After a summer of having the kids home and being on the road for a few weeks, it was apparent that I was OUT OF SHAPE. Yes, there have been walks at the beach and around the neighborhood, some casual swims and hikes, but that just doesn’t cut it anymore. I got the kids back to school, closed out a part-time job, and I finally went back to the gym this week. But, boy, it is amazing how quickly you can lose ground when you don’t stay at it. Yikes.

I could say the same about writing.

Just like the treadmill, if you get off it for too long, it can be a little painful getting back on.

I’d sit down to write, pull up my site, and stare for a while. I may start an intro or do some research and then promptly shut the laptop after little progress.

It’s not like I am without inspiration. I visited the Willamette Valley this summer and am enamored. I’ve sampled some lovely wines lately. There are exciting things going on in Texas wine. And yet….crickets.

The beginning of the school year started a little rocky, there are some medical things going on in my family. The Hurricanes, the fires out west, and more bad news reports than I can absorb make focusing on wine and writing feel trite.

But it is times like this that we need to be mindful of self-care. Take care of my physical health by hitting the gym releases stress and endorphins and makes me a better mom. Self-care can also look like taking the time to clear my head of distractions, sit with my thoughts, and focus on things that bring joy.

Anytime I restart a fitness regimen, things feel a little creaky and sore. My form is wanting and I hobble here and there. I expect a little creaking and hobbling on here as well as I get back in the groove. But just as I never regret a workout, I have a feeling that once I get going on here again, the intrinsic rewards will follow. Thanks for your patience while I get back in shape.