The last few months have been a bit of a blur for me. I’ve been trying to find my feet after some changes that have occurred recently, and it’s been a very slow process. I’m not in any rush, I know these things take time, but it’s comforting when I see a glimmer of progress. I had struggled finding joy in things that I loved, and lately I’m finding that joy.
It’s been a while…since I’ve genuinely enjoyed grocery shopping. Something that has always been one of my favorite things to do was more of a necessity than a want the last few months. I’ve started to feel that excitement again when walking into the markets.
$50 worth of Costco staples.
$15 worth of RANDOM steals! I am a sucker for things on sale.
It’s been a while…since I have enjoyed recreational reading. Lately I’ve been reading a lot of uplifting books about finding peace, and how to be aware of your thoughts, and I finally feel ready to read some books just for fun.
Deal
It’s been a while…since I’ve really enjoyed baking. As you’ve noticed I have been baking a bit lately and I couldn’t be more thrilled. 3 months without baking really catches up to you!
It’s been a while…since I’ve been this excited! Fall is coming..and I am so ready. I have some bittersweet emotions attached to fall, but this is my favorite season and I will continue to make it amazing! Fall makes me excited, and feeling excited feels good.
I don’t even drink beer, but when I saw this I squealed.
THE STORES ARE STARTING TO DECORATE!
It’s been a while…since I have run 10 minute miles. For the last three months ALL of my miles have been in the 9:00 range. I’ve been running for almost two years now and it’s taken me this long to get a bit faster. Those of you that think running happens overnight, let me be the example that sometimes it takes a LOT of work. Keep going!
Life is constantly changing, and if we aren’t ready for it we will be knocked flat on our backs. Always be prepared for change, you never know what will come your way! I’ve discovered that time is very powerful, and time will always see you through.
Q: Has it been a while since you’ve done something you love?
Blissfulbritt 
68 thoughts on “It’s Been a While”
kathy @ vodka and soda
I’m behind on the reading too…I just don’t have the time or the desire. there also haven’t been any good books that have captured me either 😦
and keep running girl! btw, i LOVE your HRM
Brittany
Thank you, I love it too..it’s my trusty steed on all my runs! I have had it for 2 years now and it’s so good to me!! 🙂
Emily
I was in the same grocery store funk! I still kind of am, but hopefully soon that will change. It’s also been a while since I went running but that’s because it is far too brutally hot outside, I don’t want to get heat stroke hah
pickyrunner
I’ve been sucking at reading too lately. I picked up a running book last night though and became hooked. Whoops- I guess I let blogging take over for awhile. My goal is to get back to that before bed. Great job on the running! It’s huge that you’re improving so much and I think it has everything to do with attitude 🙂
Brittany
Oh man, running books are immediate hookers. That sounded off, but you know what I mean haha. I love running books!
spectacuLAUR
It’s been a while since I really enjoyed baking, too, but lately I’ve been bitten by the baking bug. Also, running has made a reappearance in my life so I’m much more hopeful than I have been in a while.
Brittany
I LOVE that you are running again, that makes me SOSOSO happy!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
LOVE! No seriously – I do love that you’re finding that joy again, that little spark that just makes you happy to be alive. I’ve definitely gone through my fair share of down times too, and I couldn’t agree more that seeing a little glimmer of progress is always so uplifting. Here’s to much more than a glimmer in the months to come 🙂
I’ve recently rekindled my love of veggies and healthy foods. I think I went through a bit of a rebellious phase where I basically shunned all things healthy, and I have to admit that it’s VERY nice to be over that and back into finding a balance.
Heather @Pinkaholic Fitness
I know that feeling girly!
I have been going through some health issues recently that has brought me down a bit and has stopped me from enjoying things I love mentally because I’m so concentrated on whats going on instead of fully enjoying the things I love to do!
I think we all go threw it at some level, here and there!
Get back to girly!!! ENjoy life while we can! 🙂
Brittany
I’m sorry to hear about the health stuff, that’s never any fun! 😦 Stay positive and happy!! Sending love your way!
Courtney
Love this idea for a post 🙂 That couscous is really tasty 🙂
allieksmith
Yeah… sometimes adjusting to change takes a long, long time. Like it’s going to take me until the end of the semester until I’m used to be back to school. Haha.. jk.. but not really at all.
Seriously though, I am glad that you’re happier lately! You deserve it 🙂
alexvegginout
This is such an inspiring post!! It’s so nice to see that you’ve been doing lots of enjoying lately! That’s what life is all about! 🙂
It’s been while since I’ve had to study and while it isn’t exactly fun, it’s not as bad as it could be so that’s good right? 😉
And you are so right that running takes loads of time. Every minute is worth it though!!!
