Overcoming the gray

It never ceases to amaze me how much can affect our mood.

Weather. Food. Life events. Environment. Routine.

I woke up the other day in a state of gray. No energy or excitement for the day. I hadn't gotten a lot of sleep the night before, but as a mother of three with a nursling still, that is something I am used to.

I didn't start my day with my usual routine. I skipped parts. I struggled. I hid in the mindlessness of social media more than I may care to admit.

Finally, I stole away to workout. To reclaim at least part of my skipped routine. I had my Energize, I pressed play and I sweated out the negative. While I gave myself permission to feel everything that was coming to the surface, I also gave myself permission to let go of it.

I chose positivity over helplessness. I chose calm over productive. I chose myself over the void.

That day I snuggled the kids closer and more often. I breathed in their youth and love. I made time for things that would bring me peace and a moment of joy.

It's not easy to make the choice when the void is close, but I want to live with intention and purpose. I want to control the life I live, and I won't let the gray control me.

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