Week in Review/Lessons in Wellness of the Soul

This past week was focused on health and wellness of mind, body, and spirit. It began as the introduction of healthy habits- eating well, staying hydrated, being physically active. The week ended with my having adhered to the goals I had in mind, but it also ended with a grand dose of family, which was a boost for the soul I had not expected...and in which I am so grateful to have had a place. To the long list of family members (some old, many new): thank you, thank you. Love to you all.

What a weekend!!!!

A whirlwind, it was- this weekend full of family, food, fun, hugs, exhaustion, driving, swimming, laughing, playing, talking, baking in the sun. From a family reunion to a bridal shower- a ninety minute drive Friday, a sixty minute drive Sunday afternoon, and then a three hour drive Sunday evening back home- there was a lot of love to go around. Though admittedly, I am so tired I may sleep for a week. We all might.

My boyfriend's family held their family reunion this weekend. We have been together quite some time, but before this, I had met few members of his family. In fact, it had been years since he'd seen most of them. I have been lucky enough to get to know some of his immediate family and their children, but there were a lot of new hugs this weekend...I feel like I'd waited forever for them. There were a handful of family members I'd heard so much about over the years, stories from his childhood and beyond, and so I was terribly excited to put faces with these tales of life and growing up. Leave it to this family not to disappoint. My son and I felt so welcome in a new place, but a place so familiar all the same. There was so much food!! Holy geez...so much food. There were all kinds of cousins for the kids to swim and play with, and a very devoted older cousin who painted somewhere in the neighborhood of a million faces...beautifully and creatively, I might add.

I can't say enough how much warmth there was from everyone. I felt like I'd known them all forever, and I can't wait to go back. And I did truly have one of the best hugs ever from the loveliest woman...a true matriarch...a good soul. You and your family are fantastic. Thank you so much.

There were two key people missing this weekend, and I look forward to the day I can meet you both. We think of you often.

Sunday, I headed further south to the bridal shower of a woman who's been like a sister since I was very young. Again...so much food!! I'm so glad I was able to make it, to continue to be a part of family functions like this one. I don't see you all enough...I know. It was a great time, and I was even on the winning Pictionary team, and won another game! Woohoo! As far as the game where we had to smell spices and name them- uhh...nope. Was never going to win that one. I tried though! Really, I did!

I ran around taking pictures all through the shower. I love that role- the photographer, that is. It's a great way to get to talk to everyone without feeling like you're invading every conversation randomly. I did a lot of that at the reunion too. It helps break the ice and feel a part of it all. Plus, I just love taking photos. Love, love, love it. It is certainly a hobby very dear to me. Thanks to everyone for letting me get all up in your business with a camera!

Now, finally home again on my porch- my perfect, cozy porch- I admit that I'm grateful to be here. Grateful to be able to sleep in my bed tonight. Grateful that my kids are finally starting to calm down. Grateful that I can get ready for the new week of the project. Grateful that I can sit down and look at all the pictures, going over the weekend in my head, thinking of all the things I learned and experienced and laughed about.

My steps toward health and wellness involved a lot more that just being physically and mentally healthy. I end this week with a feeling of gratitude, health of the soul. When people come together- related or not- and there is a sense of real interaction and belonging, it sure goes a long way.

Hug someone. Right now. Go ahead. There ya go...a really good one.
You feel that?
Me too.
I like it.

Peace and love to all.