but you’re doing it. You’re facing the issue and keeping your kid safe. Sending love, and hoping for slow and steady progress for your child.
Oh Carol, I’m so sorry. Sending so much love to your family.
Carol- This sounds incredibly difficult and painful. It took courage to share this and I hope you feel supported and cared for. I’m sending you and your family lots of love and positive energy. I’d give you an actual hug if I could.
So much love to you
Oh my gosh, thank you to everyone who responded. I feel so bolstered by this community. <3
Hi Carol – My daughter went through an ED, and while it is not the same thing, we had issues and happenings in our home which were only in nightmares. My heart goes out to you, your son, and your entire family.
sending peace your family’s way. all the peace and help and everything you need, all of it.
Witnessing your story, Carol. Glad you shared.
Oh Carol, sending all the love and hope you way.
I am considering taking up weight lifting with a trainer and these comments are making me realize I would LOVE to see a post on CoJ about women who do weight lifting and strength training. It seems so male-dominated and intimidating at most gyms, but I know there are major benefits both physically and mentally and I am really curious about the ins and outs. I would especially love to hear some inspiring stories from some badass CoJ readers! Has weight lifting changed anyone’s life??
It hasn’t changed my life on paper, but it completely changed how I feel in my body and about my body. After spending my 20s and most of my 30s really only caring about the scale number (which I regret to admit would make or break my day), now I only care about the number I can deadlift and squat and shoulder press, and I’m THRILLED when those numbers go up.
Every week I look forward to finding out if I can move more weight, get more reps, feel stronger. And I think that gets to the heart of it for me — I used to see exercise as a means of burning calories, in pursuit of being leaner, smaller, but weight training is about how much more I can do, not how much less I can be, and that shift in mindset has been liberating.
Plus, every time I pick up a barbell, it feels like a small act of rebellion — against all the messages I received growing up about how women should look and what they should do and where they belong — and I love that feeling.
Clearly I’m biased, but I personally think it’s awesome you’re thinking of trying it, and I think you should go for it :)
I’ve started lifting and adore it! Casey Johnston has a newsletter about lifting (She’s A Beast) that’s always a fun, inspiring read. She also has a good starter program for lifting. I also follow a lot of strength based accounts for postpartum recovery, like Get Mom Strong and Caroline Packard. I started following them just because my strength was shredded after a few pregnancies but I think their educational content would be helpful for anyone trying to figure out good form and technique. In terms of changing my life, it’s helped me a lot in my mental health too. I can be more mindful and present during strength training than I can in other exercises which I think helps my mood tremendously the rest of the day.
I’m not a “go to the gym” type of person, but a couple years ago I found a trainer with free videos on YouTube that I really like (Sydney Cummings). I was about to become an aunt for the first time, and wanted to get my noodle arms strong enough to carry around my niece. Now it’s nearly two years later, and I workout (at home) five days a week, and can curl/press twice my niece’s weight! It’s not as impressive as some weightlifters out there, but I’m so proud of myself.
And, like Lora said, it’s been huge for my mental health. My main style of workouts in the past were running, or yoga, and for some reason with strength training I feel more mindful of my body and “in the moment” than with the other exercises I used to do. It’s such hard work (where in my mind, running and yoga are “easier”) that I don’t have the energy to let my monkey mind run wild while doing it. Instead, I just exist in my body for that 30 minute workout. It’s been life changing.
110% changed my life yes! :)
Not weight lifting per se, but I started using the weight machines at my gym and it has been an unexpected thrill! I didn’t really get into it until I first got into running, got mini shin splints, and then realized I needed to strengthen my leg muscles. Once I had that purpose, the gym became way better because I had a reason to be there (before it was maybe just vanity or something?) I do pretty simple weights and should learn more, but I can see my muscles getting the tiniest bit stronger and it is SO EXCITING! I flex all the time now, even though I don’t think people can tell the difference haha. It makes me feel like a strong woman! And I am!
Came here to suggest Casey too! Maybe she could do a guest post with CoJ
Yes! I’m a personal trainer, and recommend strength training to women all the time. The health benefits are documented and real. Most importantly, though, is the confidence boost it gives. It’s hard to quantify (unlike body weight, body composition, weights lifted, yada, yada, yada), but my favorite gains are the ones that make a woman feel strong and capable and sure of herself. Strength training does that.
