Oh hi. I wasn’t gone long was I? Truth be told I can be a bit impetuous when I get emotional and my last post declaring a blog break was just that. I don’t feel like three weeks was long, and possibly not worthy of a declaration, however it allowed me to fully step away with ease.
I missed this space which was a nice refresher for me. This outlet keeps me somewhat whole in the times I feel like I’m falling apart. Which has been the story of my life lately. The exciting thing is that these times of our lives are completely normal, and learning to be comfortable during the times of discomfort is amazingly freeing.
The weather has been hit or miss in my parts lately, but I still try to get outside as much as I can. Fresh air is like an instant serotonin boost and LAWD knows I need sum-o-dat. Walking has been soothing for me lately, and while I’ve had a couple runs here and there I find that what my body is truly craving is slow paced, stress-less walking.
Also jogging.
I think I’m officially a believer of the jog.
I’m not fully adjusted to the lifestyle change that comes with an autoimmune disease. The scaling back of physical activities to honor my fatigue is something I mentally struggled with for a while. As with all sudden changes this can take time, but I’m getting there each day. Moving is moving amirite?
I’ve also slowly but surely been trying to find my way back to a mostly plant based diet. At this point I believe a lot of my struggles around what my body can and cannot handle is more mental than physical. At the end of the day I’m mentally conflicted over just about everything so I might as well ethically feel good, HA! I am putting my focus onto healing my mental state rather than worrying so much.
Worry is an emotion reserved for those who don’t trust.
I trust. I trust God, I trust my body, I trust my intuition, and I trust my life is falling into place just how it was meant to. I also trust the sun will come out sooner or later here. We’ve had a few previews and oh boy, o berto am I excited. 🙂
I spent 10 days last week with my first client Emma, the catalyst to my pet sitting adventures. She is also one of the only clients I continue to stay with because I realized pet sitting (specifically dogs) was a huge stress addition for me.
My mom tells me I will be a good mother one day because I’m very attentive to the pets in my life, but with that comes added stress. Unfortunately for her I still don’t want kids. “OH Brittany, you’ll want them when you’re older!” I’m 28…not getting any younger here. Still don’t want crawling drool producers, sorry mom.
Also, I really like referring to these animals as my clients. #sidehustle
I was happy to pull back the reins on this side hustle for less stress in my life. I do like staying with Emma though, she is easy and she and I have a bond that started with her ability to produce a RBF much like mine.
I very much enjoy the company of Emma’s mom, and I think this is also why I continue to stay with her. I don’t have many people in my life that make me feel refreshed after we speak, but this woman makes me feel so happy inside. She has a solid 45 years on me, but she’s good people. I flock towards the older crowd, I’m told I have an old soul.
So where am I going with this post? The moral of my story is to continue to be at peace with myself. Continue to trust my body, trust my mind, be gentle with my mind, and be gentle with my progress. Autoimmune diseases are a fickle beast and I’m certain mine was thrown into acceleration because of stress, so continuing to stress about little things will only make matters worse.
This means giving my mind a hug at times with muffins. Paired this one with a cup of coffee and a walk in the rain.
An added benefit of walking more is that I am more aware of the ground. When I run I mostly focus on not dying so it’s harder for me to notice shiny objects on the ground. Walking allows me to pay attention to my surroundings. This attention brings me more money. One year I found over $10 on the ground.
A penny isn’t just a penny when you find 250 of them.
That’s almost enough to buy me another muffin. We’re making moves people, we’re making moves.
Q: Do you pick up spare change when you see it? I know some of you do…you know who you are. #soulmates
Blissfulbritt 
67 thoughts on “Since You’ve Been Gone”
SincerelyLily
OMGAWD. Glad you are back and I have been walking SO OOOOO MUCH MORE. YES. Easy to spot change and it is almost… more soothing than running b/c you have a chance to take in your surroundings and not be focused on pace, or anything. I love it. We shall walk when I visit (I’ll be in full waddle mode).
