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Snapshot Journal: Spring Is Here
I love that recording just a brief snapshot of what I’ve been up to has been an attainable, rewarding goal. I’ve enjoyed looking back at my previous snapshot posts.
This practice seems especially helpful for those of us with chronic illness who enjoy journaling. I’m finally recovering from a bad ME/CFS flare that sent me to bed for most of five days and then lingered for over two weeks longer, so I wanted to spend some time reflecting on good things.
I hope this post inspires you to create a snapshot journal of your own. Feel free to adjust it to fit your own interests and energy levels.
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Snapshot Journal: What I’m Doing Currently
I’m back with recommendations of books, shows, and more that I’ve been enjoying, along with an update on me.
I took a blogging break for a few months because I received new medical diagnoses and had to have surgery in July. I also went through a time where there was concern that my cancer had recurred, but results from my surgery came back clear, praise God.
I didn’t feel like writing about these challenges at the time. And I also didn’t feel like blogging without addressing them because it felt like I would be denying my reality and the affect it was having on me.
I share this as a reminder that if you have a chronic illness or blog about chronic illness, we don’t have to share things right away. And we don’t have to share everything if it doesn’t feel helpful.
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Snapshot Journal: What I’m Doing Currently
I wanted to try a new kind of blog post where I create a list showing a snapshot of what I’ve been doing lately. I’m recording what I’ve been enjoying to celebrate the little things and practice gratitude.
This list is partly drawn from this blog post by Gillian Parlane about documenting and remembering the little things. I’ve been reading her blog after enjoying her TED Talk: Change Your Closet, Change Your Life.
My snapshot journal is also partly inspired by what I’m learning about neuroplasticity and health.
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Reading List Printables to Keep Track of All Your Books
For everyone who could use help keeping track of books you’re reading, I’ve created reading list printables that will make your reading life more organized.
If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time reading and thinking about books, and it can be a little challenging to keep track of them all. (Books have a known tendency to be a little wild…)
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My Recent Reads – Fairy Tale Edition
I just realized its been over a year since I’ve shared my favorite recent reads with you! To narrow down my picks, I’m excited to share my favorite fairy tales I’ve read so far in 2021.
When it comes to picking books lately, I’m finding myself having trouble concentrating and feeling the weight of decision fatigue. When this happens, I gravitate toward my favorite genre: fantasy.
I keep finding myself coming back to fairy tales or books with elements of fairy tales. I think it’s been a helpful escape with so much going on in the world as well as all the challenges I’m continuing to face with my health. Fairy tale worlds feel both excitingly new and welcomingly familiar.
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My Recent Reads – April 2020 Reading Recommendations
If you’re looking for book recommendations, welcome my fellow bookworms! Now’s the perfect time to get in some reading and discover new books to add to your TBR stack. Here are mini book reviews of some of my favorite recent reads.
This post’s collection includes two of my favorite books I’ve read recently, two that creeped me out more than expected, and two others that I enjoyed for their insightfulness and practicality.
If you’ve been following my blog posts recently, you know how excited I am about spring arriving. I love when the weather starts to get warmer because warm weather helps my health conditions and symptoms ease up a little. It’s been especially nice to get outside while much of the world is staying at home in quarantine.
I’ve been sitting outside, walking around a little bit, and taking photos of flowers that are starting to pop up around the yard. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt, or Easter egg hunt. I kind of feel the same way when I discover a book I love—like I’m the first person to find that particular blossom. So here are the not-so-hidden gems I’m excited about in the literary world. I hope the comfort of curling up with a good book helps you during these crazy times.
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My Reading Goals For 2020
Setting achievable goals has been a helpful tool for me to gain a sense of accomplishment despite chronic illness. It’s a healthy way to push back against the limitations imposed by my health (or lack therefore). Dysautonomia, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and my other conditions may try to stop me, but I’m going to keep learning and pursuing my love for reading!
I really enjoyed setting reading goals for the first time last year, so I’m going to continue to challenge myself again this year. (My natural inclination would be to read a lot of fantasy, historical fiction, and young adult fiction, but I like stretching outside my favorite genres.)
I hope this inspires you to set manageable, fun goals for yourself in the new year. Happy reading!
Here are the reading goals I’m setting for myself this year.
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My Recent Reads – December 2019
Looking for book recommendations? Here are mini reviews of some of my favorite recent reads!
One thing I do love about the colder weather is that it’s the perfect time to curl up with a book. I’m writing this post a couple weeks before Christmas—I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating! In the days after Christmas, I hope you are able to have time to relax, maybe with a new book, or maybe dreaming of a new book you can get with a gift card that appeared under your tree. I know it can be tempting to slip back into hustle and bustle, but I’m reminding myself to pause and slow down, not letting the peace of the Christmas season slip away. I invite you to do the same as the year draws to a close.
(Also, here’s an update on how I did with my reading goals this year, as well as tips for setting your own goals.)
Here are some of the books that I’ve most enjoyed and have recommended to my friends. I hope you enjoy these suggestions!
