One thing that becomes very apparent to me the older I get is what a good compartmentalizer I am. When I am working a lot, I get totally in that flow … thinking it’ll always be like that. Then the show takes a month off, or maybe I’m not written in for a week, and it throws me. I think “what will I do with all that free time?”
I’m initially anxious and discombobulated, but then I always have to have a conversation with myself. I start making a list in my head, start making plans. I plan to exercise everyday and get in shape with Cardio Barre class or a power walk with my friends. I often overbook myself, but having plans like that really changes my whole outlook on things because I know I will be up, out and productive. During those times, I often seek out and try new healthy recipes … hopefully ones that will be easy to replicate when I am busy again. Then, if you have followed me on Instagram, you know there is my garden. It is like a child or pet I “tend” to … it gives me purpose, creativity, wonder and so much happiness.
BTW, while I’m talking about the garden … several of you have commented here or on Instagram that you can’t have a garden because you don’t have a green thumb. Take it from me, who grew up an apartment complex with a mother who loved fake ferns and flowers in the house (UGH), you can! Over the years, as I’ve had free time, I’ve signed up for classes or read books. Now I look at Pinterest and magazines to get ideas. My point here is, if you have interest you can figure it out. It can be done, but you have to have the passion to learn!
March was a crazy month for me! It started for me worrying that I wouldn’t have enough to do, but with three family birthdays, my son getting married, getting nominated for an Emmy after 30 (yikes) years AND my garden in full bloom, it ended with me wondering how in the world I would go back to work … I’m too busy at home!!! But for me, that’s what I call success. In fact, I’m not sure it gets better than that.
This week was my first week back at Days, and between that, a fun interview with the guys at Dishin’ Days and the Indie Series Awards (big congratulations to my beautiful, talented cast mates, Lilly Meglar & Kym Whitley!), it was crazy busy week! It was hard to find a moment to myself, let alone a moment to enjoy my garden … then again, that’s how I like it, a full life. So cheers to exploring new ideas, shifting gears and to filling your time with the people and passion that fulfill you.
P.S. to kick off the return to work and getting back int he groove, here is some fun footage
of a crazy day …
Cheers to going full throttle, Mary Beth! Thanks for sharing.
MB your energy is infectious!!! My mom said yesterday “Wow she is such a go getter!” And that you are!!! Thank you for encouraging us!! I learn so much from your passion for life, and your drive to make the most of each day!! We as fans are so thankful for what you share with us! We love you sweet lady, and are so proud of all your accomplishments! You deserve them, and we are all so blessed to get to support you along the way!
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing a part of your busy life with your fans♥
Among the many things I admire about you Mary Beth, is your capacity to multitask at such a high level. You often have several things on the go and give each one 110%. More than once I have felt overwhelmed at times and just thought, one step in front of the other and it eventually gets done. To 110% I am not always sure, so you are a great example for that. And looking for that up time and not the down time.
I just loved your chat on Dishin’ Days. It was funny, entertaining and I learned new things. Please make another appearance soon.
Having down time is wonderful, but by the time you are into a project, it’s time to get back on track! Thanks for the relatable blog this week and for your patented encouragement! I love your garden boxes. One day!
Great Blog. Especially the idea if you have an interest “figure it out”. I love flowers but have a concrete patio. I have loved going up the road to Roger’s Gardens. I love strolling and smelling the roses. It’s total Zen for me, high prices and all LOL. I can easily walk out of there with out making a purchase and be inspired to re-create for a cheaper price and smaller space. Such a great reminder that passion can be bigger then any limitation. THANKS and ENJOY the road to Emmy.
So inspiring! You make my head spin! I wonder if my life will ever slow down with teaching and 3 very busy kids and a husband who has to work nights and doesn’t have weekends off, I’m looking for a way to slow down cuz I can’t get it all done! Thanks for inspiring me!!
I love how you embrace new things and always add new things into your life. I find myself feeling stressed out at times when I feel there is too much to do. How do you keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed in an extremely busy week?
Another great inspiring blog! Thanks for the video, how fun!
” BTW, while I’m talking about the garden … several of you have commented here or on Instagram that you can’t have a garden because you don’t have a green thumb. Take it from me, who grew up an apartment complex with a mother who loved fake ferns and flowers in the house (UGH), you can! Over the years, as I’ve had free time, I’ve signed up for classes or read books. Now I look at Pinterest and magazines to get ideas. My point here is, if you have interest you can figure it out. It can be done, but you have to have the passion to learn!” ~hahaha, yep I am one of those, thanks for the kick in the rear…new spring goal-find my passion, search pinterest and go to the library and grow something that I don’t kill in a week! 🙂
Love this weeks blog Mary Beth!…just reading all that you do actually gives me more energy to do more thing myself!…My husband and I are currently getting our garden spot ready for our spring/summer garden and I love looking at all the different vegetable plants that I’ve decided to plant this year! I love getting our dirt ready for planting and I get so excited knowing in a few months I will all these yummy veggies to eat! As always Mary Beth you are such an inspiration to me to always better myself and try new things! I so look forward to your blog every week! Thanks for always brightening my Thursday’s with your special words of encouragement! You’re special lady!
Thanks,
Susan
Mary Beth,
You never fail to inspire me. I love that you enjoy being so busy, and enjoy always having so many things to do. I always want to go do things, but never actually go do them… I need to work on that. The fact that you are always so positive just makes me smile, and think I want to be like her… so thank you!
I have enjoyed all of the Instagram photos, and was super happy to see BTS pics with the Johnson family again… (its always great)! Yesterday was like Mary Beth Wednesday for me, I watched old clips, then current Days, then Afterbuzz which was so fantastic (I will never be able to watch the scenes from Joey’s birth without laughing ever again), and then the Indie Series Awards… and it was the best day ever. Thank you for all that you do, and being so great to all of your fans! We love you!
Rachel