Thrive, not Survive.
Hi Stretchiflexers! Since we last spoke, I’ve been working on my wellness in an effort to THRIVE, not just survive. Winter for me was very much survival-focused. But, we made it!!!
In this week’s blog I’m going to share with you my winter favourites, aka some of the goodies that really got me through this winter season. Then I’ll share with you my plans for Spring. And finally, a new segment: Rewear.
Let’s get into it!
Winter Favourites
I usually like to include a monthly favourite in each blog post, but since the season of winter is over, I thought it would be nice to celebrate with 3 favourites, and then send it on it’s way so that I don’t have to even look at winter again. Wonderful. Here they are:
1. Weightlifting Masterclass
I took a few masterclasses on weightlifting techniques throughout the month of July, and I found the sessions so useful! Masterclasses are a great way to hone in on your technique in specific areas, and the classes break down the mechanics involved in the movement. You have the time to practice, over and over, before moving on. We often don’t have that luxury in a normal class. If masterclasses interest you, reach out to us! Our coaches have studied specific short courses on top of their Certificates in Fitness, so we have plenty of info to share with our community.
2. Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
My friends and I started a book club in winter and it has been the most wholesome hobby! Cold weather means that outdoor hobbies take a back seat, and what’s a better indoor hobby than curling up in bed with a cuppa and reading a good book? My most recent read was Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings, and although my book club friends had differing opinions to me, I loved the book! Storyline aside, Jessa’s writing style was so great. Just the right balance of show and tell; she painted a picture but kept it real. I really enjoyed this book!
3. Artwork by Aussie artist Janet Chapman
I think it’s obvious that I’m no winter baby, so my usual love of fashion styling was replaced with oversized hoodies and ugg boots. I can’t look cute when I’m miserable! So I turned my love of style inwards, and focused on styling inside my home. This winter I bought a beautiful piece of art by local Melburnian artist, Janet Chapman. Her work sells at Aquire Design Studios near the Peninsular, and I was lucky enough to meet the incredible lady herself. My house not only has a new pop of colour, but it has a handmade, one-of-a-kind item created by a fellow creative. Redecorating has been one of my favourite outlets this winter.
Spring Plans
75 Hard
Now, I know what you’re thinking. 75 Hard?! Are you crazy?! Well, that’s unimportant. HOWEVER, there is a lot of good to be gained from signing up for a challenge. I’ve been in a bit of a rut since winter, and I know from experience that the only way for me to get out of a rut is to have some accountability. For me, that looks like having a check-list to tick off that I can’t possibly ignore. Although 75 Hard seems quite extreme, I have done it before and it’s truly not as bad as it appears. At its core, it’s just a checklist of fundamentally healthy principles, and it’s something that I have already implemented in my life. I just slipped into bad habits for a couple of months. But now I’m back into working out, getting outside everyday, drinking water and eating good food, and reading! It’s been great!
My advice for you: Is there something you can think of that will help you be a better version of yourself? Specifically? If something jumps to your mind straight away then it’s probable that you’ve already thought about it and you know you should have jumped into it already.
For a lot of people, that ‘thing’ is exercise. That’s why accountability is so important. If not a challenge, then maybe getting a personal trainer who understands you is the best option for you? (Hi! I think I know the perfect PT for you!)
Here’s another piece of advice: In 6 months will you be closer to your goals? Time will pass anyway, so let’s start now.
Re-Wear
I’ve noticed that rewearing clothes has become one of the latest fashion trends. The fashion moguls call it ‘shopping’ your wardrobe. I’ve seen many influencers find an old item and restyle it in a fresh way.
I made a new year’s resolution at the beginning of the year to go the entire 12 months without shopping (I was hopeful, don’t laugh). Although I may not have stuck to that resolution entiiiirely, I have adopted a different attitude to shopping. My habits have improved 200%! With this new mindset, I thought it could be fun to try this ‘Rewear’ trend from a different perspective. I would love to know: What old piece of advice have you put back on recently?
I’ll go first. I stumbled upon this quote I had written in my Notes app recently and it’s changed my life. Again... (I must have loved it once before since I already had it written down).
“The reward for living a busy life is a blur.”
Woah. That’s pretty profound. I’m not sure whose quote this is, but they are a wise person. So I’m trying to slow things down. It’s a work in progress. Now tell me, what’s your piece of advice you’re rewearing? I would love to hear from you. Talk soon.
Caitlin XX
