Set Backs Lead to Opportunitites

A few weeks ago I was so excited to be kicking off another soccer season with my co-ed team. I made it through the first half  and was having a blast. I went up top for the second half and was ready to go for a header off a corner kick. I saw the ball coming and right as I  went up... all of a sudden I was on the ground in a RIDICULOUS amount of pain. It literally felt like someone hit me in the ribs with a hammer. The worst part? The guy (yes a man) stood over me and said something to the effect of "She's fine, just got the wind knocked out of her." REALLY?

Eventually I picked myself up (gingerly) and walked off the field. I was almost positive at that point that I had broken something. I managed to drive myself to my boyfriend's house and then home. He is absolutely wonderful and went out and bought me pain medicine. It was a rough night. I got X-rays done the next day and sure enough I had broken at least one rib.

I am a very active person - I love working out and going to the gym and playing sports. Courtesy of my ribs I haven't been able to exercise for about a month and I must say I am going a bit crazy. I hadn't really realized how much relief I get from working out. It is something that I excel at and really just genuinely enjoy. Now I have had to branch out and find other outlets for stress management.

Having to lie down and take it easy has actually led to my reading more! Yay! Thank goodness. In high school I literally was reading about 5 - 6 books a week. I just adore reading. Not everything I read is particularly deep or note worthy but I just love to escape for a while.

For the past month I have been using my spending money on books! To the point where I actually had to go out and buy a new bookcase! Though I admit, I have been needing one for quite some time. I had books stacked two deep AND piled more on top! I separated my books into deeper/ nicer books and trashy romance novels (hey- who doesn't love a good sappy love-story when you are stressed out?)

Left: More sophisticated books on a shelf in my living room and my beautiful Kate Spade clutch on the top shelf

Right: Romance novels/kid books/ fun books and important things from my childhood. This case is in my bedroom

I know my book shelves are not the most fashionable, but I love them. I have never been someone who has dreamed of the perfectly pristine house. I keep my house clean but well lived in and inviting. I want to be comfortable and happy and looking at my book shelves makes me feel just that!

I am thankful for this time. I am forced to slow down and as a result I have been thinking, reading and even writing more lately. It's nice to tap back into that side of myself. I will of course pick back up on my exercise regiment as soon as I am physically able to, but I have high hopes of keeping up my renewed interest in reading/writing/dreaming!