. I belong to a woman owned gym and most of the members are women. The age ranges from early 30’s to 78 and we all vary in fitness and training experience. In my mind we are all badasses. The gym owner and trainers are what make it. One can have one on one training or one can participate in strength training classes that are oriented a lot towards functional strength. I am 59 yrs old. I have been active my entire life and had some weight training experience when I joined this gym 5 yrs ago. At that time, I could not though do a chin up. Now I can do chin ups and pull ups. Lift training is really a must do. Find a good trainer, someone who understands and practices good body mechanics and body awareness and is good at meeting people where they are in their fitness journey. We all have differing abilities and not getting hurt is the number one priority. My gym is nothing but positive and uplifting and many of us are friends outside of the gym as well. I am surrounded by women at my gym who would say absolutely weight training has changed their lives. There are so many women that have embraced strength training, find the right gym, find a good trainer.
After several surgeries, a terrible case of Covid, nursing my dad, acting trustee for the family ( still ongoing) I wanted to do something for me. My body has been through a lot and will never be the, I’m 62 and menopause has no5 been kind to me either I just decided I wanted to be strong and healthy. I found a woman owned gym ( also a black woman, yay!). It’s a training gym, mostly female clients , all female trainers. I love it and I love my trainer. The best therapy ever! I’m supported a woman of color owned business and I feel understood. Someone tried to sell on a 30 something, top trainer in the city”. He’s not going to understand my challenges. It’s the best I’ve ever done for myself. I hope you’ll try it!
I would love suggestions on how to get started… I know nothing about weight training but I’ve been particularly strong, and hitting my 30s and feeling weak while I try to lift my toddler and keep up with him has me really keen to start! Even just with some at home weight training to start, I’m just a bit clueless…
I love lifting! Just turned 40 this summer and find my endurance for cardio/HIIT-style exercise is diminishing (rather than feel energized afterwards, I feel depleted). I’ve dabbled in strength in the past, but it wasn’t until the past year that I really started to move in the direction of strength and I love it. I have a strength session right before my weekly therapy sessions, and I joke with my therapist that we should move our sessions because I always feel so good after my strength class (all those endorphins rushing) and I can’t remember what all my issues are anymore. I’m so motivated to stay strong as I age, having witnessed so many elderly fall and lose their balance. It can be devastating, and easily avoidable.
Pure survival with a 9 month old
Hahaha just exiting survival mode (I pray) and entering library holds lol! I’ve read about 50 books this Summer lol.
I’m in my heavy lifting era. I am going through menopause and also caring for my mother who has Alzheimers. My anxiety is through the roof and lifting weights has helped significantly with anxiety and my general well being. I highly recommend it.
Thinking of you, Heather. I did an evening meditation to send you comfort and peace, if only for a moment. You are not alone.
I have also noticed how much lifting weights helps with my anxiety- it’s like the perfect antidote- and I’m not lifting very heavy! It’s like a weighted blanket effect but with the added bonus of feeling powerful and in control plus the endorphins of cardio.
I love this blog and all of the incredible, supportive women who follow it. Rosie, I just read your comment and it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for that, I really needed it today. Annie, I’m so happy to hear that weights help with your anxiety too. I love your description of how it makes you feel, that captures it so well.
Pure survival era…4 year old and 9 month old.
Exact same here! Solidarity 💛
This is so totally me… survival and library era! Rocking a toddler while reading Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site and praying he falls asleep soon so I can go read whatever I’ve most recently picked up from the library… but instead it’s all “mama more dump truck!”
literally just getting home from the gym #heavyliftingera
If Survival Mode lasts longer than five years is it an era, or an eon? Feels like forever….
I’m in my strong era! I realized exercise didn’t have to be running and now I’m okay with it lol.
This is so eerily spot on, although I’m so grateful to say that I feel like we’ve graduated (for now…) from the survival era. But birds, heavy lifting and library holds — spot on!
I laughed at myself when I recognized that I’m in the Birding Era! I started feeding hummingbirds during the pandemic and can easily have around 25-30 (depending on migrations) buzzing around my window at any point. They are amazing, aggressive mini helicopters and incredible to watch. PS: All my love and support to those in Survival Mode. It is so hard and you are doing great, even it doesn’t feel like it!! <3
Oh my goodness, 25-30 hummingbirds?? That’s amazing! We have 2-3 that stop by and chase each other around. They’re so magical to me.
I’m in my Childfree With a Lot of Free Time to Pour Into Friendship But All My Friends are in Survival Mode with Babies Era
It’s kinda hard. Happy for them but miss the depth of friendship we used to have.
Yes, me too!!
feel this
I’m the friend in survival mode and I miss our deep friendships too
YES!
Library holds since I was capable of reading and heavy lifting era since just last winter. 20-year-old me would never believe that getting stronger and stronger every day could be so thrilling!
I’m in the post-survival zone-out era where I relish doing absolutely nothing as much as humanly possible and occasionally wonder who I even am and what brings me joy. Ideas welcome.
I feel this so much! How old are your kiddos, assuming I’m interpreting your comment correctly?
well how about birds or library books or heavy lifting? :D
orrrr, what did you like to before survival mode kicked in?
