The Final April Love 2017

I have to admit that I was a bit grumpy last week and I can’t exactly put my finger on the reason. I have a few ideas, but honestly, it was a bit strange. I was so inspired and energized in my workouts and nutrition (Pro tip: it’s OK to admit when something isn’t working and make adjustments as necessary), but other than that, I was just feeling a bit stuck and uninspired. I was finding some past stressors bubbling back up to the surface and as I drove home from work on Thursday, I couldn’t help but cry and ask the Universe for guidance. I took it easy on myself Thursday night and actually climbed into bed around 7:30, shutting off the lights to try and sleep before it was even 8pm.

I get that a bedtime that early may sound nuts, but it was definitely needed. I woke up right before my alarm Friday morning and while there was still a bit of leftover crabby hanging around, I felt loads better and started getting hit with some inspiration, ideas and guidance, which was just what I needed.

I spent my weekend back in Illinois again as I had a trunk load of (more) stuff to contribute to my parent’s garage sale this upcoming weekend. While I was home, I helped my mom price items, set up tables, start setting things up, and even went through a few boxes in my closet. It was productive and as always, nice to get away even for 36 hours.

When I got back to town Sunday afternoon, I did the usual grocery shopping, meal prep, and a little 5k run. I can’t say the run was easy but I can tell you that it has been so nice to pick up my workouts again and they’ve been feeling really good on my body, so fingers crossed that stays around!

This was also the last week of the April Love challenge I was doing, so let’s get to those final photos:

MON 4/24:Reflection

So I was pretty horrible at taking pics of my clothes last week but most of it was NEW (to me)! When I was home for Easter, I got to raid my grandma’s clothes and was so surprised and excited by all of the new pieces that fit me perfectly. As cheesy as it sounds, it felt like grandma bought the clothes for me and I could just feel how excited she would have been to know I got a little shopping spree from her old stuff (some still with tags)! Thanks, Grandma. ✨😘

A post shared by Katie Arnold Lifestyle Blogger (@iamkatiearnold) on Apr 24, 2017 at 2:11pm PDT

TUES 4/25: Adornment

One of the mantras I often use in meditation is “I have the power to change my life.” For me, it’s a great reminder that if something isn’t working (whether that be personally, professionally, with my health, or in my relationships), I have the power to do something about it. I don’t need to fall victim to my own limiting beliefs, instead I can change them! #aprillove2017

A post shared by Katie Arnold Lifestyle Blogger (@iamkatiearnold) on Apr 25, 2017 at 2:48am PDT

WED 4/26: Water

Are you staying hydrated today? Here’s your reminder to drink up! #aprillove2017

A post shared by Katie Arnold Lifestyle Blogger (@iamkatiearnold) on Apr 26, 2017 at 9:25am PDT

THURS 4/27: I Love…

Growing up, I always loved when my mom would read the Little House On the Prairie books to my sister and I. It’s been years since I’ve read them so now I’m going back through to read one at a time. ‘Farmer Boy’ isn’t Laura’s story, but her husband Almonso’s but I have to read it anyway! 📚📖📚📖📚📖 For every image submitted to the campaign, Social Native will donate $5 (up to $5k) to Jumpstart #readconnectsucceed, #woyc17 @jumpstartkids1

A post shared by Katie Arnold Lifestyle Blogger (@iamkatiearnold) on Apr 27, 2017 at 10:55am PDT

FRI 4/28: Doorway

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” -Audrey Hepburn ❤️✨🌸 #aprillove2017

A post shared by Katie Arnold Lifestyle Blogger (@iamkatiearnold) on Apr 28, 2017 at 11:42am PDT

SAT 4/29: Serenity

Just taking a little time to breathe.

SUN 4/30: Thank you for…

Thank you for the flowers that catch my attention on an early morning walk. Thank you for the weekends with family, albeit always too short. Thank you for the jobs that help me pay my bills and live a beautifully abundant life (even if it doesn’t always feel like it). Thank you for the friends and family and community around me to support my dreams and heart-felt work. Thank you for helping me find a healthy and active lifestyle which has proven to mean more to me than I could imagine. Thank you Universe for it all. #aprillove2017

A post shared by Katie Arnold Lifestyle Blogger (@iamkatiearnold) on Apr 30, 2017 at 3:11pm PDT

Overall, I really enjoyed doing this challenge. I always find a self-imposed obligation to post everyday, but I was happy that I allowed myself a day off here and there where it just felt right or I didn’t get around to posting.

How was your weekend? What did you do?