Nadine J Walters – My Life

Question for myself today: Where the hell have you been?

Answer:
More than just a little absent—let’s call the last week completely lost! I haven’t posted in seven days, and it’s time to get back into the rhythm because this habit is such a good one.

That said, I haven’t been idle. The Staycation Art Retreat is alive and well. I’ve been indulging in long, uninterrupted hours of making art and honestly, I feel more rested and relaxed than I have in a very long time.

One big life update: I officially quit teaching yoga last Tuesday. It was a surprisingly simple decision on the surface, but it had been quietly tugging at the back of my mind for a while. The thought of teaching kept picking at me. While there were moments I convinced myself I was loving it—that I was doing something meaningful for others—I also felt a little worn down by the pressure to be perpetually upbeat and inspiring.

And to be honest, I was starting to feel old. So, I made the call to step away, and I stand by it. No regrets.

So, what am I doing with all this newfound time? Still keeping busy—just differently. I’ve started longer morning walks, getting out early to beat the triple-digit heat. I’ve also added a new ritual to my routine: cold plunges. I thought I’d hate it, but I love, love, love it. I start with red light therapy, follow it with a hot sauna, then plunge into the cold, repeating the cycle. It’s become my new favorite way to start the day.

On top of that: a weekly massage, a pedicure this week, some changes to my eating habits, and the simple pleasure of a good glass of wine in the evening. And yes, plenty of art-making, which continues to be the best kind of therapy.

Life is good. Andy is asleep at my feet, the sun is shining, and I’m soaking in the present moment.

I may have gone quiet for a bit, but I’m back—and more myself than I’ve been in a long time.