Finding Joy, Setting Boundaries, and Rediscovering Old Passions: A weekend of Lessons

Hi friends, if you’re new here, welcome!

I’ve been on a wellness journey since September, carving out little ways to bring more joy, balance, and intention into my everyday life. Each week, I share snippets from my journey, the wins, the lessons, and sometimes the messy in-betweens with the hope that it inspires you to create your own pockets of joy too.

This weekend has been a whirlwind, so many updates, I almost don’t know where to begin. I originally thought I’d just share a quick check-in on my wellness journey, but life always has a way of adding extra chapters to the story.

My Wellness Journey: Little Pockets of Joy

I started my wellness journey in September, and it’s been especially meaningful for me. One thing I’ve been practising is finding “pockets of joy” in everyday life. This week, for example, I journaled about three things I’m grateful for in this moment. It’s simple but grounding.

Week 2 – Finding Rhythm

This week, I’m focusing on settling into a nourishing flow and connecting with myself daily. Here’s my plan if you’d like to join in:

Daily Practices:

• Read one Psalm slowly and reflect.

• Put on music you love & dance for 5 minutes.

• Write one poem line or journal sentence, no pressure.

• Take a 20-minute walk in fresh air.

• Cook or eat something nourishing.

• Journal: What made me smile today?

• Enjoy a phone-free evening, no scrolling, just rest. (Amen to this!!!!)

Weekly Reflection:

• Note which activity brought you the most joy.

• Adjust the next week’s plan to include more of what you loved.

Sometimes it’s the smallest practices that create the deepest sense of balance.

A Dinner Out (That Didn’t Quite Go to Plan)

This weekend also reminded me of the challenges of parenting a child with allergies. I decided to take my favourite boys out for dinner at a restaurant that had been recommended by friends, many of whom had visited and spoken highly of it. I thought I’d give it a try, as I wanted a nice evening out with the boys. So, off we went.

As always, I had my son’s EpiPens with me (I never leave home without them), and he also wears his allergy wristband. Even with all the precautions I take, this time the only thing he could eat at the restaurant was marshmallows, because they couldn’t guarantee there wouldn’t be cross-contamination.

So, lesson learned: if you or your child has allergies, always call ahead to check if a restaurant is suitable before heading there. Even if it’s recommended, it’s worth double-checking. It might save you a frustrating evening.

The Free Services Myth

Another highlight of my weekend was reflecting on how some friends and family expect free services just because they know you.

For context: I’m an event planner. I didn’t stumble into it; I trained for it, invested in courses, and built my business. Yet, some people still think they’re entitled to free planning just because we share blood or friendship.

Here’s the thing: I do sometimes offer free services, but that’s on my terms and out of generosity not obligation. For example, I’ve made it my tradition to plan my nieces’ and nephews’ first birthdays for free, but beyond those special cases, my work deserves respect, and that includes being paid for it.

So here’s a gentle PSA to anyone reading: support your friends’ businesses just as you would support any other profession.

Back to Bible Study

On a brighter note, I returned to something I’ve deeply missed: Bible study teaching. I’ve always been active in church media, but teaching has a special place in my heart. This weekend, I attended my first review session, and it felt like coming home. If you know me, you know I love to talk (a lot!), so teaching feels natural and fulfilling.

Finally

That’s my weekend in a nutshell: wellness practices, parenting lessons, business boundaries, and spiritual renewal. Life is full, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes joyful, sometimes both at once. But I’m learning to lean into the little joys and keep growing.

Now I’d love to hear from you: How was your weekend? What’s one lesson or pocket of joy you found over the past few days? Share it in the comments. Let’s learn from and encourage each other.