Living through end of term...my survival kit!

Lent term ended today!!!! 

After the horrendously stressful conclusion of Michaelmus term, 

subjecting myself to 'that' 2 more times...seemed cruel. 

But here's the thing, stress usually results from a loss of perspective/ shift in priorities. 

So...my solution was to identify and then do the things that "ground" me daily (and often hourly). 

I my survival kit had to include spiritual, social, emotional and physical goals. So here it is: 

1. Begin each day with scripture study and prayer...no matter how much earlier I'd have to get up. 

2. Go for a run. So...when I have writers block, I run outside (in the rain). Honestly, my best ideas often come during running.  I actually am to the point that the run is a reward! I'm excited to go...no lie! 

3. Because of #2, I have added ice packs to the list. I will definitely be ready for a FULL marathon by the time my thesis is done. 

4. Eat my favourite breakfast (oatmeal)...I actually NEVER get sick of it! And I have ate it every morning this term!! 

5. Dance breaks...and breaks where I actually TALK TO A PERSON! First term I went 3 days....without speaking to anyone at all!!! 

6.  I have to set the environment....with ear plugs (any of my old room mates can attest to this one. I think this term I've spent more time with ear plugs in than out!),  desk light(s), reading glasses, and (this one will seem odd) eye drops. Really I need to go to sleep earlier (that's next's terms big goal, but my eyes are blood shot most of the time). 

Thanks Josie...and Mamma!

7. This one is essential for me...POPCORN. It is my absolute favourite snack. (please note: although I like any type of popcorn...I actually prefer white popcorn....which the UK doesn't have) 

8.  Let/ ask someone to 'rescue' me...haha! When I get an invitation--instead of thinking (instantly) potential word counts per min lost--I try my best to be there for at least some of it. 

9. Make a list of all this things I'm grateful for....and if they are people GO TELL THEM. 

10. As soon as I feel the stress boiling over I start the list up again. REPEAT. 

So I survived. My eyes are still blood shot... I've got some cold sores emerging....my muscles are a bit sore....But it was the best term ever. Tomorrow I'm heading back to Canada for 5 weeks of thesis fieldwork!!!!!

Ohh and love letters to strangers....nothing to report yet....I'm hoping the strangers found them. 

Love letters to strangers....

I am a strong believer in LOVE letters.  I have a serious addiction to stationary....'real' pens...envelopes...cards....and most especially STAMPS. I save these things for the precise moment and the perfect person. Sometimes for years!

It's just so special to know that the writer touched the paper. It's easier to 'hear their voice' when you read the words. Plus, I adore the diction on the individual. The spelling errors and run-on sentences. It's like they're having a conversation. No spell/grammer check. Just the real deal. Sometimes the only way to even partially express gratitude or admiration is in a letter. It comes the closest, I can get to how I actually feel.

I have had many pen pals over the course of my life. Some very frequent. Some occasionally. But if you've ever sent me a letter, I still have it and know exactly where it is. Sometimes I re-read this collection. It's a very interesting type of journal. I learn new things when I read them. I can look back retrospectively and the words often take on more significant meanings.

Here's the thing about letters...they always come at the perfect time. The moment I need a little reminder. A nudge--that the world is full of people with incredible stories-heartache, miracles, business...and that I'm part of there story. That's incredible! And often times, letters remind me of who I really am (or am becoming).  They remind me that separation won't last forever. 

While studying at Cambridge, I have been the recipient of many love letters. They have kept me going....and although my returns are not always prompt...I love sunday afternoons when I sit by my window and write letters....to the people I love in Utah, Ontario, Texas, Alberta, Manitoba, Cambridge and....the strangers.

I sent my sister, Josie this incredible postcard from Paris (for Valentine's day). I love postcard shopping too! I had already picked out and bought 3 postcards for JOSIE. But then I saw this one. It was the winner. But I couldn't get her another one. I walked away....then I had to go back latter in the day and FIND it. Now the incredible miracle of this card. It is exactly the same one Josie sent me....4 years ago when she was in Paris. I didn't remember right then, but my heart did.

Yup so here it is--my challenge. This week is a bit STRESSFUL! Term 2 ends FRIDAY! The library is packed. Thus, I spend basically the whole day and night wearing earplugs. Plus, everyone is grumpy/worried/stressed...So I Cambridge Library Love letters from me...this week! I'll let you know how it goes!