Little known fact about me: Thursday is usually the worst day of my week, and it’s caused by extreme exhaustion! You’d think it would be Monday, since that’s always my busiest day, but no, like clockwork, it’s Thursday. This year, I’m focusing on adopting healthier habits. A big part of that is accepting limitations, being honest with myself, and being fully accountable for my behavior. 

Realistically, I know that I need to rest and relax. I need to manage my stress and do a better job with time management. I try, oh boy, do I try! But it needs to be a lifestyle, not just a one or two-month experiment. Based on where I’m currently at, going at a slow pace is the best option. By cramming way too much into Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, there’s nothing left by Thursday (no wonder!).

That’s why I had to do a recharge tonight, alone, focusing on myself! And, no, that’s not being selfish, it’s practicing self care. (It’s taken me thirty-five years to understand the concept.)

In the past, when I’ve needed some quiet time, I’ve done at home spa days. While I LOVE to do that, I couldn’t find the hours right now, so I decided to make a delicious dinner and watch some TV instead. That may sound like nothing special, but for me it was pure heaven.

Doesn’t this vegan stir fry look tasty? I tossed every veggie from the fridge into a pan, added a little lemon juice, garlic, and cilantro, then finished by mixing in some black beans. The effort was minimal and it took less time than heating up a frozen pizza (what I’d normally do).

Entertainment-wise, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the Season 2 premiere of Growing Up McGhee. For those who don’t know them, the McGhee family consists of two very likeable, down to earth parents and their adorable sextuplets. Unlike the other mega families, they don’t pretend to be living in paradise and openly discuss coming from poor, abusive backgrounds. I find it refreshing to see someone actually admit that having six kids all cry, scream, and freak out simultaneously not only happens, it happen a lot.

Did my recharge transform my life? Nope. Did it transform my night? Absolutely! And that is sometimes the best we can hope for.

How do you recharge?