@ Kathryn – Well, we all need down time to recharge. It’s a good thing, very necessary. As long as you’re being productive, get your Sim on!

@ Rebecca – Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Your openness is inspiring! And I have to say I think it’s so brave what you’re doing, It may not be the path of least resistance, but it’s certainly the healthiest for the long term. Good luck and I’ll be thinking of you. Please let us know how it goes.

@ Meghan – I totally get that. Too tired to apply the brain, but too motivated to let yourself just zone. I’m like that a lot these days (hello new baby exhaustion!). What I do is putter. I clean, do dishes, prep food (chop veggies, etc), water plants, and so on. It is soooooooo relaxing! I love to putter, it’s my quiet meditative alone time and it actually results in important stuff getting done! Maybe you could try something like that?

@ Christa – Umami! Interesting thought, I’ll look into it. Thanks! (what kind of seaweed do you use?)

It sounds like lots of people are making a lot of great changes though, this is awesome! Go team us!

Last week I made a HUGE decision to fly to visit my hometown (something I have wanted to do but have put off due to reasons I am about to disclose). My parents were going away and I haven’t been back in a year and am really missing my hometown A LOT! The problem had been is that there is a ton of “complicated stuff” going on between everyone in my family right now. We found out some not so great things about my “dad” and he proceeded to act really poorly and, quite honestly, a bit frightening. I had been living at home to save money but when I found out he was moving back into the house I knew that mentally (and possibly physically) it would be a very bad situation. So I left and haven’t spoken to my father in a year and a half and my mother in about 6 months.

However, through a random text conversation (gotta love 2010) I had almost forgotten that, at my very core, I am NOT someone who shies away from things that scare me (having wrestled with major anxiety for almost all of my life, if I didn’t confront things head on I would never end up doing ANYTHING..so oddly enough, my anxiety has made me an even braver person even though I worry almost 24/7…(almost the exact definition of irony).

Anyways, long story short, I made a HUGE leap and decided to go a few days earlier and see both of my parents for the first time in a LONG time. While there is anger, hurt, and resentment there, there is also a great deal of tangible fear, but I figured that imagining how things will “feel” is not getting me anywhere.

As you can all imagine, I have had a rough week (not sleeping, worrying, and going back to some not-so-good-for-me behaviours).

While I could beat myself up for going back to some semi-destructive tendencies I am trying to “be gentle” with myself and realize that, as I am going through a rough time, slip-ups happen and I can get right back on the horse when I am ready and feel secure. If I need a security blanket at this very moment then berating myself about it is only going to worsen things. Although I consciously know this, fully digesting it is another story.

Although my lengthy comment most likely has no relevance to most readers, it always fascinates me when people are going through similar processes even if the circumstances are different.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read this and hope that you all can “support” me from afar with comforting thoughts (as I always do for all of you as well)!

Oh and also, vent away. Welcome to the world of veganism, where everyone is suddenly a concerned nutritionist!

@ Kathryn – Wow, what a whole lot of positive change! That’s so awesome, congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished so far, and cheers to continued success!

@ Kat – Way to go! That is a whopping success if I’ve ever heard one! And you’re right, dental hygiene is so important and so often overlooked (guilty here)

@ Minna – Well my dear, you took on a very tough challenge, and at a particularly difficult time too (transition). Just keep in mind that it’s all a continuem, this mission doesn’t end with the month.Just being mindful to try to be mindful may be enough for now. Just keep practicing, knowing that every little step is a move in the right direction. Be good to yourself sweetie.

@ Charlotte – I’m so glad to hear you’re in healing, I know PPD is a horrible, horrible affair. And what an awesome mission. I mean I’m sure that you’re already a wonderful mother, but it’s so great to bring that intention to the forefront of our minds. I think I’ll join you there. =)

@ theresa – Excellent! And good for you for rewarding yourself. You deserve it!

@ saundra – Hooray for husband reinforcements! That can be such a help. =)

And I’m so glad that you’re finding comfort and inspiration here. It’s totally my pleasure to facilitate this project for everyone. You all are doing the hard work – I’m just watching, impressed.

@ erosan – Dude how do you function on so little sleep? I would be a total crazy person, haha. But it sounds like you’re doing great. Keep it up!

I go to sleep earlier than usual now (around 1.30am) but at least 2 times this week I went to bed at 3 (it is hard to beat the habit).

But I’ve been waking up more or less on time… My goal right now is to wake up at 7.30am (8.00am tops)at least I’m making it to the office on time. But I think I’m still ages from my utopic “wake up around 6am” goal.

@Sayward: I’ve tried to follow your advise of puting the alarm clock across the room. my gf didn’t like it very much, lol (and what woke me up was my gf’s screaming at me, not the alarm… im hopeless, right?). I guess it doesn’t work as well if you share the room…

But still trying my best!