Hey Muses! 
Happy Almost November (This is getting out so late!😲)
 
This month, I've been thinking deeply about work (our occupation) and finding joy in it. A few weeks ago, I took an afterwork walk with a friend who struggles to take time off because they'll come back so far behind.
And I wanted to say, okay…but what about you and your needs? That matters and needs to be prioritized. But, that's me being a bit dismissive and unhelpful because work boundaries can be difficult to set and speaking up and advocating for yourself at work can be especially challenging. My statement would have done nothing except minimize their struggles. 
 
So many of us are at this stage of "adulting" when it just feels like too much. Yes, it's our job(s), but it's also hanging with friends, trying to be “healthy” and whatever that means, maintaining a healthy relationships, getting enough sleep and so much more.   
 
There's so much to do. All. The. Time.
 
You need to find balance, but what does that mean? Can you actually achieve balance or is it another overused wellness term that been thrown around and watered down? On the interwebs, there are many different definitions of balance as it relates to wellness, but a good exercise for you is to think about creating your own definition of what balance looks and feel like now, because it will change- things are reprioritized, shifts occur, things within and out of your control happen. Still, what's important to you in life and how do you make sure you are feeling yourself… your mind, body + spirit. How might you achieve balance when your plate is constantly loaded? What can you offload? When's your next break?
 
It's hard. I feel like I never have it all the way together, but on days when I wake up and complete my morning routine- that helps. Balance will look and feel different for each of us-work to find yours.
 
♥️xo,
Jordan
 

   Squash Season
 
Did you think I'm into 
pumpkin season?? Not over
here. I don't get the PSL 
hype, and if you don't know 
what PSL means, good!
🎃 SQUASH SEASON 🎃
Before we hop into squash talk- is a pumpkin a squash?? 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️ Okay, let's move on. In grocery stores everywhere, there are all types of squash available: acorn, butternut, spaghetti, honey nut and many others.  Generally, squashes are high in vitamins and minerals. Today I'll be focusing on butternut squash and its benefits: 
  • Good source of fiber
  • High in antioxidants
  • Good source of vitamin C
  • Low Calories, high carbs and high fiber
  • Tasty
There's more than enough butternut squash recipes floating around this time of year! The recipes below look amazing and have great reviews. I haven't made any yet, but squash season is young and I plan to make them all. If you have a squash recipe you enjoy, send it my way.

 
 Wellness Corner 
 
Environmental Wellness: Most of us are in the Mid-Atlantic and the North East and we are seeing the fall foliage. *FINALLY* I'm trying to sneak in a hike soon. Maybe you'll get out before me.
Social Wellness: “Friendship changes shape in adulthood. They don’t warn you about that.” This is something that takes up too much space my mind. I'm happy I'm not alone thinking about it.
Emotional Wellness: When women push their feelings down and cast their needs aside, their health suffers.” This is a line from a Times article titled Self-Silencing Is Making Women Sick.” Would love your thoughts on it, friends, It's a relatable read for many of us.
Spiritual Wellness: Last year I bought a devotional journal “100 Days of Believing Bigger” but never felt the time was right to begin. About a month ago, I begin completing it on weekdays and it's been a wonderful addition to my morning routine with timely themes and prompts. 
Occupational Wellness: I came across a creative partnership with Storm Reid (actress and student at USC) and Apple. They've created a virtual study session using the Pomodora method (25 mins of work then a 5 minute break.) It's the perfect way to zone out and get stuff done. 
Wellness Practice: I love a good jigsaw puzzle and need to buy another since I've completed every one I have at home. Here's my next buy. Even when a puzzle is difficult, it's a calming activity and I tend to have a lower phone screen time when a puzzle is out. 
Physical Wellness: Surprising to many folks, my goal is to get to the gym at most twice per week for 30-45mins. I love to move, and will continue to tell anyone that listens, find what you enjoy and move your body that way. I enjoy everything so….help!
 
Remember:
Wellness includes physical, occupational, social, financial, mental/emotional, spiritual and creative health. It's all about balance!
🏆
That's your wellness corner!

I will try to get back here mid-month- but I say this every month. 😆
 Have a great few weeks. 
Jordan
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