hold on tight

I've never prescribed to the idea of organized chaos. In general (note: general meaning always) I prefer it all organized, and no chaos. 

However, while I thrive on a diet of order and routine, nothing stimulates me like a small change. Reorganizing a room. A quick house project. A new blog design. 

But here is where I struggle. When do you make changes in friendships? When do you let go? 

I'm a keep in touch addict, always trying to maintain long distance friendships from college, high school and beyond. Because I am so grateful for the friendships that have gotten me where I am today, and I care deeply where these friends end up.

But at some point, do you just have to let go? And realize there isn't enough time to be everything to everyone all the time? And that by letting things fall away, you make room for new things to blossom? Or for friendships that have stayed strong, and grown together for years, to continue to grow into something beautiful and new? 

It scares me. Very much. Because nothing warms my heart more than talking to someone for the first time in a while and realizing you never skipped a beat at all - that everything feels the same, and you can still connect deeply.

But maybe that's what makes it not scary at all. That in letting go, we're just giving a little bit of space to grow - not apart - but as individuals. And if, in fact, we do come back together down the line, we'll not only have more perspective to share, but will also be able to pick right back up where we left off.

I know it's not about forgetting. Certainly not. 

In fact, it might not fully be about letting go of people, either, but instead realizing that we are all moving, every day, in different directions. And sometimes, we may be heading a different direction than someone who was once by our side. While it's scary not to have them holding our hand, it's the chance to step back, watch one another grow, and be grateful for them getting us this far along. 

&we unplug


Oh week of unplugging, how I have been dreading you so.

When I first took on the challenge, I thought I deserved a pass on this week, because my job relies almost entirely on being online, many of my relationships are long distance, warranting lots calling and texting, and blogging helps me stay connected to those I love.

But then, last week I had a conversation that I can't seem to shake. A friend told me: you can tell what people care about based on how they spend their time.

And yes, I spend a lot of time on the phone, because I care oh so much about the loves in my life that are far away. And I care about my job. And I care about being connected.

But I also spend a lot of time Instagramming. And Tweeting. And sometimes a little Facebooking. I.e. I check Instagram when I get in bed, and when I wake up. And OK. When I walk to the bathroom at work. And at stoplights.

Yikes.

That's not necessary. I don't need to see every photo my friends put out into the universe, the minute it happens.

And maybe, if I stop filling every empty moment with thoughts and images from the lives of others, I will more easily get centered and find the peace that I am so dearly missing during this running&yoga hiatus.

So here's to a week ahead of less Gramming and Tweeting. And this time, seeing really is believing. So when you don't see my social mediaing, you better believe I'm doing it.

[image via my instagram. ironically enough.]

oh weekend. you were great.

This weekend was just plain happy.
Great weather.
Some pumpkin muffin baking.
A gorgeous wedding at the Atlanta History Center with Phil.


And after a few weekends of travelling and weeks of busyness, the chance to catch up on things. You know. Clean sheets. Organized bedroom. Front porch swept. Those types of activities.
On Sunday, I sat on the porch with coffee and my laptop, and enjoyed the glorious weather, the sweet neighbors being out and about, and the fact that my flowers are still alive (mir-a-cle, I tell ya).
I hope your weekend was great, too!
[images via my instagram]

hoop

My roommate Katie was in a hula hooping club in college and, needless to say, she could hoop you under the table. She's got skills.

This spring, she taught me how to hoop - a hobby that really took off at the beach over Memorial Day. Not only is it a good workout for your waist, it also turned out to be a great way to make friends. Everyone wanted a piece of our hoops.

I hooped my way into Week 3 of Laura's wellness challenge. It isn't technically a brand new exercise, but it is a broken-foot-friendly-exercise, and offered an alternative to just arms and abs every day.

As someone who finds comfort in routine and relies on my daily run to clear my head, help me reconnect with what matters and find peace, it's been incredibly hard not to have this time alone&away from my desk (and everything). Although hula hooping didn't fulfill these needs, it was a nice way to be outside and feel a little bit of rhythm and routine.

I hope you had a good, stretchy week!