Happy Labor Day! I hope you have some time to rest and relax today no matter what your plans hold. We are home in the midwest this week with my family in Indianapolis and then Nick’s family in the Chicago area and are soaking it up. Below are just 5 of my most recent and random thoughts!
1. Favorite Snack Lately –> Cookie Dough Balls
I made a double batch of these cookie dough balls and they are the bomb. Even though I love dates, making energy balls with them can be expensive and a pain in the butt. I love that this recipe doesn’t involve dates. Sometimes it’s nice not to pit dates, clean up the sticky mess, and shell out the cash. I store them in the freezer and they last for days/weeks/months.
When you feel like ED recovery won’t be “worth it”
It’s really hard to imagine what living without your eating disorder will be like. If recovery means weight gain and tolerating a bigger body, recovery might seem all the more “not worth it.” In the thick of an eating disorder, cognitive function is often compromised due to inadequate nutrition so it’s very difficult to separate rational from irrational thoughts. Recovering has so many unknowns, the eating disorder is familiar. While there is so much uncertainty with recovery and more certainty and familiarity with the eating disorder that doesn’t mean uncertainty is bad and familiarity is good. With your eating disorder, you know the quality of life you are able to lead. It’s not good. You can’t live a meaningful, fulfilling life and also live in your eating disorder. But recovery, while scary and unknown, there so many positive possibilities.
While it’s hard to grasp exactly what recovery will look and feel like, and while the process of recovery is hard and painful and you will want to quit, and while it might feel like it is getting worse before it gets better….you will never know what recovery could feel like unless you give it a shot. You know what your eating disorder feels like. It might feel like everyone is full of crap when they tell you, “It will get better.” but I’ve never met someone who is fully recovered that said, “that wasn’t worth it.” IT IS WORTH IT. Your eating disorder will always be there, you can always go back. But you’ll never know what’s on the other side of recovery unless you give it a shot.
Refreshing pin from Pinterest
You are not going to be for everyone and that is okay. Think about what matters most and do that. Focus your time and energy on that.
September being a fresh start
I love the start of September! Even though I’m no longer in school (at least for now… maybe again one day) the start of September feels like a blank slate. Summer winds down, the weather cools, the leaves will soon begin to change and there’s a different vibe in the air. You feel me? While summer is usually full of travel and celebration and less routine and structure, come September it’s like productivity is in the air – and not in a “hustle and do all the things” way, but more like an, “I’m excited to dig into learning and projects and feel more focused” kind of way. Anyone else feel that way? It feels like a fresh start!
Hawaii Trip
I’ve never been to Hawaii and I am like a toddler before Christmas thinking about this trip coming up at month’s end. Nick and I have thankfully been able to travel quite a bit and see a lot – something that I do not take for granted. We’ve taken some really cool trips together that have been full of adventure and I’ve loved them. That being said, I’m pumped about planting myself on a beach, getting a massage, letting the day take us where it takes us, and straight up relaxing like I never have before. September will be a busy month both personally and professionally, but this trip at the end of the month is keep me motivated and focused. If you’ve been to Hawaii, I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Those are my thoughts this week, share yours in the comments!
![5 Thoughts [including fear and the effect of carbs on fertility]](https://www.thereallife-rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_1324-150x150.jpg)
![5 Thoughts [an announcement + fertility encouragement]](https://www.thereallife-rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_6465-1-150x150.jpg)
September always feels like the new year to me, too. I miss the “brand new notebook” feel of going back to school!!
Oh yes that feel!!
Oh that is the best feeling!!
I lived on Maui (working on convincing my husband to move back with me). There is so much amazing stuff and it is absolutely beautiful! Recommendations will depend on what island you are staying on. And I totally agree with not pleasing everyone. Something I’ve gotten better at, but still hard to accept sometimes 🙂
We won’t be on Maui but a friend’s sister lives there and from what I’ve seen it is GORGEOUS!!
