GRATITUDE: For the sorer than usual muscles especially in my right gluteus medius/piriformis (the sight of which I believe is the root of my pelvic imbalance and where my back pain has been compensating/causing the nerve impingement and chronic pain these last couple years). I’ve drastically noticed the changes of discomfort/comfort over the last few months. It’s hard to tell if it’s finally the nutritional supplements, starting the consistent 7 minute workout this past year (definitely doing jumping jacks and squats has made a difference), a mindset reframe about getting older and what it means to be strong. Whatever the case, I’m really thankful for having started some kind of yoga practice when we lived in NYC. I remember being so intimidated and frightened of even trying it back then, grateful for that small hole in the wall place just down the street from our Greenpoint apartment on Guernsey. It’s probably the first time I started to understand that doing something solely for myself was okay. It was also the beginning of awareness towards my physical body and listening to the clues/imbalances that I had even then. Today’s body is so different and this tightness and pain that I have in my right back/hip/glute/leg/hamstring…these never existed way back then. But when I look back to a year ago and how I could barely sit up after trimming my own toenails or how leaning over the sink to wash my face was so hard, I’m so thankful for a body that can heal. Perhaps someday I’ll be able to relax again fully in child’s pose like I used to…but for now it’s still a lot of conscious work.

FOCUS: Forgot to mention I believe my soreness (in where I likely need it most) was from the 10 minute row session I did yesterday. It didn’t seem too intense at the time, but today my body is saying do more of that…this is where your muscles are weak. More rowing lies ahead I guess!

INSPIRATION:

GRATITUDE: For a day to include both Eric and the kids with Japan trip planning. So glad it seems I’ve gotten the thumbs up for most of the accommodations I’ve picked out. Jasper is working hard to understand the subway. Good to get Eric’s insight on Naoshima and the art islands excursion. So much still to study and learn to distill all the details of trains, passes, food, and more! Exciting to be planning but also tiring and stressful a bit.

FOCUS: にほん！

INSPIRATION:

GRATITUDE: So happy and full. Realizing I was missing out on my connections with other people/friends I really like and care about outside my family has been a big revelation. In the end, all we have are our memories of how we felt after a certain meeting or encounter…and if that feeling is positive and good, why not strive for more of that?

FOCUS: How can I spend more time with those who I want in my life?

INSPIRATION: Me in pigeon pose at 5:45 this morning trying to remind myself that discomfort equals goodness and growth…then later seeing this as a reminder.

GRATITUDE: For time in the day (most of the day) to learn Lesson 1 of my Japanese 2 class in order to mostly finish this week’s homework assignment. Of course I spent almost all week looking for places to stay in Japan and trying to figure out neighborhoods, booking potentials, etc. that I completely neglected the lesson. Grateful for a crazy afternoon running around between orthodontist appointment for Jasper and hip hop for Juniper. At least we were able to try out a new to us sushi place in San Carlos!

FOCUS: Tomorrow I see Samantha Hoang…it’s been so long but I’m excited to catch up and put some more chips into my “connecting with others” bucket. Surprising her with a quick visit from Nikkie too!

INSPIRATION: Listened to an interview with Dan Buettner discussing longevity in the Blue Zones and he said that in Okinawa there is a saying that is Confucian –

GRATITUDE: Grateful for time spent with Tina, Meghan, and Samantha this morning over tea. Still feels a little surface level conversations though…maybe I need to do one on one walks with them to get to know them better…anyhow I’m making efforts to stay connected and keep building friendships despite volunteering less and being present at the kids’ school less. In some respects I feel guilty about this, but on the other hand I’m very happy I have taken a concerted effort to keep devoting time to my own self improvement whether via fitness, mental well being, nourishing us with real food, listening and learning through podcasts/books…it feels good to do something for myself that hopefully will benefit longevity and life happiness.

FOCUS: Cleaned off a shelf today…now it’s all in a bag with no where to go…the jars are all too big for their future location (the ironing board cupboard).

INSPIRATION: Drawing a blank today in this respect…feeling tired since going to bed after 11 last night getting only 6 hours sleep.

GRATITUDE: For a husband who knows how to balance home projects, family time, and being lazy on a Monday holiday; who will play with my hair while watching tv and walk and do exercises first thing in the morning on his day off because as he said, “Priorities.”

FOCUS: Today was all about grouting the kitchen backsplash…2 years behind schedule but who’s counting?

INSPIRATION: To remembering that some things take time, and not forgetting that one cannot predict the bumps in the road that will stall, detour, redirect one’s life. Sometimes putting family and mental well being and healing physical well being must come first…hm, scratch that…not sometimes. All times.

GRATITUDE: For a late Saturday night watching a movie with Eric with our first drink since Xmas with my brother. Woke up a little slower this morning as a result but was still able to get a lovely walk for bagel sandwiches and coffee/card game date with the kids and Eric. Eric and I went on a morning walk afterwards. It was a beautiful morning and I got a yoga workout in, 15 min but intensity level 3. Evidence I’m getting stronger? We lunched and I had a brief hour of errands with the kids-pet store (resisted the kittens), Trader Joe’s for mochi treats, dropped an Amaryllis for Tom to watch as it grows and brings something to look forward to. Continued watching Lost and enthusiastically watched more of TabiEats on YouTube to learn about Tokyo street foods. Family cooking night to make tacos together, followed by butter mochi cake and more Lost and a round of Doomlings. Thankful for the the relaxing yet seemingly fulfilling family day.

FOCUS: Tomorrow we intend to do some work on the kitchen (finally) after our morning routines and exercises. Kitchen counter has been cleared and yoga mat already set out so no excuses.

INSIPRATION: It appears I’m on the right track for getting more sleep which likely is helping to get stronger in so many ways…it’s definitely hard work to go to bed so early though and not just spend the time coming out. Speaking of which, it’s getting late.