Here we are! We’re officially through Maycember!

We’ve survived one of the most stealth hectic months of the year. Which means it’s almost time for the bliss and utter chaos of summer vacation at least here in the U.S.

Maycember is a warm-weather December without presents (good and bad simultaneously) and longer days (used to love, now my kids never want to go to sleep). Extra parties, extra texts, extra mom things-to-remember (like mud shoes and 2 water bottles and special snacks).

Plus, if you’ve been with me a while, you’ll remember that we are living in our home during a mold remediation and pretty big renovation. Today’s overstimulation is courtesy of…roofers and barking dogs.

We also just celebrated Owen’s 13th birthday and our 14th wedding anniversary.

ALL GOOD THINGS and I’m grateful.

But as you know when things get overwhelming I double down on my stress relief and self-care, otherwise I burn out.

May was heavy on light entertainment, which is sometimes exactly what your emotional wellbeing needs. Here’s what’s been the best, so far.

What I’m loving in may

Laughter Therapy

Last weekend we went to the Nate Bargatze comedy show with one of my favorite friends and I laughed until I cried. This much I know: a room full of laughing, happy people is exactly what the world needs. Nate has a Netflix show if you could use some laughter therapy.

Focus Booster

I joined this online co-working/focus group and I’m loving it. Momming and running a coaching practice requires focus but I strongly prefer shiny objects. I do 1-2 sessions/per day and it’s training me in ways that extend beyond the session, too. I’m in week 3 and still with it which says everything.🤣

Chelsea Flower Show

One day let’s all go in person but in the meantime check out @thebrightblooms for gorgeous pics and inspiration when you need a little escape.

Pretend Book Club

It’s nearly summer reading for grown ups time! But in the meantime, I’m reading Same Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub and just finished Happy Place by the luminous Emily Henry. Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld totally wowed me. Peter Attia also has a new longevity book, Outlive, that I will read soon but haven’t yet because, well, Maycember. Fun fact: despite being anti for years, last summer I converted to a Kindle after hearing about it on Tracy Otsouka’s brilliant podcast, ADHD for Smart Ass Women, and have never looked back!

Queen Charlotte

No commentary required! Possibly my favorite Bridgerton yet and just so beautiful.

Tuneup Fitness:

I still do my FasterWay workouts at home because I like that they are short and strength-focused but have been craving something fresh. Lately I’m *hyperfocused* on Jill Miller’s work as a way to help with things I manage daily: stress, breathing and neck/trap pain. Here is a great podcast featuring her that offers instant inspiration for taking care of your beautiful body at any stage, not just menopause, Breathe Your Way to Better Menopausal Health. Jill had me at her tagline: “My body thinks in feels.” YES.

Detoxing

Now that my home is mold-free (all the praise hands!) I’m working with some mold experts on getting it out of my body. Last time I tested myself I had several varieties of black mold in my system causing all manner of un-fun symptoms. We found several water leaks throughout my home. I have a full protocol, which is both wonderful and super boring, but something that helps me get rid of the mold and feel more alert in the afternoon is GI Detox. It’s a physical binder, so it shouldn’t be taken with other supps or meds, and it can cause side effects (like constipation!), so check with your practitioner if you’re considering. But it’s just what I need around 3 pm.

The funniest part of Maycember is that now we head to…June. I’ll tell you what I tell my clients every year at this time:

Be gentle with yourself. Don’t shoot for the stars and hope for the moon! Think small. Pick a dandelion or take some breaths. Make mint water. Go to bed at 8:15.Take care of you a little every day.

How are you managing it all? Please share your tips and tricks with me at honor@honorhawkins.com. Hearing from you is such a joy booster and a great way to learn what you want and need most.

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HSP Diaries: The “Maycember” Thriving List