Oh Instagram ... Catch you when July is over. July 5th, follows my favorite day of the year, and is sort of my 1/2 way point, an even better New Years Day!
I have tried (kind of unsuccessfully), in the past to give up Instagram last July. Probably because "I tried". If I was serious I wouldn't try. I would just quietly, firmly ,do it.
I like seeing everyone stories, sometimes it's part of my job, shares events, or messages and it can be inspiring and education if I follow the right things and people.
As much as I talk about how we spend our time, often wishing I had more time to read, see friends, finish projects, we all have time....and I realize how much I spend attached to my phone. So after a trip home to Paso Robles (pronounced Pass (like a football) "Oh" + bulls (like the plural cows with horns) I decided, the day after the 4th of July would be my "fresh start" without Instagram for a while.
In Paso we let go of gold rings and try to hook them to a pole. No joke.
The reality is, we all have very little time to make a life, to be healthy and happy and leave some sort of mark or legacy. Our parents, if all goes naturally, have even less time that we do, so if I can scroll little boxes, maybe I can spend some time doing more important things.
Shortly after we got married in September, my Dad had spinal fusion surgery, and it was complicated, and then 2 more unplanned surgeries, so long story - short, it's been a long road. Now with a walker - big improvement, I wish so much he'd make little efforts each day to get strong, eat healthily, and trust that consistency adds up vs. not doing things until you're ready. No one is very ready, just start. (my two cents).
This is how Paso looks, for miles, it's very pretty rolling hills and lots of grapes - also not quite as cool when I grew up here but awesome place to start life.
On Father's day, I walked with two best friends who don't have the luxury of visiting their Fathers, so... I "get to" go home to visit. It's a new learning curve, and tough when you (think) know what's best for a parent, or friend for that matter, but really it's up to them. Just compassion and time, and maybe live by example - any other tips? I'm all ears.
Just sitting for me is "letting go" and it was awesome. Also said "Do a roller coaster!" This is what they came up with. Not Bad.
Dad - So "letting go", means a lot of things, and sometimes, just letting someone gets to decide for themselves, what they do, what they accept. Can he do it? Of course, but he has to decide - and I hope one day, we aren't walking, with a walker. A walker out is better than in a center, or hospital - Ill take it!
My parents got a little rescue dog - really it rescued them, totally why it's called a "rescue dog" btw. Sissy is about 10 or 11 and so sweet.
Back in San Diego . . .
July 4th - my favorite day of the year, beach, all the red white and blue cuteness, patriatrism, kids, dogs, bbqs, and happy smiles.
Can every day be the 4th of July so these girls come hang out in non-sweaty luon clothes?
He knows fourth of July is my favorite. Shout out to Jason for getting up extra early to save a good beach spot (and maybe prep for a week or so).
Red (wine), white, and blue.
This crew connected in Bali, a special place, so extra special to have them here for the 4th
Any excuse to dress up (Sarah). Tom, In The Back forgot, but never fear, I had a $1.99 bandanna from 7/11 he's rocking! I'm Always Happy When He Makes It!
Spin yes I still drive to La Jolla to do it before work on Tuesday and Thursday because the people are the BEST!
...and everyone who left early contributes $1 to a the dollar fund for gifts and celebrations. Community at 5:45AM. Some call it Spin Class.
Morning of the 4th - Little shakeout in Encinitas, we meet at the kook in our red - white- and blue. No one was out at 7:30 AM and it's so pretty!
Sam, Jenny, Nat, Moi, and a really gorgeous Encinitas low tide
Since Jase usually gets all the xo photos, Jim's turn. J's parent's are real troopers! @kimmel_vineyards big things!
I just LOVE this day. Thanks to friends who joined. I hope you had a festive happy 4th of July too. Kim and Karly - happy happy birthday!
July 5th - halfway-ish through 2018. Letting go of . . .
Working on holidays
Being a speedy runner. sigh.
A few time drainers. The minutes, and hours, I gain back not spent on Instagram this month...I can't wait to see what happens.
Spending too much thought on things I can't change - people I care about. Just be good company, it's their journey.
Real life things I am excited about and not letting go but jumping right in:
A workplace wellness workshop for local companies this week. Companies attending are sharing ideas, learning what's trending and experiencing some local providers. I really love my job - helping companies who care about their employees. My why: to do my best to make your love going to your job and live more "well" as a result.
Two lunchtime corporate talks on ... living your best year. Ironic right? If I'm not doing it, how do I talk about it? It's always evolving I suppose. I'm sure I mention my own social media detox, as well as digital things that are extremely helpful. Meditation, health trackers, podcasts, the list goes on. Yep I do that HERE
July 22nd - Fitbit Local - 3 years and counting. Once a month, we get together and do some sort of awesome community workout. This month, we hike the backside of Mt. Woodson - if in SD, love to see you, it's always FREE - HERE
The book I'm finishing I want to gift woman reading this. It's called The Confidence Code. Take what you want and leave rest. Am I confident? Yes, uh well, sometimes, but no one wants to be not humble right? It was suggested to me a goal-friend (someone I worked with on her goals), who tends to seek out awesome recommendations. I was so excited I sent it to some girlfriends. There is also one for "girls" which boy I wish had at about age 13 to 19.
I'm not finished quite yet. But no Instagram for a while, so time to finish. I know... you can read it and let me know your thoughts (wink).
So, feel free to call, write, email, send me a letter ( I LOVE a good card!) or join me for something fun, like a beach walk - you can take all the stories and photos you'd like, no judgment, July is my "letting go" experiment.
Keeping what works, focused on what's important long-term, and changing what isn't ... happy halfway to your best year yet.
xo