I love that you are realizing some things stress you out and it isn’t worth it (pet sitting). also, no worries if you don’t want kiddos. that is what your crazy friends are for and you can get snippets. 😉
Why do all your pictures make me want to move immediately to your side of the continent? Also, you leave soon for your trip OMGAWD. Also, trusting yourself, your body and choices is uber important. Keep that in the center of your day and you are golden.
Side note – I just ate a pb and j on parmesan olive pepper bread and it was actually not gross, but looked gross. Things are getting weird Brittany.
Brittany
LILY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU’RE one of my favorite humans ever. Your comments bring me so much joy, I only wish I could comment on YOUR BLOG POSTS COUGH COUGH! You may need an outlet when you’re home and away from work. I’M JUST SAYIN.
If you move here, Cory could work in Seattle at some fancy engineering place and you could work at the library and I can come be your nanny. I’ll show your child the wonders of Washington and then happily give back at the end of the day HAHA!
Also, that food combo. HAHAA.
SincerelyLily
I think you are right… I feel like I should be blogging so much with this whole pregnancy experience. Might have to revamp some sort of writing outlet…
You would be the best nanny. Our kid would eat all the greens and learn how to poop like a champ.
Brittany
😂 I mean no body hates a good poop…just sayin!
Her Lost Mango
Glad you are back. I hope you are feeling better. My Italy trip is now up on the blog with tons of colorful photos. Hope to cheer you up. Have a nice day! XOXO http://herlostmango.com
Brittany
Loved the post. Makes my wanderlusty soul sing!
Her Lost Mango
Aw! Thank you! I just posted my $50 giftcard giveaway! Omg! Hope you can join! I’m so excited for everyone! XOXO http://herlostmango.com/
Kajsa's and Cecilia's world.
I love that Kelly Clarkson song!
Brittany
Totally knew what you meant, HA!
Kajsa's and Cecilia's world.
The “Since you`ve been gone” song.
Brittany
Me too, me too!! 🙂
Angela
I missed you missy!!!!! Glad you’re back and continuing to work on you! I pick up coins because When i was a kid i was told it was lucky “find a penny pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck”
Brittany
Thank you, it’s good to be back ❤ hell yes pick those pennies up!
rootchopper
Once found $140 on the street in front of my house. Hope you can top that.
Really, really good (really!) to have you back. Woot!
Brittany
OMggg you win. That’s amazing.
rootchopper
Here’s what I did with it: https://wordpress.com/post/rootchopper.wordpress.com/20383
midnightmagician
Hi! I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award:
https://midnightmagician.wordpress.com/2017/04/03/one-lovely-blog-award/
Of course there’s absolutely no pressure that you have to do it:)
Have a lovely day!
Brittany
How kind! Thank you! ❤
danaelizabethx
YAY! I’m so glad ur back to blogging! 🙂
GIRRLLL – I feel like u are so much like me – I also don’t want kids – don’t ever let anyone pressure u about that (family or not) – u know. I feel it’s a mature decision to realize that – I know so many people who have kids just because they think that’s what they have to do and then they regret it – it’s sad. I hope u can find some sort of balance for ur diet too – I know what you mean w/ all that – I try to go vegan and then I get really sick so I start adding in a bit of cheese, but I’m addicted to cheese so then I keep chowing down on it and get sick from that – it’s hard. And we are both total animal people for sure so we don’t want to hurt them.
The pics in this post are UNREAL! U have such a great eye for photography!!
Brittany
Oh I have NO problem saying NO KIDS. No one will ever pressure me into that. HAHA. I feel no remorse, it’s MY LIFE. Very passionate about that clearly. LOLOL.
I tried eating cheese a few times, and made sure to buy raw local cheeses for ethical sourcing and OHH MY did it make me feel like hell. So, that eliminated that real quick HAHA.
Thank you, I LOVE taking photos. 🙂 ❤
danaelizabethx
Haha- good for u- I was just hoping ppl don’t say anything rude about it- I have had some pretty nasty comments thrown my way because I don’t want to have kids when I feel like it’s really no one else’s business. I’ve been called names and told some really harsh things- so hoping I didn’t come across wrong in my comment!!! Glad u have such a strong personality!! 🙂 that’s one of the things I LOVE about ur blog!!
