My week has been unnecessarily stressful mostly because of the choices of others. I’m pretty good at keeping my life reasonably calm but struggle sometimes to navigate circumstances caused by others.

Since stress is bad for human health, I’m doing my best to deflect and tune out other people’s shenanigans. This is often easier said than done but I’m giving it the old college try.

Last night I tried some mushroom hot chocolate to help support my sleep. This book, though, foiled attempts to drift off early. The Peach Keeper is a page turner!

Scout’s also doing his part to keep life pleasant as he alternates between luxuriating in sunny patches and curling up next to me every chance he gets. He rests most peacefully when his little body is pressed against my side. His purrs are mixed with sweet snoring when he’s truly relaxed.

We’ve had a fair amount of rain this week and loads of morning fog. Yesterday I looked out to find the butterfly bush by the window filled with spider webs. Someone was very busy, creating these magnificently complex designs.

They’re mesmerizing.

They’re also a timely reminder of how everything is connected and how pulling one thread can unravel the whole darn thing – whether it be in nature or in society at-large or in someone’s incomprehensible actions.

Remember this, friends: no one deserves your peace, your time, or space in your head unless you believe them worthy. As life, work, and the news seemingly become more busy and more convoluted with every passing day, it’s best to draw some boundaries and then do your best to stick to them.

A cat, a book and a cup of hot chocolate are powerful tools for holding the line against stress in my corner of the world. I hope you find something that works for you as well!