Thank you for the responses to yesterday’s post. You ladies are incredible and the gratitude has been spilling out of me in the form of tears. Thank you for taking the time to build me up when I spill my guts. I try and show gratitude by sharing things, so today there is a free apron pattern at the bottom of this post. I hope it’s something to make your day a little brighter. If you are just joining us on our #31daystohappy, you can find more about this project here and definitely start here. Thank you very much for reading my blog! 
When was the last time you went and purposely sat in the sunshine? Did you know your body needs it just like it needs air and water? And it’s FREE! For me, sunshine has been a free and effective way to control my anxiety. As a bonus it produces a vitamin that is hard to get otherwise. Vitamin d deficiency happens a lot & science connects Vitamin D to mental health. Many friends and family members are vitamin d deficient. My own levels were bad enough I now have osteoporosis. I’m not even 35. I thought I got plenty of sun. It turns out all of these years quilting and working I have neglected something that my body desperately needed.
Since this was pointed out to me, I have put a lot more effort into getting outside. It’s now part of my take care of myself routine. I’m busy, life’s crazy, but every day I make an effort to soak up the sun, although I am far from a sun worshiper. While I take supplements and that may be helping my mental health, I know I feel instantly better when I sit in the sunshine.
Try and get your vitamin d through *safe* sun exposure. It only takes about 15 minutes to get all of the vitamin d you need for the day. I now try to get my family outside before 10 am or after 3 pm for about half an hour. I spend that time walking, or gardening, but often just sitting and enjoying the feel of sunshine on my skin. Remember how we agree that we are worth the time? yO Life is much better if you live it in the open sunshine.
Prompt 22 – #31daystohappy
Go sit in the sun during a safe time of the day. Don’t overdo it, but pause and really feel it. I also recommend seeing a local health practitioner to get vitamin d levels tested and put together a plan to get you into the 50-75 range that is recommended by the Vitamin D Council.
Now, if you’ve followed me on IG, you will know that I’ve always wanted one of these awesome inspired-by-pinterest cross back aprons. But I could not find a tutorial or pattern I liked! So I winged it and came up with one I love! I’m making one for all of the girls in my shop and I thought you might like the pattern, too. So click the link below to download your full color, easy peasy pattern. It is 11 pages, but there are three pages of directions & 8 pattern pages. I think it might be my best pattern yet! I know it’s just a drop in the bucket of thank you’s I need to fill, but it’s a start. So from my heart to yours…
The Easiest Crossback Apron Pattern
i am not a doctor and nothing I write here is a substitute for medical advice. If you are suffering from a medical condition or unhealthy thoughts, please seek help immediately. For my full disclaimer, please click here.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for this gift so beautiful. It will be a very special gift for my mother, my aunts and people especiales.Con everyone else will extend your gratitude.
You are very brave. Everything will be fine, you’re in the way.
A big hug and best wishes.
Lola
Amanda, thank you for opening up and sharing yourself in these posts! Please know that your insightful, encouraging posts have been most helpful in what can be a crazy, stressed out world. I especially enjoy the posts (and worksheets) about forgiveness.
Like your husband, I went through a similar experience and found out that I have Celiac disease. That was 5 years ago. I understand and can empathize. Ours is a culture that revolves socially around food. Sitting in a restaurant, social gathering, dinners out and not being able to eat anything offered is a challenge on so many levels. Add to it the comments, questions, apologies and yes, even accusations of anorexia, can be so overwhelming to me that it is better to stay home and forego the socializing. It has had such an impact on my husband’s and family’s life, as you know.
So, here is a huge “Thank You!” and hug from me.
I am really enjoying following your journey. Thanks for the posts and your honesty and thank you for helping us to stop and consider where we are in our happiness pursuits.
Beautiful article, i also take vitamin D supplements but i really enjoy the outdoors when the weather is nice. I think this apron is perfect to do my chicken chores in the morning. thank you for the free tutorial, i will post the finished product on my instagram account so you can see it.
have a lovely day.
kind regards
Noemi
Thank you! These posts have been so inspiring! ?
Thanks for the pattern also, can’t wait to make it and go gather veggies in the garden!❤️?
I made one of these yesterday out of vintage sheets. I love it and can’t wait to make a bunch more! They will make great christmas gifts!