Skip to content
  • HOME
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
  • HOME
  • custom-logo
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
Life

Room to Breathe

July 26, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 15 comments
Room to Breathe

Summer 2017. I think this is a summer that will stay with me for a long time. Back in June I mentioned I had left a workplace that wasn’t a good place for me anymore. It turned out to be harder to leave than I anticipated because there were details that weren’t resolved until July. I left this job for a few opportunities that feel pretty nebulous–they have from the start and it’s caused a lot of stress and anxiety. I entered the summer–and went through June–feeling pretty beaten up.

When I think of all that, Summer 2017 is a summer I’d love to say goodbye to and wipe from my memory.

But I can’t.

You might expect me to say something like, “I’ve learned so much and grown through all of this.” And I suppose there’s probably some truth to that, but I’d prefer if the lessons I take away from this summer are more eloquent than the first two that came to mind when I wrote that sentence.

Summer 2017. One of the hardest summers I've been through, but also one of the best, because I gave myself room to breathe. What does room to breathe look like to you? // dreams-etc.com

No, I can’t say goodbye to Summer 2017 and I can’t ask all the memories from this summer to leave, because it’s also been one of the best I’ve had in a long time. (And I’m excited about what’s ahead in August!) The stress and anxiety aren’t gone and I don’t know what my life is going to look like this fall, but there’s one reason this summer has also been so great.

The other day I pulled this mug (an old school Curly Girl Design mug) off the shelf and I realized this summer has been one of the best I’ve had in a long time because I’ve done exactly what this mug says: I’ve given myself room to breathe. And after how I’ve felt throughout the last year… and how I felt throughout June… I needed to breathe.

In Summer 2017, room to breathe looks like:

>> Frequent trips out of the city. I’m an introvert and for the last three years I’ve been in a position that’s an introverts worst nightmare. And throughout the last year I also packed my schedule with so many different events. I was exhausted and I needed a break. Taking some time to get out of the city to soak up the peace and quiet of the country has been exactly what I needed.

Summer 2017. One of the hardest summers I've been through, but also one of the best, because I gave myself room to breathe. What does room to breathe look like to you? // dreams-etc.com

>> Reconnecting with old friends. Last week I attended a meeting and realized during our discussion that I haven’t spent time with a lot of people this summer. Again, I think I needed a break from being social; I was maxed out! But I’ve reconnected with some people who have been so important to me at various points in my life and it has felt so good to see them and talk to them again.

>> Spending time with my horses. Okay, so maybe they’re not my horses, but they belong to a friend of mine who has been an older sister to me since I met her when I was in high school (true story: she taught me how to drive), so they’re like equine nieces and nephews. Which basically makes them my horses. #logic

Summer 2017. One of the hardest summers I've been through, but also one of the best, because I gave myself room to breathe. What does room to breathe look like to you? // dreams-etc.com

Seriously, though, my stress disappears when I stare into their eyes. (And this little guy? If you think he looks young, you’d be right! He’s four-months-old and shortly after he was born he became really sick. It’s kind of a miracle he’s still alive, but he’s a spitfire and he made it through. He’s the cutest, most awkward and gangly little guy and he makes me so, so happy. The night I took this picture his mama let us spend some one-on-one time together. He pranced and played and tried to eat my clothes and it was the best!)Summer 2017. One of the hardest summers I've been through, but also one of the best, because I gave myself room to breathe. What does room to breathe look like to you? // dreams-etc.com

>> Soaking up time with Little One. The only downside to my city breaks is that I haven’t been able to take her with me… although maybe that’s a good thing… I can guarantee I’ll come back from them because she’s not with me! 😜 She’s the best.

>> Taking a writing class. You might remember the creative funk I went through last fall. I had been thinking I needed to leave my workplace, but that creative funk confirmed it. I’ve been taking an online writing class this summer, and the feedback I’ve received from my teacher has been so motivating. I think the assignments have helped me to flex my creative muscles again. When the class first started it would take me at least a day to write about 600 words, but as the class has progressed it’s been easier to get into the flow. For awhile whenever I’ve said, “I’m a writer!” there’s been a voice in the back of my head that has said, “But you’re not writing!” And now that voice is gone. I can own my title and not feel guilty about it anymore.

There are three albums I listen to when I head out for a city break/to visit my horses: Kamelot’s The Black Halo, Epica’s Design Your Universe, and Bon Jovi’s Have a Nice Day. Different songs from each of these albums hit me differently each time I make that drive, but one song that always catches my attention is “Welcome to Wherever You Are” by Bon Jovi. There’s so much about this song that I’ve always loved, but right now this is what resonates with me:

Welcome to wherever you are
This is your life, you made it this far
Welcome, you got to believe
Right here, right now
You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be

This summer I questioned a lot of decisions I made in the last year… and in the last three years. How would my life be different right now if I had made different decisions at various points along the way? But when I’m not swept up in the stress and anxiety or, as Bon Jovi would say, “drowning in the shadow of a doubt” I can’t imagine this summer being any different.

So, Summer 2017, there are no words to describe you. And I know that for a fact, because I’ve just written about 1000 words and I’m not sure if they’re valuable/made sense/made any point.

But I guess I wanted to put this out there to say if you need room to breathe, know that you’re not alone. We’ll get through this.

What does room to breathe look like for you?

[Tweet “Sometimes you need to give yourself room to breathe.”]

Summer 2017. One of the hardest summers I've been through, but also one of the best, because I gave myself room to breathe. What does room to breathe look like to you? // dreams-etc.com

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

Post navigation

3 Lessons for Creatives
July in Photos

15 comments

  1. Beth Kondrick says:
    July 26, 2017 at 10:53 am

    I’m glad you’ve given yourself room to breathe and that it’s felt good in the midst of all your changes. I hope the rest of the summer continues to be that way for you!