Brittany
My goodness, that’s terrible!! I am so sorry people can be so nasty. Keep staying true to you, you’re the only one to live your life! Thank you. ❤
davegon
Ha! I’ve totally done the exact same thing. It’s gotten to a point where I don’t dare make any announcements on things I want to do, like how often I’m going to post. Glad to see you back, but no pressure.
Brittany
Totally, I usually don’t. Smart move! No pressure at all. 🙂
Angie
It’s good to have you back. I love your posts and pictures. Didn’t realize it was 3 weeks. Time sure flies. You must be preparing for your Ireland trip soon?
Brittany
YES!! It’s getting closer by the day, and I get more and more excited. May 23 is the day we take off. It’s going to be here before I know it! ❤
Angie
Nice! I’m excited for you! You’ll love it.
Amy
Embarrassing confession… When I saw your “RBF,” my mind immediate thought, “round bottom flask.” You can take the girl out of chemistry, but you can’t take the chemistry out of the girl! 🤓🙈 I SO agree with the mental side of our food issues!! I started reading more contemplative books around the beginning of February (I think I’m mentioned this before 😆🙊), and it’s had a huge, basically monumental impact on some of my gut’s functions. (Read between the lines there so I don’t have to reveal TMI! 😉) Some of Eckhart Tolle’s books have been the most powerful for me, especially “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth.” Just wanted to mention them in case you were interested in helping/diving further into that mental side of our issues! ♡
Brittany
OMG I laughed out loud at your RBF comment. You are adorable.
LOVE The Power of Now. My current read that I’m almost done with is called “Falling in Love With Where You Are” by Jeff Foster. Also reading multiple meditation based books. So great. We’re totally on the same brain wave here. ❤ Glad to hear some of your gut problems are clearing up. Totally know what you're saying there. 😉
Amy
Oooh thanks for the book recommendation!! I just finished one and started rereading another… Aka I could definitely use a new title! 😉
Ellie
I have almost gotten hit by a car because I ran in the middle of the street chasing a shiny coin. It’s like a little beacon of good luck 😉
Brittany
Hahaha I’ve so done the same. 😂
Pingback: Elizabeth and Brittany – A Few Spokes Shy of a Wheel
GiGi Eats Celebrities
I have to song SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE in my head now, however, that song does NOT hold true for how I feel about you when “you’re gone” (IE: MIA for like 1 hour out of a day – LMFAO)… Cause when “you’ve been gone”… I CANT BREATHE as opposed to Kelly being ABLE to breathe in her song. I can’t breathe because you’re like my other lung! hahahaha! I NEEDDDDD YOU!
Brittany
Bahahaha not whole without each otherrrrr. Never really gone cause I’m ALWAYS HEERREE. Until I go to Ireland then I’ll be “here and there” kinda here. LOLLL.
Anthony
Thanks for the post Britt. It may have only been three weeks since I last read your words…..but it seemed so much longer. I am also glad you are feeling better and finding your way through it all.
Brittany
Thank you for reading, it did feel like longer.
Kayse
That foggy picture, holy cats and dogs, amazing. It sounds like you’re in a place of really focusing hard on self care. And that makes me happpyyyy. Self care rules.
Brittany
Yasssss it’s a MUST!
evolvewithmary
Blogging is an interesting thing. I love it but it takes a lot of work and responsibility. First thing in the morning I read all my favorite blogs and leave a few fun comments, then I have to record a video or write post, then editing takes over an hour. Blogging can become a full-time job and when you’re not getting paid it can get overwhelming. I always support a little blog hiatus when possible. Everyone needs a break every now and again right Brittany. Having an autoimmune disease is hard to get used to but I believe in you, you will find your groove again. I always knew I wanted kids one day but I’ve never been in a rush to have them. Now that I’m 34 those little suckers are everywhere and I’ll admit I’m ALMOST ready for a little drool producer. did I say Almost? lol
Brittany
AHH you feel the pull towards the crawling side! HA, I suppose with everything our bodies tell us when it’s time! I don’t make videos for my blog so it’s a bit more low key, but I can imagine how time sucking that would be!
