5 Principles We Live By
Ways of life to stick to when life gets unpredictable
The last few months have been a whirlwind of traveling, relaxing, and reflecting. 2024 had a rough start for me with vertigo-like symptoms and various puzzling health symptoms that followed. It hasn’t been an easy last few months.
However, I’ve tried to use them as an excuse to slow down. It’s ok to admit to ourselves that maybe we are doing too much sometimes. I tried to be intentional about this time and use it to truly relax. Think of laying on the couch and petting the dogs. Sewing slowly. Reading a long book. Applying red light therapy.
While my routine has changed a lot over the last few months as I tried to find my groove in slowing down, there are a few things that have always remained the same.
These are the principles that I follow no matter what. The ones that are core to a happy and healthy life that is well-lived.
Organic, local, farm-fresh produce
Every Saturday morning we hop in the car and drive to the farm 20 minutes down the road. Along the way, we pass many farm stands overflowing with tomatoes, freshly cut zinnias, and ripe peaches. Most people don’t think of New Jersey as abundant with produce, but it’s never short of locally grown vegetables, fruits, and well-raised meats!
The farm that we frequent, Stone Circle Farm, sits on a few acres of land and has horses, a few greenhouses, a self-built barn, a pollinator’s field, a bee hive (or two), and a berry patch. When we walk inside the quaint wooden barn, we find piles of fruits and vegetables of all shapes and colors. Our favorite finds are fresh-picked raspberries, blackberries, lemon squash, and shishito peppers.
Although it can be more expensive to purchase local, organic food, you support your local community and sustainable farming practices while getting food that you know is safe to put in your body. Plus, seasonal foods that haven’t been shipped halfway around the world tend to be more nutrient-dense!
Daily, outdoor movement
Walking outside, in nature, is a non-negotiable. No matter where we are in the world, we always make sure to get our steps in and enjoy our surroundings. In Jersey, this typically means walking the dogs by the bay, observing the changing tides of the water, or on the beach, sinking our toes into the sand.
Sebastian and I have also begun incorporating running into our weekly exercise routine. We’ve started slow, running anywhere from 3-4 miles once or twice a week. This has allowed our bodies to adapt to the new form of movement while still challenging ourselves with a cardio push.
Running is another great way to force yourself to enjoy the peaceful scenery surrounding you! While in Pennsylvania we ran on a paved trail by the river, canopied by blankets of green. Trails like this were something I never took the time to appreciate as a kid growing up there. Now, I’m grateful for small moments like these.
Surrounding yourself with nature
Simply observing how nature changes around you is a powerful practice that connects you with the Earth. No matter where you are, you can observe something unique. Whether it’s a new bird, a different color shell, or a unique perspective of the sunset, this planet is different in every spot.
This summer I *finally* embarked on a full-moon paddle, something I’ve wanted to do for the last 10 years. I spent the night kayaking around a part of the marsh that I had never visited, enjoying a sunset and moonrise. The full moon lit up the marsh, illuminating the various Osprey nests spread over the landscape.
The time spent kayaking made me even more appreciative of the place I have the privilege of spending my summers. No matter where you are, open your eyes to the beauty and take the moment to really enjoy it.
Disconnected, quality time
Life is meant to be lived. Living your life isn’t spending all hours glued to a screen or device, watching other people live their lives. While it can be easy to get sucked in by technology, it’s important to craft intentional time away from it.
I try to leave my phone at home as much as possible when I go for solo walks, but always leave it at home when walking with someone else or the dogs. There’s no need to have it with me. By bringing it along, you are guaranteed to check it in some capacity. I also leave my phone in the car whenever I spend time on the beach. Again, out of sight out of mind.
When relaxing in nature or spending time with someone else, all your attention should be on that moment or that person. Whether conscious of it or not, your phone will always be in the back of your mind if it is within reach. Leave it at home.
Playing more
Fun shouldn’t stop once you become an adult. Fun is meant for all ages, you just need to be more intentional about it as you grow older. This means planning out fun activities to do with others or with yourself. Instead of the typical eating and drinking, do something you’ve never done before. Create a little healthy competition.
Every summer my family participates in an annual mini golf tournament. We compete against one another for the best score, with the losing team buying ice cream and the winner taking home a trophy. It’s a fun activity that brings us all together each year, even if there’s some smack-talking.
And, if you’re curious, I took home #1 in the tournament, and Sebastian, despite coming in last place, came through just enough for us to win against my parents. We enjoyed a free ice cream cone that night 😉
What’s been your favorite memory this summer? Share with us below 🌞
Madison