Halfway through October.

We made it. We made it to Friday. What a week it has been!

Hello, my name is Jackie and I live in Seattle, WA.

This year has been full of changes for me; quitting my job, moving to Mexico, moving back to Washington State to get my heart broken, and accepting a challenging position that has questioned my skills and strengths. But in the midst of all the crazy changes that have happened in my life this year, I have found joyful moments spending time with my family and friends and enjoying the small and peaceful moments.

Working from home has it perks, but it also has it downsides. For me this meant struggling to maintain a well work-life balance, and this week I found myself working past 5pm.

This morning I was ready with my cup of coffee and pan dulce ready to start my day, but by noon I was feeling a little stressed out, and I knew that if I didn’t step away from my computer, I would struggle through the rest of the day. Now, I am aware of how important it is to take care of yourself, but I was really struggling this week. And let’s be honest, sometimes we really just forget and have to force ourselves to take some time out of the day to breathe.

It’s getting colder in the PNW, and today was the perfect day for a nice walk. I’m the type of person who enjoys listening to music or a podcast when going for a walk/run. Unfortunately for me, I had forgotten my headphones at my uncles home the past weekend and haven’t had the chance or desire to go out and get new ones, so today it was just me and the sounds of the wind and birds.

It was what I needed. This walk was a great reminder that even though life has it’s stressful moments, life is still good. If we look and hear closely we can find beautiful things to be happy and calm about.

For me, it was finding gratitude in living in a quiet neighborhood where I can peacefully walk without interruptions, and stop to enjoy the clouds and feel the crisp windy air of Fall.