Thursday, September 5, 2013

Finding Comfort and Peace

Well, the tone of this blog has been rather serious lately, which I suppose is to be expected given all that is going on in my life.  Since I have been going through a difficult time, I have tried to focus on little things that I can do for myself that bring me comfort and peace.

Here are a couple of things that have brightened my days lately.


I had a massage last weekend at a resort in the Charlotte area and decided to take advantage of my access to the resort facilities.  I sat poolside, read, sipped a fun cocktail, and pretended I was on vacation.

Some far-away friends sent me an amazing care package full of Paris-themed goodies and this coffee mug, which is my new favorite mug for my morning coffee ritual.

The scent of my Anthropologie french cade and lavender candle is so soothing.

Oh how I love the library. Not pictured:  the many books I am also borrowing on my nook.

Mmmm...  roasted spaghetti squash with a little marinara makes my tummy happy. I don't think I will be buying GF pasta anymore as this is my preferred vessel for pasta sauces!

Pumpkin Spice Lattes, how I adore you.
This post was focused on physical creature comforts; if I was living in Minneapolis around friends and family, the list would include time with family, hugs from my nephews, and evenings spent with my best girlfriends, etc...  but I am sort of lacking on the 'human contact' side of comfort and peace right now since I live so far from home so for how I guess these 'creature comforts' will fill that void.

What are some things that bring you a sense of comfort and peace?

21 comments:

Marlys said...

It is good to count your blessings! I think that care package you received was so wonderful! The cup and candle are perfect! We are sending hugs to you daily, along with thoughts & prayers! The beads have been clinking!;)

Nora said...

I have to say, chatting with you on Sunday? Did me a world of good. I've been feeling kind of lonely lately (as ridiculous as that sounds) so it was great to see your face and hear your voice. I miss you lots!

Last night my brother initiated facetime with me so I could see his new house. I nearly cried with joy when I saw his face on the screen (sappy big sister, I know). It's really the little things that make days better! xo

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

That's so nice that you could combine a massage with pool time. And, I like that you're still able to find snippets of comfort and peace despite living so far away from your support network. Also, I love spaghetti squash ... I made a really yummy recipe with it last year, but cannot remember it ... now I'm going to have to find it!

Linda said...

i'm glad you're finding moments of comfort and peace!

I love cuddling Bob the dog. I also enjoy reading before leaving for work. When both the dog and bf are asleep and it's just me the morning light from the windows. eating breakfast and enjoying a good read.

J and A said...

All such great things. So glad you are concentrating on all the positives. You massage and pool time sounds wonderful!! :)

J and A said...

All such great things. So glad you are concentrating on all the positives. You massage and pool time sounds wonderful!! :)

Leigh said...

So glad to hear that you took some time for yourself to get the massage and relax by the pool side. Sometimes that's just what the body and mind need! :)

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

Your poolside day sounds just perfect. I love that you can use the resorts other amenities while getting your massage there. We don't have anything like that here, but we do have an Aveda salon, which has a few extra perks when you get a service there (herbal tea, dark chocolate and a foot soak or fancy shower afterward). These days I've been craving more lattes, sweats and spa services, but am sort of waiting for it to feel like fall. :)

Amanda said...

You know, I became a big proponent of self-care in the past year but it has completely fallen by the wayside in the past month. I need to take some time and focus on those things that lift me up. I love that all your library books are red!

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

I love all your little comfort and peace :) especially the poolside reading! totally would make me feel like I was on vacation! obviously i love the mug too! I think it makes sense to rely on "things" when people cannot be there, thats why we send things when we want to help someone and are too far away to just stop by!

Becky said...

I love all these things! I too have been about creature comforts lately which has been re-discovering my love for the crock pot!

Shoshanah said...

I had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte today! Just as delicious as I remember from last year.

Amber said...

Oh yes all of those things would make my days a lot brighter too. Reading pool side, good books, delicious meals and of course pumpkin spice - what's not to love!

I'm glad you've been enjoying lifes little comforts lately - you deserve it!

Charis Faith said...

That's awesome that you took a mini vacation!!! Your pasta looked awesome!!! I'm so sorry my life is so ridiculous and I don't see you as often as I would like :(

Stephany said...

Pool days are always so restorative for me. A good book, some sunshine, and a dip in the water? My happy place. I'm glad you're finding moments of happiness in the midst of everything. I hear you on human contact side of comfort. I'm finding myself very lonely at my new job and made lunch plans with my old coworkers that I am SO excited about. I'm used to gabbing all day so it's been a hard adjustment. (Job itself is good, just wish I had a friend or two!)

Jeanie said...

Looks wonderful. Let me know how the Beth Hoffman book is -- I really loved "CeeCee Honeycutt..."

I'm glad you got the good relax and downtime. The massage and all that followed sounds heavenly!

I love Lizzie's purring (pet-and-a-purr is our ritual), Rick's bread, a good book... so much more. Sending hugs!

Abby said...

I love this post! It's the simple things that get us through some of the toughest times, I believe!

So a little hint.....if you ever are craving the warmth and nostalgia of a PSL, but don't feel like spending $5.50 on one (I think that's the going rate these days). Order a coffee with 4 pumps of the pumpkin flavoring. And spruce it up with some skim milk and cinnamon. It isn't quite as good, but still delicious! (Sometimes the barrista gets annoyed b/c I think they can see my motives...)

I love that coffee cup! And those anthropology candles are amazing!! I love the one you sent me!


Caroline said...

I've heard good things about spaghetti squash, I need to look into making this. I'm glad you're finding some moments of comfort and peace!

Linda said...

Great post, thank you so much for sharing. Things that bring me peace: taking walks in nature, doing my blog posts, listening to nature sounds (birds chirping, ocean waves, etc.)

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

I loved this post!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I am glad that there are things, whether creature comforts or not, that are giving you comfort and peace! You have always been great at seeing the bright side of things. Also, did you know that all of your books are pink/red? Did you do that on purpose?

Some things lately that have brought me comfort are: picking veggies from the garden, visiting family, some new running friends, brunch (!!), a clean house and a fridge full of yummy food!