Another Coffee Date Chat

Well, hello there 🥰
It’s been FIVE months since our last virtual coffee date, so I thought it would be fun to do another one. While we can’t actually meet for coffee, we can pretend this is a little coffee/tea date. Since most of us are still having to practice social distancing, our next best thing is a brief virtual chat. What’s new with you?

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COFFEE DATE CHATTING

This writing space has been quieter than it used to be, mostly due to working through grief, finding headspace to write, and of course, the global pandemic. I certainly miss being here, sharing with you, and keeping in touch. I realized this morning that I began this blog four years ago! Writing in my little corner of the internet brings me such joy and contentment. It allows me to feel connected to you and helps the world feels a little smaller. 😊

Last time we had a “coffee date,” many of you shared what’s bringing joy (big or small) into your lives. My inbox was full of fun and inspiring ideas. So again, If we were sitting across one another having coffee, what would you tell me is making your days manageable? Here is my list, and I can’t wait to hear about yours! Please do share!

MUSIC

~I find myself playing music more often than I used to. I listen to a variety of playlists via Spotify. Some of my favorite genres are jazz, classical, and worship, plus I enjoy specific decades of music (80’s and 90″s) and specific artists. Here are a few playlists/stations I’ve listened to lately:

• Summer Rewind
• Michael Buble Radio
• Instrumental Worship

PODCASTS

~I play podcasts when I’m on a walk or while getting ready for the day. I listened to the first one today and the second one a few weeks ago. The third one encouraged me to make my own playlists. It never occurred to me to try that.

• Everything Happens for a Reason: Spread Too Thin. Shauna Niequist is a guest on this show and shares about living a slower life.
• 10 Things to Tell You: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself in the Middle of Anything. Laura provides thought-provoking questions here to answer in your journal, with your spouse, or a friend.
• The Lazy Genius: How to Make the Perfect Playlist. I’m excited to create some of my own for different activities such as working out, washing the dishes, and cleaning.

CREATIVITY

~Now, this category needs a little work on my end. I’m trying hard to bring this section back into my life more often. Here are a few ways creativity is showing up:

• Cooking & baking
• Coloring with crayons or colored pencils in coloring books
• Writing: using this book a friend gave me, ideas I get from podcasts, using these “Monday Motivation” prompts, and jotting things down in my notes app.

MOVEMENT

~Exercise helps keep the stress at bay, provides an opportunity for me to process my emotions, and of course, facilitates good health. Here are a few ways I incorporate movement in my life:

• Weekend hikes and walks with my husband (sometimes our adult kids tag along.) Are you familiar with this app for finding hikes in your area? A friend showed it to me.
• Morning stretches (I mentioned them here)
• A personalized exercise program created by a strength and conditioning coach which is tailored to my needs, limitations, and goals. I just completed a 12-week program and began another. The results have been remarkable! I’m much stronger, more flexible, and toned. If you are interested in what exactly I am doing, feel free to reply to this email, or send my coach an email-pspstrength@gmail.com. I promise it’s not an MLM or anything like that! 🙂
• I purchased some cute workout gear, a yoga mat, and a waist pack– all motivators to keep me moving!

SUNRISES, SUNSETS, & CLOUDS

~Yes, this is still on my list! As stated in the last coffee date, the first thing I do almost every morning is open the curtains and watch the sunrise. From my bedroom window, I have a spectacular view of the sun appearing above the horizon. The pinks, oranges, purples, and blues wow me every time. I often glance out my living room window nightly to catch the sun setting over the trees. It’s a small practice that brings me great joy. I chose three to share here:

So, tell me what things and practices you’d say (if we were on a real coffee date) are helping you get through these weird times. Please leave a comment here and let me know!  I look forward to hearing from you!

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Natalie xo