30x30 Nature Challenge

In honor of Earth Day, an organization in Canada is hosting a 30x30 Nature Challenge starting today. For the month of May, people will join in to see the difference that spending 30 minutes outside each day can do for their health and happiness. 

I don't want to miss out on this. 

Getting outside is not a forte for me. I'm of the breed that's most comfortable on a couch with a book and some tea. But why can't I do that outside? Thankfully I have people in my life that help get me outside more, but I think its time I see if I can shift this block. 

Yesterday I did a "trial run" of what 30 minutes outside would be like. I went out into the backyard and then after just walking around enjoying the plants, I started to sweep off the back deck that until yesterday, you wouldn't even know it was there. I'm now half-way to uncovering the foundation of a sanctuary. 

But the best part was, I felt super great. I could hear the birds singing and remembered how great it feels to get a little sunlight on my skin. I forget what a wonderful little patch of land I have behind the house.

Often when I go out there I see all these things that need to be done. I see all the work that needs to be done. What was different this time was that I started sweeping because I wanted to, rather than feeling like I have to.

Here's to being out in Nature!

Day 62: Full Day of Work

Though I, like most others, don't really want to work all day, I have to admit I have it pretty good. I had a full day of work yesterday, four clients, all in need and was at the office until 7pm on a Saturday. I took my forth client last minute and offered to extend my Saturday work day way later than usual, after already having a full day. It was one of those, "Well, because I like you, I will stay late." They are financially strained so I also saw them at 1/2 price.

I was a little worried that I'd feel resentful about working late for half of what I usually make. Lucky for me I absolutely LOVE what I do. By the end of the day I was feeling energized and accomplished and didn't even care about how much money I made by the end of the day.

I heard recently that happiness isn't about

getting more

but

having enough

. When our basic needs are not met, no food, shelter, or comfort, we are very unhappy. But beyond that, there's not much difference in the happiness levels of those who have enough versus those who have a lot. I'm not really sure where in that spectrum I fall, and I really don't care. Not only do I have enough, but I receive absolute joy out of what I do. Combine that with food on my table and a comfy bed and I'm ecstatic.  If I hated my job, I'd want more, but since I don't I can offer my service to those who need and be thankful for what they can give in return. Even if its not full price.

Day 52: Off Work Early

I love my job, pretty sure I've said that before. I can work all day long and still feel great by the end of the day. That being said, it does feel good to be home sooner than expected.

Today was a long day. We started with meeting with my new doula client at 9am this morning. After some office work and lunch I saw two clients pretty much back-to-back. Then I started to get ready for my next client who called right about then to say they couldn't make it. Though I would have loved to work on them, the cancellation was a relief. I got to finish up the office work I didn't get to earlier and even run to the store to get some last minute supplies for my doula bag.

Last minute cancellations are not always a bad thing. Looks like someone gets to put her feet up. Ahhhhh....