Behind-the-scenes note
One of the things I didn’t fully unpack in this video is that my weight has started creeping back up a little since my kidney surgery.
And I want to say that gently, because I’ve done really well. I’ve lost weight, I’ve taken better care of myself, and I’ve worked hard to feel better in my body. But I can also feel when I’m starting to slip into old patterns again and I don't want to "start over" again with losing weight. Well gaining it all back and then trying to lose again.
Since I stopped traveling full-time and living in the van, I’m not naturally moving as much as I used to. Van life had its challenges, but it also kept me active in a way apartment life doesn’t always do. I was walking more, setting things up, breaking things down, moving through my days differently.
Now, especially with rain, heat, editing, mail club work, and regular life, it’s easier to stay inside and tell myself I’ll move more tomorrow.
Why I joined the gym
So I decided to get a gym membership.
Not because I’ve failed.
More because I don’t want to go back to a place I worked really hard to move away from.
I want to keep my mobility, my strength, and my energy. I want my hips to stop feeling so stiff. I want to move more without needing perfect weather or the perfect mood or the perfect day.
Sometimes slower living looks like resting. And sometimes it looks like lovingly telling myself, “Okay, we’re going to move our body today.”
A small way back to myself
I’m trying to keep this simple and kind. Several gym days a week. Increase my mobility and flexibility.
My left arm that has been hurting from the golfer's elbow seems to love the movement and strength training too. I'm lifting heavier at the gym since I don't have extremely heavy weights at home.
I feel really good! I'm actually amazed at how fast I've felt better and improved some of that stiffness already.
I don't think I realized how bad I felt until I started feeling better again.
That kidney surgery did a number on me and I finally feel like I'm coming back to myself.
Join The Story Post
If you’d like a monthly reminder to slow down, notice the ordinary moments, and take care of yourself in small ways, you can join The Story Post, my monthly snail mail club.
Each month includes a letter from me, an art print, a recipe card, an intentional living prompt card, and a little extra goodie tucked inside.
It’s a quiet piece of mail made to help you pause, breathe, and make a little more room for the life you’re already living.
Join The Story Post Snail Mail Club - It's a fun way to get a unique art print that I create, a personal letter by me, slow living prompt card, recipe card, and a few extras each month.
