Dear Diary

But first, quick story time…I posted my last blog on Wednesday, the 22nd. I try to post a few times a week, but this week had different plans for me. I had an awesome handful of days and then Sunday Funday came around. I have been wanting to try skiing (after a very long hiatus) for a year now. My boyfriend is a good sport and got me all decked out in gear for our day. This was a big fear of mine to face, yet I was excited to give skiing a try again. I’ve had up’s and down’s with back pain and I was feeling good, so it seemed like all the stars were aligned to hit the slopes. We had two short runs and I was feeling a little hesitant, but ready. Then, it was like everything happened so fast yet in slow motion. I wasn’t going very fast at all, my ski just went a slightly different way than my knee. Wah Wah Wahhhhhh…I will spare you the details of the rest of the day, but I needed a ride back down the mountain, there were quite a few tears and a whole lot of pain. Major gratitude for my boyfriend being extremely patient and for taking such good care of me.

I’ve been asking myself all week…what is this trying to teach me, what is the lesson in this crappy situation. This happened on Sunday and it is now Saturday. I’ve had a few rough days and my daughter (who is one year post ACL / Meniscus surgery) said to me ‘it’s OK to be angry and upset at the situation’. She completely validated me. I also felt proud of myself for conquering a fear. It certainly didn’t turn out the way I thought, but I gave it a shot. I’ve heard a huge emphasis on patience and strengthening my body. The patience is inevitable, I don’t have a choice…I have one speed right now (and it isn’t very fast). This is a huge awakening that the older we get, the more strength training we need to do. Message received, this has now climbed my priority chart, for sure. People, strangers even, have been overly kind. One woman asked to shop with me at the store and hold my items, etc. I literally had 4 things to get, but what a generous offer. I’m open to accepting help. Lastly, I’ve been reminded how powerful journaling and reading something positive every morning and night is. For the last handful of nights I’ve been wallowing in my sorrow – no reading or journaling. I journaled last night and again this morning and definitely woke up with a better attitude…still in pain, but a better mindset.

Now that you’ve probably heard more of a story than you wanted to…this brings me to my point. I’ve been keeping two journals for about 3 months now. Don’t get all crazy, I’m not asking you to write a novel, but I would like you to hear me out on this. One journal I keep has daily prompts. I reply to the short prompt and write what I’m grateful for. This will literally take you a handful of minutes – NO rules, permission to write freely about whatever the heck you want. Although, I absolutely recommend writing down what you are grateful for on a daily basis – morning, midday, night…whatever works best for you. Just do it!

My other journal is my manifestation journal. I literally write 2-4 sentences of whatever comes to my mind. I start my entry the exact same every morning…’In divine timing…’. I don’t want to put a time stamp on things, when it is meant to happen it, but it WILL happen. These are my hopes, dreams, aspirations…I literally envision myself living this life. Often times I write in present tense. I’ve had one of my manifestations come to fruition. I truly believe that what I’m writing will be my reality…believing in yourself and your dreams matter!

Journaling can be so powerful and the most beautiful part about it, is you can do it however it fits you best. You can write your life story, write about something funny that happens every day, something kind that you did for someone or that someone did for you, something you are struggling with…whatever you want. This is YOUR journal! Just try it. It’s a nice way to wind down from your day and/or start your day. My routine is about 15-20 minutes in the morning when I first wake up. I write in both journals, read a minimum of 5 minutes from something positive and about a 5 minute guided meditation. How we start and finish our days are SO very important.

You’re in luck. You can get your very own Heal Cook Love journal (pen included) from ME! $15.95 plus shipping – what a deal! Please keep your messages, comments, etc. coming – I love it all! You matter! Please don’t stop dreaming and pursuing the life you desire…fulfilling and peaceful, it’s possible! Permission to buy yourself flowers. My sweet boyfriend bought me flowers last weekend to celebrate my 15-year work anniversary – so thoughtful. I’m working on my menu for the week – that’s coming up next. Oh, and still not sure what’s wrong with my knee, but for now, I’m sitting in the lessons and trying to keep a positive attitude. Much love!