Amy
Brittany, you have made an incredible turnaround in a short period of time! That specific life-changing event you mentioned a few months back, well, I generally take almost a year to get over those things and back to normal. You’ve made a speedy recovery if you’re already looking forward to baking, grocery shopping, and reading! So proud of you sweetie — you’re a HUGE inspiration!!
And… I’m the biggest sucker for food deals too. Seriously. I found ice cream for $2.88 yesterday instead of $6.50, and even though I already have a super full freezer (with two half-eaten cartons), I still bought it! A girl can never have too many sweets. 😉
Brittany
Thank you so much Amy, your comments always make me smile!! To be completely fair I must say I am no where near 100% normal, and do still have my moments of “weakness.” It’s just nice to see the light somewhere at the end of that far away tunnel! 🙂 I’m sure in a years time I will be one strong fighting force to be reckoned with!! For now I’ll continue on and take each day at a time!! LOVE YOU!
I would have done the same thing about the ice cream, even if my freezer was already packed..you can NEVER pass up that good of a deal!
Amy
My pleasure Brittany! But really, if you’re only having moments of weakness — not days, or weeks, or months — that’s so close to being back to “normal.” And if you can see light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how far away, that’s a really really big step. So proud of you, sweetie! 🙂
Choc Chip Uru
You are so right my friend – too inspiring – if you keep yourself down, you definitely can’t get back up 😀
Keep running, keep eating and keep being fabulous 😀
Cheers
CCU
sincerelylily
Loovovovovovoe this post. And that you enjoy costco – chaching! Those noodles are the best. Its been a while… since I waxed my eyebrows. I should probably do that. Actually, a girl at work just gave me last week a ‘brow trimmer’ which is just little scissors and a tiny brush. She was like ‘Uhhhh Ive noticed they have been curling.’ I thought it was really sweet. I used them out and over-trimmed in one area and well….. its been a while but I think I need to leave my brows to professionals and not tiny-cute-scissors.
Ja @Ja on the RUN
I love Fall season because of the Fall festivities! 🙂 I’m excited too! 🙂
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
Glad to hear you are enjoying things again!! Well done on the running that is awesome!
Side note that cupcake looks so so good!!
Matt
It has been a while since I’ve spent much time playing guitar. I always mean to play more, but then it seems to rarely happen. I also haven’t been doing as much recreational reading as I’d like lately…most of my reading is disguised as studying for a multi-part professional exam I’m in the process of taking.
Change of Pace
Glad you’re finding joy again in things you used to enjoy!
My husband likes grocery shopping, too. I’ll never understand that one:)
Please do share these recipes you’ve been using to bake!
I love that your runs are going so well! Keep it up, speedy!
We went kayaking this week and haven’t taken it out in a couple years. SO fun!
Sarah @ Feeeding the Brain and Body
It has been awhile since I have enjoyed baking, it has become a chore for me and a lot of the time I only do it because I have to.
Grocery shopping I still enjoy doing though.
I am happy to read that you are starting to find joy in these things again!
cleaneatingveggiegirl
Yay for all things Fall and pumpkin related :).
And don’t you just love those packages of tofu that are split in two? They are perfect for one person!
Brittany
LOVEE the two pack tofu!! I am able to cook one side and split it between two days, and then have an entire other pack for later!! WHOO!
Alex @ therunwithin
change is scary but also very good. I have a hard time finding my groove when change happens but in the end I need to be open to it too. I like these changes I see for you though and I think you are finding the comfort. I wish I had a bj’s near me. I could use that much salsa. I really really could
letsgetupandlive
Reading this post made me so happy for you. Relishing in things and activites you enjoyed a while back and then – for whichever reasons – lost is kind of like experiencing that “first time” excitement again. Sometimes it actually makes me consider purposely laying certain things off only so I can add some of that excitement back in. Maybe that’s odd but … yes.
