authentic, body image, intimacy, sex, sexual intimacy, Uncategorized
Where Have You Been, Julie?!
Jan
I know, right?! I posted a blog EVERY DAY of 2020, and here we are on January 21, 2021, and I have yet to post even one blog this year.
Here’s the backstory about that…
My brother died tragically December 13, so the last few weeks of 2020 required a bit of emotional heavy lifting, especially with holidays and a pandemic and the all-too-familiar as of late “hybrid” school schedule for our 16-year-old.
Even so, I was optimistic about 2021 (still am!), and as we rounded the proverbial corner on the calendar, I was enthusiastically eager.
Then my mother-in-law died January 14. And while her death was not unexpected because she was elderly and had been in poor health, her loss still sent ripples through our already emotionally fragile family.
But I’m getting my bearings. I’m hopeful. I love that amazing Jesus fella with all my heart. And today the sun in shining, so I am feeling especially giddy that not only will the pandemic continue to ease up, but the gray of winter will also not last forever. I am not a fan of winter at all, so whenever the days start to get longer and I can see spring on the horizon, I feel better.
I also am taking better care of my health. Not long ago, I started using the app Noom. I LOVE IT. I’ve been tracking my weight and food daily and learning oodles about nutrition and healthy choices and exercise. I have lost 10 pounds and have no doubt I will reach my goal of losing 15 more.
I am convinced of that saying that you lose weight in the kitchen and you get fit in the gym. In other words, it’s what we eat that has the most significant impact on our weight and general health. Exercise is what helps us build strength, increase cardiovascular health and maintain/increase flexibility.
With Noom, I have no doubt I am building healthy habits I will be able to maintain going forward. If you want to check it out, go to this link (#ad). I have had success with it and I actually started using it because I saw results in an acquaintance who has been using it! She’s lost 30 pounds!
As for 2021, I am curious how you all are doing, particularly where your marriage is concerned, because that’s my wheelhouse, of course. Are you hopeful? Do you envision better intimacy with your spouse this year? Has the chaos of our world and/or anything in your personal life clarified what’s most important for you?
As for my efforts to encourage you, a few things coming up.
I am speaking on an online forum on January 30. It’s free, but you have to sign up to get the details. Here is the link: https://www.denoli.org/betweenthesheets
If you have been to my site before, then you see that I have updated the design. More features coming, I promise. I would have had it all done by now, but you know… see above for the curve balls I have been navigating in my personal life.
I am going to be offering more products. It takes resources to produce content, not to mention to keep lights on. I am confident that over the course of this year, I will offer you various products in the form of courses, books, PDFs and videos. I also will connect you with other intimacy experts I know and trust who are diligent content creators, too.
The more choices and opportunities you have, the more likely you will come across something that fits well with the positive changes you and/or your spouse are trying to make to nurture your marriage. And that, my friends, is reason to get excited!
Here’s to 2021. Though the chaos and losses of 2020 through most of us for a loop, I believe God’s mercies are fresh every morning. We can look forward, even if we have to baby step our way. Let’s do this!
Copyright 2021, Julie Sibert. Intimacy in Marriage Blog. Links may be monetized.
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Thanks for being real Julie! Praying for you and your family!
Julie, I am so sorry for your losses – I really loved reading your daily posts last year but I hope that you and your family are taking the time you need to grieve and to navigate the stress of COVID life. I look forward to your return to blogging when you are ready.
I’m so sorry about your brother and your mother-in-law. Sending you a big hug from Germany. 😘
Oh my gosh; I’m so sorry for your yet another loss in your family. I pray the Lord’s peace for y’all and things begin looking up for you.
OH bless your heart!!!! So sorry for your losses and three cheers for your person health gains!!! May the Lord continue to strengthen you and uphold you as you forge ahead.
With your resolution of blogging every day and your recent family losses ( which I’m very sorry to hear about) you deserved a little time off. But I’m also glad to have you back.
What a season and you’re still inspiring others. Thank you Julie, for your example, your enthusiasm for marriage, your passion for God, and for your diligence in providing excellent resources to all of us. We are grateful!
I am so so sorry for your losses and grief. May God bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you.
Praying for you all, sorry for your losses. You did a wonderful job at the January 30 Between The Sheets.
Blessings,
Don