The Quiet Middle

There is something absolutely precious about the week between Christmas and New Year. For our family it’s a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of being together, going on adventures, and letting go of the normal pressure that accompanies life. I love the opulence of the holiday season, the over the top parties, and simple reflections. As a parent, I often feel worn thin between school, work, and making this a memory that will be treasured for many years. This week lets me do all of the things I wish I had spent my time doing the entire month of December. I get to play more, laugh more, run more, and just be fully in the moment with my family. The expectations, for a moment, are quiet. I started thinking about this on Christmas Day. I was hustling, trying to do everything, and all I really wanted to do was go on a run. I didn’t run that day, but it has stayed with me, because it is such a big part of health coaching in my practice: honoring the voice inside. There are times that we put aside our true needs because it feels selfish or unnecessary. I get that. I didn’t go on a run and my family was two hours late getting to our house. There was more than enough time for me to take care of myself, even though I didn’t.

This week as I start my days in our quiet home, while everyone sleeps later than they should. I’m taking the time to ask myself what I really want? What do I want to do today? How do I want to set up this next year to honor the person I am?

This is not a prima donna, make this next year about me reflection. Rather, it’s connecting to the deep peace that rests in our home when we are living authentically. When I listen to the needs of my heart or my body, I’m teaching my children to do the same. I teach others that it’s okay to be true to themselves. This is such a difficult path, because as children most of us were taught to set aside our true selves to be what the adults around us needed. So, today, I’m asking my deep self what she would do and how I can honor her.

I’ll probably go on a run and maybe curl up with a book. Such decadence!

Later this week, I will post a recipe for a traditional marinara, with a few tricks and tips to make it exactly what you’ve been craving.