Sometimes the change we need to make is the change that will take us out of a comfort zone that we think is working for us. 

I was thinking about this recently as I have tried in the past few years to remove the technology from my bedroom, only to see it gradually creep back in. Moreso out of comfort and supposed simplicity I told myself would I let it return, but my eyes and mind unconsciously knew different. While I have made adjustments to reduce what type of technology I am keeping in my bedroom (removing the news and adding classical music, for example), it was clear to me when I came to realize a pattern of picking up my phone before bed or before getting out of bed in the morning and seeing how quickly the time might pass without realizing, all while being on my phone searching, reading, scrolling, etc., I knew I needed to make the change.

While I have not cemented the habit of stepping into my bedroom without my phone or iPad, I have begun, told someone close to me to help me remain accountable, reassured myself that it would be difficult initially (perhaps much like kicking the sugar habit - what does that say about our reliance on technology? - that's another fascinating discussion) and I have to admit I am enjoying already not feeling in some way "obligated" to be at the ready with my online checking in.

Currently, the phone and iPad now charge in my office. Trying to help myself with techniques to quiet my mind in the evenings as I drift off to sleep, even after reading something delicious, I have read and reread Arianna Huffington's The Sleep Revolution, specifically chapter 7 - Mastering Sleep - as she offers some helpful tips and tricks and motivation to indeed remove the tech from the bedroom.

I have attempted in the past to use the excuse of my blog and needing to be able to respond to readers and those in the industry I work with as we all live in different time zones in a timely fashion. But the truth is, I can still enjoy a full eight hours of sleep without technology and respond in a timely manner to everyone in my inbox or on social media. Sometimes it is indeed a good idea to compartmentalize, and when it comes to good health, sleep is at the bottom of the pyramid - the foundation and most important in this case. Much like putting on our own oxygen mask first in order to thrive to help others effectively, so too must we protect our sleep. And when we do, each day has a better chance of unfolding in a manner we are proud of or will deeply enjoy. 

Case in point, in this week's episode of the podcast, I share 10 things we unnecessarily complicate that are actually quite simple, and one is choosing sleep above anything else. Indeed, a simple choice, and there are nine other choices that we can simplify and thereby improve the quality of our lives if we would recognize the power of making them less complicated. 

So, here goes the challenge of making a change to something I thought was quite comfortable. However, I am confident that what I will be gaining will be something far better than I can at this moment (so early in the process of shifting) imagine. 

In this week's newsletter there are a few wonderful Francophile bits and pieces I am excited to share: beginning with the new cooking school which opened up this year at Julia Child's former Provence home - learn more in this week's Why Not . . . ? post. Also, to my surprise, I discovered that Peter Mayle's publisher will be releasing his last book posthumously this June 26th. Included in this week's Outfit of the Week, I have a feeling many of you will want to read it as badly as I do. And I am excited to have the opportunity to review the book prior to its release in order to share with you some beautiful Mayle-isms, pique your interest even further and perhaps offer a giveaway if I am so fortunate. Stay tuned. Either way, I will savor this last book as Mayle's talent and tales are already greatly missed. 

Now to the newsletter! I do hope you enjoy and welcome to June! Have a lovely weekend, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.

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