Over the weekend Tim and I celebrated 18 years together. While you may picture a romantic weekend curled up fireside with the pugs, it looked a bit, well, different.
For two days we pulled everything out of the bathroom and kitchen of our tiny city condo and put it all into bins. It's amazing how much we fit into 600 square feet!
Midway, while surrounded by all of our under the bathroom sink toiletry chaos, I looked up to find Tim hovering nearby with two large reusable bags in hand.
“Look at this! This is your tea drawer."
“Oohhhhh, that's a lot of tea!”
"Yes, two full bags! You're supposed to drink the tea!”
I laughed and asked, “Um, what about my tea shelf?”
He shook his head and said, “I haven't gotten to it yet, but I'm sure that will be another bag!"
And he was right, it was another big bag!
Can you relate? Do you tend to buy more of your favorite things before using what you already have? Guilty as charged and that includes tea, books, face serums, and candles. Clearly I have some work to do and nothing makes it more apparent than when packing!
Speaking of work to do, I can't believe January is almost over. If you've been found it hard to get your 2022 engine running, you're not alone. Between COVID fatigue, cold weather, and all the associated challenges, there's a sense of malaise in the air.
I, too, feel it and am doing a few things to combat it:
- Going slowly. I didn't launch into the new year with my typical confetti-filled bang. It's been more like a gentle saunter and I like it.
- Focusing on priorities. I've pulled my 2022 dreams into categories and narrowed it down to my top 5. Those get my daily focus.
- Going to bed early. I'm crawling under my weighted blanket by 10, reading for a bit, and then nuzzling into pink satin pillowcases (good for the skin).
- Lots of ballet. Moving the body releases endorphins, reduces stress, and builds strength. The movement, music, and pink/black outfits make me feel more alive.
- Taking tea breaks. As you know, I have a bit to drink. Just ask Tim! Rather than filling the in-between spaces, I'm finding it more powerful to pause and sip.
If you, too, are off to a slower start this year, I see you. Remember, it's not a race. Rather, let's think of it as a practice. This feels like just the right message.
And it just happens to be my word of the year . . . practice.
Wishing you gentleness, coziness, and the feeling of your hands wrapped around a warm beverage. I'm sending so much love your way!
PS I'm moving the podcast to every other week and taking a wee break right now. Stay tuned for some exciting new episodes! 