Rach
Welcome back! I’m glad your break was a refresher even if it was shorter than you anticipated.
Also, considering that I treat my dog like I human, I love that you call the pets your “clients.” 🙂
Brittany
They are like tiny humans! Any kids I want will be with fur. Haha.
Melanie
I’m so glad you’re taking time to de-stress, unwind and simplify things a bit. Life is so crazy and demanding! I have to remind myself all the time to slow down and cut things from my life. I went on a slow run the other day and loved it. It was so refreshing and I just enjoyed running, er jogging. Ha ha.
BTW, I never really loved to kids or babies until I had my own. And I never really wanted any until I found the man of my dreams first. Sooooo…you never know!
Brittany
YOU KNOW, I do have the thoughts that when I find Mr. Right PERHAPS my thoughts will change about kids. BUT if they don’t I’m ok with that too. HA.
An Unrefined Vegan
I’m happy to see you back. Believe me, I empathize w/ the whole taking-a-break thing, but I knew that I would miss reading about what was happening with you. So – – yay!
Brittany
Yay! I just need to purge my mind man, this space is the best. 😉
P
I love hearing about your spare change stories! I’ll never forget the time I found a $20 bill before my 22nd birthday!!
Brittany
THAT is the best. I’ve not yet found more than $1 bill at a time, but I know my time is coming. HAHA.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Ahhh it brings my soul joy to read a post from you. Also, I’m glad you’re sticking with your original pussy (I mean client). You two have an unbreakable bond.
I like jogging. I’m quite content with that. Walking too. It gives you time to stop and smell the roses or pick up loose change if you’re Britt. 😉
You do you.
Brittany
Omg I’m dying. That pussy and I, inseparable. ALL the change. Gotta fund my plane tickets and things.
Becca
I just love all your posts. 🙂
Brittany
Thank you, that makes me smile.! 🙂
Allie Zottola
I know what you mean about being an old soul. I feel like I often love talking to people who are much, much older than me. It’s a neat connection. And having people in your life who leave you feeling refreshed instead of drained is the bestttt.
Also, yay for (some) side hustling but not being too stressed. Emma is a cutie!
Brittany
Emma is a boss. She makes me laugh!
dave379
Glad you’re back and continuing to feel your way. And yes to keeping moving and trusting 🙂 And yes also, if I happen to see a coin or coins, I’ll usually stop to get them. Every but helps.
Brittany
YES! Those coins add up.
Jessica
Always pick up small change and you best believe it goes right into my wallet!
Brittany
Atta girl!! That stuff adds up!
Heather
With Instagram and all, I think I tend to not miss people as much when blogging doesn’t occur. I empathize with you about having to slow down and listen to your body. Not that you can really compare trying to get pregnant with autoimmune issues, but the toll it takes when you go through infertility plays mental games and the lifestyle/body changes can be rough.
Of course I stop… #allthechange
Brittany
Each body adventure had it’s own unique “fun times.” I still admire you for doing what you had to in order to get pregnant, that’s no easy mental feat. You know I was talking about you when I said “you know who you are.” HAAA.
Heather
I was hoping that was me… a little shout out. Love it. Also, we are going through that crap again. We got lucky with Kara and got preggers on the first round… I’m on round 4 now. UUGGHHH
Brittany
Oh man. Praying for you guys! ❤
stateeats
Oh hiiiiiiiiiiiye- missed you Britt. That kitty Emma sure is a looker. Yes I pick up change, even the pennies. My kids kind of laugh at me but hey, as a mom you get used to that. -Kat
Brittany
I’m used to people laughing at me too, and I’m not a mom. HA!
omobtomtom
welcome back!! I hope life is less stressful for you moving forward 🙂
Brittany
Thank you! The future is bright!