Mike
Brittany, that is terrific that you’re getting back to the flow of the joy you deserve to have in life. I’m sorry for whereever you “were” before and hopefully you need to back “there”. I’m not a vegan but I do eat really healthy except for one really unhealthy cheat meal a week. I’ve eaten those Amy’s frozen meals and eat the Far East couscous all of the time. Good post, thank you 🙂
Brittany
I have to say I was NOT the biggest fan of that Amy’s meal!! I had high hopes, but it fell short! OWELL it was on sale!! 🙂
Davida @The Healthy Maven
I really love this post! It’s been wayyyy too long since I’ve done so many of the things I loved (basically the same as all of the things you love). Live gets put on hold sometimes….or at least the life that I would be ideally living but I truly believe it’s in those moments were you priorities have shifted, oftentimes to things you would rather not be dealing with that the magic happens i.e. growth. It also makes you appreciate those moments when you can do the things you love to do. It’s been awhile since I’ve food prepped or cooked anything for that matter and it’s not looking like it will happen this week. That’s ok, I intend to be back with a vengeance next week 😉
Brittany
You have said all of these things so perfectly, especially the part about growth. It’s so very true that in the hardest of times we grow the most!! I should be at least 10ft tall by now. 😉
Britta
I hate change, but change is GOOD 🙂 So in retrospect and after the fact, I love change! I am so happy you are finding excitement and joy in things again, heck, you even inspire me to do that more often. You know you’re on the right track when you find happiness in the little things again. You’re like a little beacon of light in my life. Such a positive person 🙂 The pasta you picked up at costco is my favourite – soooooo good. ugh, I love costco and when you find items on sale that usually cost an arm and a leg. Also, THAT CUPCAKE gets me every time. You cut it soo beautifully that I just want to squish it into my face.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I sang it before and I’ll sing it again. Your bringing Brittney back. Them other brothers don’t know how to act.
I’m thrilled your mojo is returning, and it absolutely shows in your posts and in your attitude. I got you girlfriend. Lets also make #diningsolo a thing, ok?
Brittany
YES! I love that idea!! #diningsolo is so happening!
Luv What You Do
Welcome back! It’s great to hear that you are finding the bright side! It’s been way to long since I’ve had a day in the kitchen and I got that today! It’s also been too long since I’ve followed a clean diet! On another note, I’ve heard that Central Waters has an amazing OctoberFest that I am looking forward to trying! Hope you had a great long weekend!
Elizabeth
I just want to hug you right now!!
It’s been awhile since I went for a long run……….I miss it! Gonna make that happen soon! 🙂
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Positive changes!! Autumn is gonna be YOUR season.
An Unrefined Vegan
Nice.
Alisha's Appetite
So I just did some back-tracking on your blog (creeping?) to catch up on your life since I had my own personal meltdown and stopped reading blogs ….and just want you to know (after finally understanding things that are happening in your life) that I am so sorry of everything you’re going through. Life can be really mean sometimes, right? All I know is that the minute you start to feel better and see a small light at the end of the tunnel is when things slowly get better. And they will. So, so, SO glad that you’re getting the urge to do the things that used to bring you happiness. Grocery shopping is definitely one of them! (especially for us bloggers). Here’s to a new, FRESH season. (NOW I understand why you’re so pumped for fall. I am too now!) HUGS!
Brittany
Aww thank you so much for this comment, it made my morning!!
sugarcoatedsheridan
You know, I get this but in a totally different way…I’m 13 weeks pregnant and EVERYTHING that I loved (AND I MEAN EVERYTHING) I hate now. Hot showers hurt me, I can’t run because my girls are already so big that I would cry from the pain, I can just now stomach coffee again, Almonds seriously make me gag, and anything that smells weird at all has gone in my garbage from soap, to milk, to shoes.
Now that I am FINALLY through my first trimester, I am finally starting to enjoy some things again. It’s a long hard road no matter what has made you NOT enjoy things the way you used to, to get back to enjoying them again. GOOD FOR YOU!!
Rach @ This Italian Family
I’m so glad that you are seeing those glimmers, sweet friend. I am glad joy is finding its way back to you. You are my sweet Blissful Britt and I love that about you. Like you said, these things take time and that’s totally normal, but I am so glad you are finding your footing and seeing yourself again. Love you, friend!
Also… we should probably never go shopping together. I’m a huge sucker for a sale (especially a food sale with something that catches my eye). I’m notorious for buying food on sale that I never would have bought otherwise, haha! I just think it’s fun to try new things out. Especially in the health-nut aisle! 😀
Brittany
The health-nut aisle is dangerous when there are sales…my basket will all of a sudden be full..HA!
Melissa @ Al Forno Mementos
I haven’t grocery shopped in so long. I give my mum a list of goodies I want and she comes home with it. I baked the last few days!! some made me unhappy. wasn’t up to par. wahh. I hope you had a great labor day weekend! 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities
FALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!! It has been a WHILE since I have celebrated THANKSGIVING and I think every weekend in November I am going to be celebrating. SOOOO STOKED to put on 15 pounds that month! LOL!!!! Worth EVERY SINGLE OUNCE. Wanna come celebrate with me one weekend?!?!?!?!!!!?
Brittany
YES, YES, YEEESSS! We can eat buttnutt squash all day! I’ll bring one as a housewarming gift!
ahellams
I of course am on the fall train with you. I had pumpkin oatmeal for breakfast!! I am holding out on my pumpkin spice latte until after my race Sunday!!
I am so glad you are starting to get back to living. I really hated to see you so bummed (to put it lightly).
