Friday's Bits & Bites...

We are really simplifying the Snapshots of Wellness blog schedule - just for yoU!

I had promised more blogs and you are getting them! And I promised that while I am 'flying under the radar', the blog will be delivering content for all of you. Blogs that I have created in the cache....to be released now.  And this will continue until I get back (end of June)!  A special thanks to my intern who is running my Instagram for 'awhile' @snapshotsofwellness.

So, to bring you up to date (if you don't feel like scrolling down to read in a previous blog post), new articles/blogs will post on Monday mornings.  And then sprinkled in through the week.  There will not be weekend blogs. 

We are adding a weekly 'Friday Bits & Bites' which will always be posted by end of the business day on Fridays.  And 'Bits & Bites' will have it's own tab eventually (shortly - one step at a time).  It's a whimsical weekly read about any bits & bites from my own life that I feel you might benefit from! Enjoy!

Bits & Bites:

Community.  Being a part of community is how we have been made to live as human beings.  We all want to be a part of something bigger then ourselves.  We desire to be included.  We long to have somewhere to be.  People, we need one another! We definitely were not made to go through this life isolated and alone.  And if you are feeling that way, there is community out there waiting to invite you in.

If you are craving community in Chicago yet you just don't know where to begin, I have some suggestions for you! And before you read them, I want to share something I have learned: Being intentional about the community you choose to be a part of is critical.  So, go about finding and/or multiplying your tribe wisely.....and intentionally.

1. Local Church: Find a local church to join! If you are Christian, community is waiting for you at Park Community Church! There are so many ways to be a part of community at our church whether that be by joining a small group, joining a missions team or participating in any number of the social activities.  There are multiple Christian churches in Chicago and this is an amazing opportunity to become a part of a group that is living to know God and make Him known.
2. Sosh App: This Sosh App. is seriously awe-some. You just type in what activities you want to participate in (with group activities being an option) and the Sosh App. delivers you weekly events! Head out to an event alone and mingle - exchange numbers with like minded folks - invite them to the next event with you! And thus, you are already building community.
   
3. Meetup. com: This is a simple way to build community! Meetup.com has every style/type of 'group' to join imaginable! If you like to cook, there are tons of cooking 'meetups' and if you are a jogger, there are groups to run with.  I honestly think they have a 'meetup' for just about everything and anything!
4. Windy City Blogger Collective: If you are a writer or blogger, joining this collective will have you walking into community weekly! There are blogger events & socials every single month.  This is an easy decision if you blog! Come join us!

Those are my 4 suggestions if you are still trying to 'find your tribe'.  As a dear friend told me, people need to put themselves out there again and again.  It may be uncomfortable at first but it will be so worth it! And my friend is right on.

So, that's what's on my mind this Friday. I was someone who was really longing for community in Chicago and I have found an amazing group of lifelong friends as a result of a lot of 'putting myself out there'.  I thrive being a part of community and  - as a result - I am now living an actual communal lifestyle which is amazing! I am surrounded by community most days of the week and every weekend.  And living this way is pretty ideal for me.

What other sporadic bits & bites do I have for you this Friday?  I really recommend ditching processed foods folks...and toxic sugar! I have been eating a lotttt of chard/kale, seeds, avocados and blueberries. I am kinda sorta in love with blueberries! And when I get mad sugar cravings, I eat a spoonful of almond butter w/ blueberries on top.  It's the best!  Oh & I have fallen in love with salty kalamata olives....who knew! I LOVE olives! I also appreciate this blog about olives ..here.

Let's see, the hobbies that I foresee dominating my summer are traveling, hiking w/ friends, cooking big organic meals, gardening (yep, tiny herb garden in the making) and pilates on a reformer.  I've always loved pilates. If you have never tried this style of workout, I recommend it!

And that's about it! This weekend, I will be spending w/ new friends over long walks and healthy/hearty meals.  And I will be resting/reading too! I am currently reading some amazing books which I will have to do a post on soon. 

Take in nature this weekend if you can! And deep breathes.....one step at a time toward wellness(0: