My Rocky Mountain Heart

Well, October came and went in the blink of an eye. I really can’t believe it’s already November and that the holidays are just around the corner! As a way to reflect on my life and move forward with intention, I’m trying to keep up with a monthly blog to get clear on my goals and vision for the weeks ahead. 

The two things I am celebrating the most from October are:

1. Taking time for myself. I committed to going to a girls night in downtown Denver to hear Glennon Doyle Melton (author of “Love Warrior”), among others, speak at the ‘Better Together’ event on a Monday night. It was right after our weekend away for our anniversary and I was exhausted! But instead of flaking out as I often do, I kept my commitment and had an amazing time with two of my dearest soul sisters, Valerie and Cindy. I loved hearing the stories of a group of such strong, inspiring and courageous women. I was proud that I sucked it up, threw on a skirt and floppy hat, and got my learning on with my ladies. 

2. Nature. One Saturday, when we were both feeling particularly stressed, we drove out to Silverthorne and spent a day on “the beach” in the sun, laying on the rocks by the water and reading. It was so refreshing to breathe in that crisp clean mountain air and reconnect with myself. 

The two things I am most grateful for from October are:

1. My husband. As of, October 20th, we’ve been married for 9 years. Nine. I’ve not always been the best wife. Nor he the best husband. But what I’m truly proud of is that we have always been willing to look at ourselves, our flaws, our weaknesses, our mistakes….and change, grow…to become stronger together. In this day and age, I think that’s something to celebrate! 

2. Time to unplug in Grand Lake, Colorado with Ryan and the pups. We rented a cozy little cabin on AirBnB and we watched 4 movies, took lots of walks down to the lake, had lots of wine, wrote our anniversary letters to each other, and generally slowed down to just BE. It was truly magical and the perfect reminder that “fancy” is not important to us — only quality time together. 

Anything to release, or let go of, from October speak now: Let go of the guilt! Release it. Life happens. It’s okay to decide to make a change and chase your dreams. You don’t need to feel guilty to be a “good person.”

The lesson I learned and am carrying forward with me from October is: It’s okay to disappear. It’s okay to step away. It’s okay to take what I need from life without explanation. To anyone. And stop apologizing! There is no need to be sorry when you are being yourself while still being mindful of others. 

My intention word(s) for November are: Keep your head where your feet are. 

One thing I aim to do every day in November is: Read. I will take at least 20 minutes to devote to ME through reading personal development books to help keep my mental game positive and strong. 

Because I am brave, here are two new/scary things I will do in November:

1. We will list our house with no plan of where, specifically, we will move to. Yeah, brave. Or stupid? 

2. I will start a new job out at St. Anthony’s Summit Medical Center in Frisco. I will be a PRN (aka as needed) OT throughout ski season and I will be helping injured skiers and boarders get back on their feet. The hospital looks like a lodge and the patient rooms have amazing views of Lake Dillon! I’ve never been so excited to start a new job! 

The one book I definitely want to read/FINISH in November is: “The Universe Has Your Back” by Gabrielle Bernstein.

Just for fun, I will: Try a new workout program this month. Core De Force will be perfect to help me through a very uncertain time in our lives! Who wouldn’t want to punch and kick their way through this election? 

As an act of intentional kindness, I will…Send random snail mail to 3 friends this month. Who doesn’t love a hand written card or a random personalized gift? I hope that I can make someone’s day by sending a little love their way.