If you ever need a book recommendation, I am always reading something. Currently the newest Dan Brown and it is AWESOME (though a little scary)!!
Brittany
Ohh good to know! Thank you! That PSL will taste so much sweeter after having run your race! Good idea to wait.
laurenlehocky
I’m totally with you on the Fall thing. I’m so sick of constantly pushing it back saying “no it’s too early!” because you know what? no matter when you start celebrating the autumn whether it goes by too quickly anyway. So pumpkin spice lattes on August 31st? Come at me!
Meghan @ fitnesscrEATures
Good grief I just adore everything about you and your writing and your blog and just you! I am glad that you are going back to baking and running and reading for pleasure… Those are all great stress relievers for so many different reasons. I, unfortunately, HATE grocery shopping for countless reasons but I’m glad you’re enjoying it again! Your Costco staples look amazing.
When I’m in Seattle I will come over and you can bake for me.
But really, baked goods…. 🙂 Happy day, beautiful blissful Britt!
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen
You know, I’m excited about fall too. I think the flavors and fashion are getting me pumped! 🙂
makingthymeforhealth
I rarely enjoy grocery shopping because life is just so busy and it feels like it takes up a lot of time. But it can be fun sometimes.
I also am bad about making time to read but I’ve been sticking to a routine of reading every night before bed for the last few weeks and I love it. It’s so relaxing and the perfect way to end the day!
Brittany
Reading before bed is amazing!! Plus it helps make me that much sleepier! 🙂
Katherine
I hate the feeling of living life day to day and to just ‘get through the week’. I let the end of summer become a blur instead of trying to find joy in the little things. I went to Walmart the other day with my Mom and had an amazing time! We probably spent 2 hours there buying loads of fruits, fresh veggies, nuts, and simply browsing the shelves and joking around! I love that you’re finding joy! Life’s too amazing to not notice all the joy! 🙂
pjsassifras
I just love your blog. You have a way of reminding me to take pleasure in the little things. I always leave feeling like I just had a pep talk. Thanks for writing and sharing! 🙂
Brittany
D’aaawwww you make me smile!! 🙂
Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani)
Yes, yes and YES! Life is constantly changing and we need to make the most of every day and take pleasure in the little things as much as we would do with the little things. It’s been a while since I went for a yoga class but I know I would feel so much better even after one class…at least my muscles would be grateful :)!
itsthecookiemonster
im so glad to hear that you’re getting back into a good groove. I definitely feel where youre coming from, for the past months everything felt like a chore for me, i lost passion in EVERYTHING, even baking.
whenever you get knocked down again, just remember that it’s meant to happen sometimes so that you can pick yourself back up and put yourself together again 🙂
Brittany
YES! I love that last sentence, so true! You are wise beyond your years my friend!
jessielovestorun
My darling – I am so happy to hear things are finally getting back to how they were months ago. You truly deserve to be happy in all areas of your life. Everyone will go thru that rough patch in their life, but in the end – you determine the final outcome. Stay strong & keep going girl ❤
Katy @ iFuckingLoveFitness
I love grocery shopping too! When I’m bored, sometimes I’ll drag my BF to the grocery store and just browse. 😛
Christine @ Gotta Eat Green
I love to grocery shop! It is one of my favourite activities.. and I love finding a good deal! I’m so happy fall is here!!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
Mmmm fall beers, definitely looking forward to that! I never thought I would utter such words, as I used to just really NOT like beer. I’m not the biggest fan now, but it’s growing on me and I’m enjoying trying new kinds
Both baking and grocery shipping give me a peace of mind, albeit temporary, but still…. those few minutes or couple of hours are helpful
I hope you bounce back 100% from whatever threw you for a loop m’dear!
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
YAY Pumpkin time!! I thought of you when I saw the signs that Starbucks Pumpkin yum is back. Fall means winter means wedding! I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to Fall this much. Though it was sooo cold this morning that I was reminded that I am not a huge cold fan. Oops.
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
YAY Pumpkin time!! I thought of you when I saw the signs that Starbucks Pumpkin yum is back. Fall means winter means wedding! I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to Fall this much. Though it was sooo cold this morning that I was reminded that I am not a huge cold fan. Oops.
kadeecramer
I’m glad you are feeling better! It’s hard not to with fall approaching!
Love that your running is still going so well. I’m so ready to get back outside and run since it’s cooling down 😀
Meredith
I love that last quote about change…bookmarked that one for sure 🙂
It’s been awhile since I’ve done any recreational reading or baking, too. It’s so calming whenever I do it either of those things, so I need to make a mental note to set aside time more often. So glad to hear you are doing things you enjoy 🙂
Miss. Zoe
Its been a while since Ive done anything other than work! Ah… just finally catching up!