    Reply
  2. Kim Munoz says:
    July 26, 2017 at 11:09 am

    Giving yourself some room to breath is so very important. This summer has been one catastrophe after another for us and it might be the first year ever I am actually looking forward to school starting for the boys. Every day is just one foot in front of another until I can find some breathing room. Outdoors with sunshine and preferably the beach. I need fresh but have been cooped up at home all of July! Cheers to making the best of the rest of the summer!

    Reply
  3. Lindsay @ The Flynnigans says:
    July 26, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Sometimes things take time to work themselves out, even though sometimes we’d like to push through them and get beyond it… I hope things settle down for you and you feel a sense of calm and certainty as we move into the fall.
    Take care of yourself babes. xoxox

    Reply
  4. Mia Sutton says:
    July 26, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    I was in that place in early 2016, so I can totally relate. It’s so hard to put ourselves first, but it’s so necessary. Glad you are taking care of you and giving yourself space. Lots of love and hugs, friend! xo

    Reply
  5. shootingstarsmag says:
    July 26, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    I’m sorry there has been a lot you didn’t love about this year, but it sounds like you’ve found some great ways to just breathe and enjoy life. And those are the main things!

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
  6. Leslie Nichole says:
    July 26, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    It is good to take a break. I left my job in the begining of January to persue freelancing full time. However, while working 10hrs a day doesn’t offer a lot of free time. So i quit wih no clients & a promise of a job 2 days a week (to pay big bills). Monday i picked up another part time job and haven’t freelanced since May. Life is very unpredictable, but it’ll lead you to where you need to be.

    Reply
  7. Charlotte says:
    July 27, 2017 at 8:59 am

    Oh wow, Crystal…I love this post so much. And I get it truly–every word. I think I just realized that at my core, I’m kind of introverted, too… but spending time with animals and in nature and with good friends–it truly is the best medicine for the soul <3 I love your photos and that you have horsies to play with and a cute dog to come home too. And that you are taking care of your needs. Sometimes you have to step away or take a car ride out of the city to clear the ol headspace šŸ™‚

    Xoxo and much peace, my friend!!

    Reply
  8. Gabby @ Gift of Gabby says:
    July 27, 2017 at 9:17 am

    As an introvert myself, a lot of this post resonates with me as well. I also tend to coop myself up and not interact with people much, and even as an introvert I know that’s not good. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Lisa says:
    July 27, 2017 at 9:32 am

    This is important for sure, especially for introverts. Also I’m jealous of the horses, I haven’t had a horse in years and miss it.

    Reply
  10. Eli @ Coach Daddy says:
    July 27, 2017 at 10:42 am

    I love that you embrace the unknown. When we trust in ourselves and in our spot in the universe, it allows us to appreciate the surprises and new paths that are now unrevealed that we might end up on. The best things happen in that moment you take to just breathe – and be.

    Reply
  11. Christine Powers says:
    July 27, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    Room the breathe is definitely important! My room to breathe sounds a lot like yours… getting away, time with friends, and writing. Glad you’ve had the chance to reflect and see the silver lining!

    Reply
  12. Catherine McCormick says:
    July 27, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    That is such great and well needed inspiration!

    Reply
  13. Mistle says:
    July 28, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    Though you had issues with leaving your old job, it seems like you’ve had a great Summer so far! I feel that when I look into my dogs eyes they make me calm. Reconnecting with old friends is always great as well!!!

    Reply
  14. Shannon Paige says:
    July 30, 2017 at 9:48 am

    I wanted to stop in and tell you how much I loved and could relate to this post. First off, your style of writing and your photos you chose remind me of a post I might write, too! Secondly, I can totally relate. I went part time at my safe, yet not totally satisfying job, to also work at an animal hospital and discover if I wanted to continue schooling to be a vet tech. I decided that is not the path I want to take and I think I would rather do something a bit more creative and will take some classes in the fall to kind of (hopefully lol) figure that out. So now I have asked my other job if I can come back full time because that job is very flexible with me (thank God) and allows me more time to pursue those other things. (Like blogging and school.) SO a lot like you- this summer has been a whirlwind, of my own doing. Lol- but I feel it has helped me grow too. I hope you can take something away from it, even if it was stressful and anxiety inducing at the time! Your post made me feel not so alone in this crazy/ doubtful/ indecisive mind of mine, so thank you! *thegoodthingscomin.wordpress.com

    Reply
  15. Chelsea Jacobs says:
    August 3, 2017 at 11:09 am

    I relate to this so much, so my heart hurts for you. But you are strong, and you are doing what YOU need to do.

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
See More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

  • Saying Goodbye to Crystal the Writer
  • The Day the Sorcerers Visited Baby Jesus
  • Thoughts on Hope
  • Christmas Playlist // 2022
  • Life Under Construction

CATEGORIES

  • Adventures (52)
  • Beauty (16)
  • Books (147)
  • Creativity (57)
  • Entertainment (18)
  • Life (224)
  • Uncategorized (539)
  • Wellness (8)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow
  • Book Review Policy
  • BOOKS
  • Contact
  • DISCLOSURES
  • Insta Links
  • Seint Links
  • THE DREAMER
Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved | Ā© 2023. All text and photos belong to Crystal Brutlag, unless otherwise stated. Theme designed by Little Theme Shop: https://littlethemeshop.com

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Dreams, etc. // Minneapolis Lifestyle Blog
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.