Random thoughts from a scattered brain

This is my last week at a salaried job, and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Chaotic. Frenetic. Batshit crazy, if you will.

I’ve got tons to do to wind up my full-time gig, plus a couple big deadlines on the freelance writing front as well.

And it just dawned on me that I have also managed to book myself for both work and social activities every single night this week. Can you say, “overextended?” Shoo. I am exhausted already.

Oh, and have I mentioned that my first week as an entrepreneur, beginning March 11, is jam packed with deadlines and meetings, too?? No rest for the wicked, apparently.

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And one final note: There’s always one week of the month when I literally cannot believe a thing my brain tells me, because it is being assaulted by hormones. Guess what week THIS is?
I know, right? It’s the perfect storm. I’ve already warned those closest to me to stay back 500 feet, or don’t take anything I do or say seriously until the middle of March.

Anyhoo, because I am feeling so scattered, I figured I would just go with it this week and share some random thoughts.

1.) The link between my mental health and my physical health gets stronger every day. I have been taking a Pilates/yoga class at least twice a week for the past eight months, and I love it. But I have noticed that, while it still feels somewhat challenging as I'm huffing and puffing along in class, I don’t feel any burn or soreness afterward. I don’t know about you, but that feeling assures me that my muscles are being tested and subsequently getting stronger. When it's missing, I start to wonder if my workout is really all that effective.

To step up my game, I've looked into running groups, the Cult of Crossfit (you know who you are), and other options. But a workout called Barre, or Pure Barre, appealed to me more than any other because it seemed to be similar to the class I had been taking, just amplified.

I went to my first class this weekend at B Barre Fitness and loved it. The facility looks like a dance studio – a room encircled in mirrors and ballet bars – and the workout itself made me feel strong and graceful at the same time. And the best part? My butt is still sore, two days later.

The only downside is that it’s crazy expensive. I got a deal because I am new, but if I were to join monthly at the regular rate, I would essentially be paying for 3 ½ regular gym memberships. So we’ll see if I can stick with it. Maybe a Groupon will pop up when my intro package runs out. I hope.

2.) One thing I don't like about being single with a nearly grown son is that there is no one around for me to cook for on a regular basis. As a result, I don’t cook much. And I miss it. So I have decided to adopt a few of my single male friends and invite them to dinner on Sundays. I had my sweet friend, Walter, over for my famous BBQ ribs last night, and we both really enjoyed it. He loved the food, and I loved the validation and the company. A true win-win.

Cooking is one area of my life in which I have complete confidence in my abilities. I’m damn good, if I do say so myself. Once word gets out, I’m hoping to have a waiting list. I may even put a sign-up sheet on my front door!

3.) Despite my nutty brain, I am still sane enough to express heartfelt gratitude for all the people with whom I’ve reconnected as a direct result of my new little business venture. I’ve been contacted by tons of people from my past, both from the professional realm as well as the personal. It’s so much fun to get to know them all over again.

A girlfriend who I haven’t talked to since 2001 – because of a rather unpleasant falling out -- is back in my life, albeit peripherally. Baby steps in this case are fine with me. And I just made dinner plans with a guy I haven’t seen in six years who made me laugh hysterically every time we were in the same room together. I can’t remember why I stopped hanging out with him, but it doesn’t matter now. I’m just happy to see him again.

These are just two of 50 examples -- which is so cool. I am a lucky girl. I cannot tell you how rejuvenating it's been to reconnect with so many awesome people. I feel like I’ve been resurrected after a long coma.

As you might be able to tell, my brain is going in a thousand directions as I try to keep all the balls I am juggling in the air. I’m naturally a very organized person, but I’m really struggling to keep it all straight.

I know I won’t be able to sustain this momentum long term, and I don’t intend to. I used to thrive on chaos, but anymore I much prefer balance and good old-fashioned calm.

Once I survive this week and next, I will be on a mission to get back to a place of Zen, no matter what it takes -- active prayer, meditation, extended sleep and maybe even a massage.

I’d appreciate it if you could send some tranquil, positive energy in my direction in the meantime!