Hawaii?! Oh my goodness, great choice in a babymoon. We did a Pacific Northwest tour for ours and although it was great, I was really just wishing I could be relaxing at a hotel somewhere. I’m happy for you!
People rave about the Pacific Northwest!!!!
My hubby and I are trying to plan a trip to Hawaii in January, so we will be looking forward to all the advice you have from your trip! Where are you guys going/staying?
I’ll share some tips via IG or email!!
Ackkk I don’t know the exact name of the hotel – Nick booked it
No worries! Do you know what island you guys are going to? Can’t wait for the IG tips!!
Oh boy oh boy! 🙂 Hawaii sounds so fun. This year I’ve been craving a beach vacation which is weird for me being someone who loves the mountains, but we’re going to Mexico in about a month.
Also that Nutella quote. I had to pin that; I love that, because it’s so true, and the more I learn it the more freeing life is.
September is such a fresh start. I bet Boston is starting to cool down?
We are getting there! I am so excited for fall up here!
Have a great week Emily <3
I didn’t realize you were going to Hawaii!! Wow, what an exciting babymoon! So excited for you! 🙂
I hadn’t shared until this post so you’re not behind 🙂 Thanks Brittany!!
My husband and I just went to Oahu in April! We had the most wonderful time, it is beautiful there! Hope you enjoy your time!!!
We can’t wait!!!!
Love this! Making those cookie dough balls ASAP. What island?? You will have a blast!
The Big Island!
Thank you for the section on recovery and if it feels worth it. I am in the thick of recovery and some days feel just SO hard. This is a nice reminder things will get better if I keep focused and moving forward. I am so grateful to have a very dedicated dietitian who checks in most days. I’d love to read more recovery content x
The big island is so fun! My husband and I are headed back in Mid-November, and I am counting down the weeks! If you’re staying on the Kona side, some of our favorite beaches are: Kua Bay (about mile mile marker 88) – the water is incredible, so beautiful, fun waves and lots of sand. It can be busy, but worth it (and parking right next to the beach). I have a hard time leaving this beach every time! Puako Beach (about mile marker 69) – calm waters with lots of shade thanks to some trees, a smaller beach, but soooo serene. Get there a little early if you can to stake out a spot. Magic Sands Beach – we like this one primarily because it’s close to where we stay, a smaller/busier beach, but great waves for body surfing and floating past the shore break. We also saw a turtle every day we went here which was fun 🙂 There is a large rock in the center, and rocks on the right side of the beach, so lifeguards always remind you to be careful about avoiding those areas, especially while body surfing. Hapuna State Beach is one of the larger white sand beaches, so there’s plenty of space to roam, and good for floating, but not my favorite (maybe because it was super windy the day we were there haha)
We cook at the condo a lot (Costco FTW!), but Randy’s Huli Chicken & Ribs, Super J’s and Scandinavian Shave Ice are all realllly good.
Depending on your energy levels, Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay can be a fun kayaking excursion. We didn’t make it all the way over to Captain Cook’s monument because we ended up swimming with/watching the spinner dolphins for about an hour – so amazing!! Captain Cook’s is supposed to have really great snorkeling though. And South Point is also breathtakingly beautiful for a stop (especially if you’re headed to the south end of the island for anything).
Have a fun & rejuvenating trip!!
Haha you missed Labor Day by a little bit 😉 enjoy!!
We are headed the Big Island the second week of October- I have already made a long list of recos and rough ideas if you want me to email it to you I’d be happy to share!
I agree so much about September feeling like a new beginning! I think, for me, it is the nostalgia that comes from remembering college, as well. I can remember walking to my classes in cool, brisk, foggy mornings with the fallen leaves blowing all around on the sidewalk. I always love those days the most while in school and this time of year ALWAYS takes me back!
Hawaiian must-haves: chicken katsu (like a Hawaiian chicken strip – so good) and shave ice with ice cream on bottom!
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My husband & I will be going to Hawaii at the end of this month for our babymoon too!!!!! YAY! Can’t wait! Hope you have a great time & congrats on your pregnancy!