I. Work
As noted before, I'm a PhD candidate in literature and folklore (you can check out my academic interests at my professional website if you'd like!) I'm in the final stages of the program, which means that my number one goal is to get as much writing done on my dissertation as I can. I also have several articles/projects/reviews in the works, many of which I did get to work on this summer, but far more that simply have to get done as soon as possible. I'm teaching a new class this fall focused on folklore that I'm quite excited about (though it will potentially mean a bit more work as I develop new lesson plans, etc.) and I'll have one conference in October. I want to knock as much of this stuff as possible so that, aside from ICFA in March, the Spring semester should be as solely focused on dissertation writing as I can manage.II. Exercise
Recommitting to this is particularly important this fall as, after losing nearly 20 pounds this year so far, I've largely stalled this summer in my weight loss goals. I know that "plateaus" are largely myths but I do feel like I need to shake things up in order to get back on the band wagon. I'd like to commit to yoga and belly dancing classes in particular and, hopefully, get back to the walking I was doing regularly (as that was helping a lot and just making me feel so much better overall!) There's a great bike trail near my new home that my boyfriend and I checked out earlier this summer as well that I'd like to go back and explore more too.III. Food & Wellness
Diet really is the biggest part of weight loss and I've certainly slacked a bit in this area recently as well. The biggest thing I think I need to do (for both my health goals AND my finances) is to limit going out to eat. It's not necessary at all and I need to remind myself that I'm perfectly happy eating at home. Good and Cheap, which I've linked to here before, should be helpful as I pursue this I think! I'm also committing myself to taking probiotics with a daily vitamin and upping my fiber intake as well. Sticking with drinking more electrolytes has significantly helped with my chronic headaches to an amazing degree and I'm hopeful that this will help with my equally chronic stomach issues.IV. Spirituality
I want to do more here for sure. I was able to attend a Druid mass at an Irish festival a few weekends ago, for example, and that was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. While it's not entirely my own belief structure, it was still really great to connect in any small way. I'm looking forward to setting up my altar in my new space and dedicating more time to simple expressions of thanks and connection.IV. Art
While I haven't done as much as I wanted to here, I was able to write a bit recently and I am finding a great deal of artistic fulfillment through fashion lately - I've restarted my fashion blog - Dress of Stars (check it out!) - and am also a co-admin for the new group Daily Fae-shion on Facebook, both of which are dedicated to "magic in daily attire" :). Both of these things have been giving me a crazy amount of happiness and inspiration!V. Love and Connection
I remain always desirous of giving, quality time with family, friends, boyfriend, and pets, time for connecting to nature, and time dedicated to myself and my own happiness. Too often such are pushed aside and they are the most important of all.So yes, here's to starting the new semester off right and remaining dedicated :). I hope you are all feeling good and motivated too!!
A Few Good Things I've Been Reading:
