Just yesterday I celebrated 33 years on this Earth with a day with my favorite person at my favorite place in Michigan. We spent the day doing things that fulfill and feed our souls.
Surprisingly, those things were mundane to anyone looking on the outside. But to us, they are the things and actions that have the most meaning to our true selves. A spiritual practice doesn’t have to be frills, mystic, and candles, it can be as simple as the ritual of tea, the ritual of coffee, or the pilgrimage to your favorite book store. It can even be as mundane as going to the grocery store for nourishing foods. Let your spirituality practice speak to you.
Last year on this day I shared the 32 Spiritual Lessons I’ve Learned In 32 Years, and this year I want to share the things that I’ve learned this past year.
33 things I’ve learned this year…
1. Hydrate or die. Got a headache? You’re probably dehydrated, drink some water.
2. But don’t get water logged! Use a moisture meter for your plants. It was the single best gift I received the past year. Although growing up on a farm, I didn’t retain my green thumb. Hi, I’m Jenny, I’m a chronic over waterer and under waterer of plants.
3. Speaking of plants, layer different flower bulbs for multi season awesomeness.
4. Plant seeds, physically, metaphorically and in your journal.
5. Your cats wont give a damn about fresh catnip after you introduce them to the holy grail… Catgrass.
6. Cats will destroy your plants…. Elevate those plants whenever possible.
7. When on the minimalism journey, it’s SO much more satisfying to use up what you have instead of throwing everything in the trash in the beginning.
8. Low poo vs no poo. Its possible to train your scalp to go two weeks between washes without getting dry, flaky, OR greasy, AND stay looking fresh and perfect.
9. I love shampoo bars and conditioner bars. I’m never going back to conventional shamps & conds.
10. Dr Bronners is the bomb! Its my face wash, body wash, hand soap, dish soap, and in a pinch shampoo. Next I’m going to try it out as laundry detergent.
11. Speaking of body wash, there is no reason for a loofah poof… Your hands and body wash will get your body clean just fine.
12. And speaking of washing your body… switching to just washing your pits & bits will significantly, and I mean SIGNIFICANTLY, reduce your dry skin. In my case it eliminated most of my dry skin, we’re talking 85-90% of it.
13. Lets talk about dry skin. Hey Mom, thanks for the driest fairest skin on the planet! No amount of lotion or oil makes my skin hydrated. A pinch of shea butter has been the only thing that keeps my skin hydrated. After switching to the pits & bits method, the only dry skin I have is my arms and shins.
14. Wear sunscreen… Even in the shade if you’re going to be outside all day.
15. Your body is yours to experiment with and adorn how ever you choose, never conform to beauty standards unless they make you feel beautiful on the inside and the outside.
16. Eating vegan or vegetarian doesn’t have to be an ethical choice, it can be a health choice, and there is nothing wrong with that.
17. Make decisions that are right for you, not everyone else.
18. We are all looking for connection and meaning on our own paths in life.
19. Meditative practices are incredibly important. Meditation on a cushion, coloring, paint by numbers, cross stitch, washing the dishes, yoga, hiking.
20. Passsifying yourself does nothing for you. Turn off the tv and do.
21. Don’t be ashamed of anything about yourself or your life. You are right where you are on your path for a reason.
22. Medication can be life saving. Talk with your doctor about everything to make sure its the right decision for you at that point in time.
23. Hearing… If you’re young and have hearing aids, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed. No one treats you differently or talks louder to you when they find out that you have hearing aids. Most of the time, no one notices unless YOU point it out.
24. How to retain what you read… Read along with an audio book or use the app pocket to have it read to you.
25. Creative outlets can be found everywhere. Painting, interior design, graphic design, sketching, journaling, organizing, even in minimalism.
26. Go on more picnics & get yourself a backpack cooler.
27. Live without regret.
28. Some days you just can’t adult.
29. Beach erosion will ruin your day. #climatechangeisreal
30. Local, craft goods are so worth the money & good conversation with the owner.
31. Cider is a Virtue.
32. Give yourself room to breathe in all aspects of your life. When eating, eat slowly and breathe, don’t mindlessly gorge yourself. Let your home breathe with open windows as often as you can. Decorate your home with space, so that your most favorite pieces can breathe and not get lost in the visual clutter.
33. Be a maker. Make things with your hands. Cook, write, garden, cross stitch, craft, massage. Make things with your hands and make all things with love.