Meditation is one of the most commonly mentioned ways to beat stress and lead a more balanced life. But what is it, exactly? Like many people when they consider meditation, I was intimidated by it; I just couldn't picture myself in an austere, monk-like practice, perched atop a pillow in the …
A Balanced Interview #3: The Frugal Physician
Welcome to the next Balanced Interview with my blogging friend The Frugal Physician! This woman is an inspiration to all who have a significant debt to pay off. She is known for conquering over $100,000 in student loan debt over a period of 6 months by mindfully changing lifestyle habits. This …
Lessons From My Daughter: One Year Old
Unbelievably, one year has passed since our daughter joined our little family. When thinking about what to say on this milestone day, I feel the way I feel when I unexpectedly win an award or recognition: speechless. I've read some beautiful pieces dedicated to writers' children on their birthdays, …
Mindfulness Through Uncertainty
We were on a rock climbing trip in Colorado, this time with baby in tow. Five days into the ten day trip, I was so exhausted from consecutive nights of very disrupted sleep that I decided to cut our trip short. Bleary-eyed and unfocused, we headed back home hoping for restorative days in familiar …
You Don’t Have To Be Retired To Enjoy Walking
The first physical activity I resumed after my baby's birth was walking. Oh how I missed being able to walk without waddling in pain, which had become the norm during my last trimester due to massive fluid accumulation in my legs. The joy of walking pain-free again has been compounded by the absence …
Shoe-drop thinking: How to let go of the past?
I'm pregnant, again... I'm almost 10 weeks along and definitely feeling symptoms of first trimester pregnancy this time. No big announcements, clever texts or Facebook posts, no balloons or flowers or drama. Just quiet and cautious happiness... somewhat. You see, it's actually been difficult to …