Look for the Positives

I mentioned that looking back made me realize how long the journey has been. And yes, it has been a very long one as we are in month 22 post-hurricane and no, we do not have a house-build completion date yet.  In an attempt to focus on the positive, I did a half-year review (July 1 is the mid-year mark), looking at the accomplishments, the joys, the new experiences.

• I have re-established the routines that bring me joy – cardio drumming, weekly yoga, regular museum dates with hubby, regular live theater excursions, daily crossword puzzles, monthly tarot refection readings, and exploring new restaurants (10 new restaurants so far this year!).  I’m back to seasonal possibility plans, and yes, I still love my lists, even the house mental load one (which has almost 50 items on it).
• I enjoyed researching and creating a “houseplants” presentation, even if I never get to present it!  (But hoping to next season for both of my garden clubs.) And I’ve used my previous research on salt-tolerant plants to help with the new house landscaping design thinking.  I’m looking forward to buying plants again!
• I found support in a weekly resilience discussion group that has helped me find my way back to more self-acceptance and the strength to keep the boundaries I’ve put into place. I’ve also found a number of inspirational FB sites to follow that fill my feed with positivity. Not just doom-scrolling!
• There was forward momentum on the house. We actually moved from cinderblock walls and a cement slab pour (in January) to fully framed, windows in, rough MEP done, and metal-roofed house in June. We have also picked out granite & tile, all the appliances, lighting fixtures, paint colors, and the front door (options to cost out anyway).
• We’ve started purchasing furniture.  I’ve lost count of how many furniture and consignment shops we’ve visited. We have multiple pieces on hold for delivery (at some point), and other pieces in two friend’s garages! With the full second bedroom at the apartment and a full storage unit….no, I have not figured out how we will get everything to the finished house!
• I’ve continued with my 3 monthly book clubs and read a total of 34 books so far this year. Not bad as I’ve been struggling with reading concentration. My favorite book of the year so far is Theo of Golden.
• I’ve accomplished a lot of things (too many?) for my one garden club – teaching craft classes (and learning new crafts myself first!), getting the website running smoothly (almost), managing membership (new member welcome and member renewal), helping with the Flower Show (a 4 full-day event), and working with the various teams on next year’s programing.  
• There were some super fun things this year so far – my absolute favorites were the Florida Aquarium back-stage visit, the Longest Table fundraising dinner, mangrove tunnel kayaking, and a busy family visit for their spring break.
• And yes, I successfully managed through some tough stuff (hubby’s two hospitalizations, multiple house issues, toxic situations, jeep tires) and my on-going mental health recovery. 

It was helpful to look back with an eye on the positives!  Plus, we have timing on house rebuild next steps (attic vent solution and a rescheduled start on stucco & dry wall).  We also had a number of neighborhood gatherings – I have renewed hope for a recovered community feeling.

What’s the best positive experience you have had so far this year?

P.S. Photo is July 4^th fireworks view from a neighbor’s backyard gathering – “front row seats!”

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