This past week Monica has been sick, which has meant for longer nights and more tired days. Sleep deprivation is my downfall. Somehow, when I am overly tired, my patience is zapped, my self-control abysmal and my frustration levels through the roof!

It is on weeks like these that I might add a little sweetener to my coffee, allow myself to S-L-O-W down, and spend more time on tasks I enjoy/are a little easier. This week that has been gift-wrapping and gift-searching online.

I hope your week has been less tired than mine. But in any case, I’m sharing a few things that have helped to lift my spirits.

What has been resonating with me recently:

• having a more structured approach to home-keeping helps prevent decision fatigue.
• prepping for Christmas now will make for a more peaceful Advent.
• it’s a lot easier to see the fruit of your labor when working with your hands. This makes tasks like baking bread, cleaning, and even ironing more satisfactory.
• the more you do something the more you crave it. (this can be very good or not good at all).
• there is a creative solution to almost any problem.

Where I’ve been finding encouragement:

• this video by Fr. Gregory Pine. I do love him. Found what he said both challenging and inspiring.
• love love loved this interview with George Farmer (people on social media are probably tired of hearing me talk about it).
• this beautiful prayer.
• Married and a House! Love her content, it is very inspiring.
• This quote:
  “If you wish to have a greater effect on those around you for the glory of God, then be holy yourselves. This is the only way this will come about. I hope my words will not fall upon deaf ears of the mothers who need them, for they have the greatest influence in their homes in regard to morality. Use this influence to further the cause of purity and holiness, and not only will your families be blessed by God but all who are around you.”
  — The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood

Things I’m excited about:

• making my own PSL: I mix cinnamon, pumpkin spice, ginger, and black pepper to taste with my coffee grounds inside my French press. Proceed as normal and add a dash of maple syrup if desired. Stole the idea from Catholic Girl Wellness.
• gifts!!!
• this movie is coming to Jax next month, love Mother Teresa!
• Trader Joes came out with a ginger drink…it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
• making sourdough bread!!! (wow, so good).
• Stephen and I are starting the Marian consecration today to finish on our wedding anniversary—the presentation of Mary. Can’t wait to see the fruit that this brings.

That’s it for me. Would love to hear what you’re excited about 🙂

— miranda