I haven’t been in a classroom setting in almost four years. And while I aim to find myself back in higher education some day, right now I continue to learn outside these formal confines. This has been a year of self-exploration and finding strength and knowledge within myself. This weekend was yet another example of finding myself in situations and reaching inside to find answers, actions and my own power.

I participated in my second full length pilates class since the accident and worked with the physical strength I have built over the last few months to carry me through the hour. With a little extra security thanks to my non-slip pilates socks,

I used my core, focused on my glutes and realized how strong I really was when I turned to my colleagues and found I was one of only a few in the class holding a position the longest. I still have a lot of form that I need to work on, and building back my pre-accident strength and shape will take time, but knowing that I am able to learn the basics again and practice them comfortably brings a smile to my face.

And I continue to learn about how well I can take care of myself as I clean, cook, prepare for the week ahead, take care of errands, practice patience with my body, care for my mind and parent this little one:

After a busy Sunday getting ready for the week, I took dinner in a different direction and practiced my slow-cooker skills with an agave-soy chicken dish (adapted from this recipe):

3 chicken breasts plus sauce:

1/2 cup of agave

1/2 cup of soy sauce

1/4 chicken stock

2 garlic cloves (minced)

3 Tablespoons tomato paste

Mix and pour of chicken in slow cooker – cook on high 4 hours

Serve of sauteed veggies and brown rice

Now, complete with some food prepped for the week I am all set to take on Monday and ready for more inner discoveries.

What have you learned about yourself lately?