a dietitian’s approach for finding joy in difficult seasons of life

TL;DR: Life feels so heavy sometimes. So heavy you might wonder, what's the point of carrying it all? I encourage you to remember the joy you can find with yourself, with your people, and in your day-to-day. The glimmers count.

an unexpected poem

At least that's what I'll call the conversation I had with my partner this week following the presidential debate. The vibes? Well... they weren't great. 

He wanted to hang out, and I expressed a general malaise mixed with disappointment, frustration, and grief. "I just don't want to do anything."

When I explained why, his response was unexpectedly poetic: "I understand that. And, this is what we've got right now. We've got us. No matter what else is happening, we can have joy in our moments together." Dang, Caleb 🥹

I appreciated this both/and reminder, and I thought you might, too. Things can be really difficult in your life, at your job, with your health, in the world, etc. ... and also, the little moments can still glow:

🥨 a pre-workout carb that energized an amazing workout

🥪 a lunch that you felt so proud to prep 

🍍 a perfectly ripe piece of fruit on a hot, humid day

🫶🏼 a goofy giggle fit with a friend or coworker

🌸 a vibrant flower that caught your eye on a morning walk

🌈 a part of your day that felt pretty alright

I tell you this constantly, and I'm sure you're sick of hearing it: the little things are the big things. 

I mean that with nutrition, with movement, with body image [more on that below], and honestly, with pretty much everything else. 

I find that some of our nutrition clients meet us at some of the most challenging parts of their lives -- after a frustrating doctor visit, during a chaotic time with work, while experiencing peak body image frustration, and more. 

And, I totally get why: it can feel like if you can at least take care of yourself, it's something. If you can do the little things for yourself, there's a glimmer. 

You're worth the extra 15 seconds it takes to put a string cheese and a nectarine in your bag, after all. 

Sending you my best energy. Remember the little things. Sometimes, that's the best bit o' joy we've got.

Looking for more support nourishing your body? Apply for Inside Out.

For more individualized support, our team offers 1:1 coaching. Learn more and apply.