Hi Emily! They are 3 and 5 with birthdays soon. Your(s)?
Yes! I have a 3and 4 year old and while still in survival phase, I’m slowly creeping out of it. I’ve gotten back into reading, cooking and watching a show that makes me feel smart but I still find myself sitting on the couch just doing nothing or scrolling on my phone too often.
Library holds!!!
Me also!
I’m in my navigating the job market and contemplating a career change era. Lots of crying and feeling like I’m just not good enough. Ugh.
I am right there with you, Devin. Been on the job hunt since March. Cried multiple times this week! Even though I know this period won’t last forever, it’s still very very tough.
I’m in this era too, Devin. Wishing you all the luck in the world to find a great fit soon. They will be lucky to have you!
Survival era (pure exhaustion) plus library holds era through Libby app! Really into All the Missing Girls right now. (Reading helps me go to sleep, but this is a page turner!)
I’m in Library Holds Era. Every time I go into the library the librarian looks at me and says “We have something for you” not needing to ask my name to find the reserved book. Amusingly I misplaced my library card so all my holds are using my husband’s card who has a very different ethnic last name to mine. I hardly read at all for the first 6 years of being a mother. Now I read on average 4 books a month.
This makes me think of the library scene in Beauty and the Beast!
My Daughter is going through puberty and I’m perimenopausal. I believe it is the weepy hormonal era.
I’m always saying menopause is reverse puberty. Cheering for you
Living this. Puberty and peri in the house has opened up many doors to discuss tears that are hormonal.
Pure survival mode over here! Dealing with a teething 8 month old and a 3 year old who just started preschool and has lots of feelings (and is about to bring home lots of germs lol) while leading a team through a really intense time at work and piecing together childcare since things are in flux. I’m not totally sure how I’ll get through the next 6 months but it’ll happen somehow (I think).
Heavy lifting. And I am so proud of me 🏋️♀️💪
Oof, I feel like I’m on the brink of survival era. Second on the way. Two year old tiring but manageable on her own. Guess I better get some birding in before it’s too late.
The large print book section feels like poison ivy to (elderly) me.
Heavy lifting and feeling so empowered!! 💪
Pure survival with a side of (digital) library holds!
I just commented the same haha!
Library holds!!!
Was just thinking this morning we are fully in our *Bejeweled* era over here, which sounds very Swiftie of us but as parents to 3 and 6 year olds, this means finding our daughters’ jewel stickers on the floors, walls, rugs, laundry, stuck to the inside of the dryer, on the dog, in the bathroom sink, under their pillows, on ourselves… 🫠
I am simultaneously in my personal library holds era and enjoying it so much more than I would’ve imagined.
When visiting my 3 young nieces, I would comment how my son was always covered in glitter when we got home! LOL! All the sparkly things at their house!
Recently exited Pure Survival Era and the lightness of my being shocks me sometimes. Pure Survival Era overlapped perfectly with Covid lockdown, and being able to join Library Holds Era still makes me teary (I recently got both True Biz and Olga Dies Dreaming off hold, and both are amazing!)
Loooved Olga Dies Dreaming!
Cheers to your new chapter Dana! And +1 for Olga Dies Dreaming
I was in the library holds era for my 20s and early 30s. Reading, crafting, puzzling, doing whatever I wanted whenever I wanted.
Then a baby put me into survival mode; he’s 16 months old and I feel (lowers voice) we’re in a pretty good stage now? Past the early-days, infant survival mode. But wondering when that’s all going to change with toddler/older kid survival modes coming for me. And also can we handle having a second baby??
My husband has been lowkey birds era for a while. He loves his Merlin app. I’m joining him; we have a wildflower patch in the yard and I love spotting the hummingbirds! Also, our kid’s first word was bird :)
I’ve never been in a heavy-lifting, or much of any exercise, era. I’ve been feeling especially bad about that lately, in my head and in my body. I’ll tell myself that as fall starts, and the heat dissipates, I can start some more exercise…
Oh my, are you me? 16 m/o, (whispers) it’s going okay right now? But can I even think about another, or will it all unravel?
But the comments are giving me hope – apparently, I will at some point be able to read books again?
A week later and I feel like we’re now in early-onset terrible-twos phase. oops I scared the “pretty good stage” away aaaah
Umm all four?? :)
Same! It depends on the time of day!
Library holds – such a thrill!
Pure survival mode! 6 kids ages 11-18 months! I’m dealing with teething and tween emotions, potty training and ADHD anger. I’ve never been so physically, emotionally or mentally exhausted in my life! (Don’t get me wrong I love my tiny humans but parenthood is hard!) I still remember learning from Jo that both those things can be true at the same time and that gives me peace and strength to keep going!
I’m deep in my Meditation Era
I’m pre- Birding Era but I’m sure that’s coming lol
(And I’ve been in the Heavy Lifting Era for 10+ years which makes me think it’s no longer really an Era but just my life)
Moved to a new city this year and joined two book clubs to start feeling part of a social circle, so I’m enjoying the Library Holds Era.
I would love to see a post about people caring for older loved ones. My Pure Survival Era wasn’t with children, but caring for a loved one with dementia. A few of us commented on a post of Jannelle’s from the other week (A Tip That’s Changed How I’m Raising My Toddler), and it reminded me just how many caregivers there are out there. It can feel so isolating. This space is great at connecting us, so I thought I would suggest it. :) Thank you for this community.
My parents are taking care of my grandmothers who are both 91 this year and it’s wearing them out but they’ve had such a good attitude about it. Caregivers deserve all the props!
Can I ask how you found the book clubs to join? The clubs in my social groups have kind of petered out, and I’m not sure about how to approach Stranger Book Clubs.
Hi Amanda, one of the book clubs I found through the Meetup app and one through my library system. Neither really have any parameters on the books that are read, and that suits me. I do appreciate that they both have consistent leaders, and that the books are announced several months in advance. I am more on the introverted side, so it was a leap for me to join Stranger Book Clubs. I psyched myself up for it, knew that I didn’t have to go back if I didn’t like it, and decided to give it a try. And at the same time, I’m trying to make this a consistent commitment and stick with it. Sending you some reading magic to find a book club that matches up with what you’re looking for!
Thanks so much Rosie!
Library Hold Era all the way! The library has become a place of refuge for my family. We rent books, boardgames, auido books, ebooks, they have craft days, they have computer games, ours even offers (limited amt) of free tickets to museums…can you tell I am a huge advocate!
Need to go pick up a hold today! The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan “The novel concerns a woman, Frida, who is sentenced to a period at an experimental facility intended to rehabilitate mothers accused of even minor parenting infractions.”
Hi Michelle, I agree! I love my library so much!! Just picked up a new book that I hadn’t heard of- “My Last Innocent Year” by Daisy Alpert Florin. The writing is so good that I find myself rereading sentences in order to savor it– the best!!
Pure survival era made me teary and hit like a punch in the stomach. But also felt like being seen. 3 and 1 is just so much. I’m so tired. My soul, my cells, my bone-marrow is tired.
SAME. My partner was pretty MIA during the newborn stage for #2 and I still think 1 and 3 may be harder/more exhausting. Maybe bc I’m also now trying to work full time? Idk. Thank god they’re cute.
In the beginning of my first bird era, deep into my library holds era, and hoping to start my second heavy lifting era soon!
I’m library holds and pure survival. I need a hug!
Libary holds here too I just got the Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop and The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick. ((HUGS)) to you Ruth. Take gentle care of yourself. :-)
I’m in my “simplify my life era”. Anything that’s not very important/useful/special is out. I’ve been decluttering my house, my obligations, my email/phone, and even deactivated my instagram account.
It feels really great.
Same, same, Audrey!
Learning-to-play-drums-as-an-adult era – and it is glorious!!!
I am in my survival era at the moment—feeling myself dip into a depression and doing everything I can to combat it! That includes lots of Libby holds coming in.
Also trying to exercise more for my mind even though I REALLY don’t feel like it. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to get started with weightlifting?
This is great and doable:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/interactive/2023/strength-training-gym-workout/
Joined a gym? These 6 exercises, once a week, will make you stronger.
This 15-minute weight-training routine uses common gym equipment and will build strength at any age
Published 1/11/23
I’ve been dong this since January and it is a good intro to strength training.
If there is a YMCA or other local gym to you that offers weight lifting classes, I have found those to be really awesome. Having instruction and doing it with a group at a set time helps me. Plus feeling compelled to make my membership worth the money by going a couple times a week. You may be very sore the next day for the first few times, but you also feel great afterwards! I look forward to the classes on Mondays.
Casey Johnston has a fun, inspiring newsletter called She’s A Beast that helped me get super interested in lifting. She also has an intro starter program for folks new to lifting.
I so relate! I’m in my houseplant era! My resolve is currently being tested with a housewide case of fungus gnats… eep!
I just got my two-month-old down for a nap after four hours of negotiating/bargaining/begging, so (naturally) Pure Survival Era made me tear up. I always love these Friday installments.
I can’t seem to stay in one spot long enough to have a library hold era 🥺 in my major transitional phase era! Going on 13 months of it.
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11 links, including restaurant pajamas and the stinkiest cheese in the world.
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A few photos from New York and San Francisco, if you'd like to see...
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This French tart with pull-apart twists is a party showstopper.
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