One of my friends read that there are things that can be relaxing, like a Netflix binge, but it doesn’t refresh you. Clear language gives clarity to concepts.. Some of those lesser things like watching reels or too many movies can be relaxing, but they don’t refresh me. Like clearing out my schedule, my freezer, and my pantry, My January Rest makes space on my insides. My January Rest restores my soul.
You Brighten Me
I walked in, and there you were. Your beauty awakened me! You brightened my mood. Just by being present: just…
The Egg Dilemma
Now that you know the end of the story, I’ll start at the beginning. I was invited to my friend’s house who lives out of town. I rarely see her, but one of the added perks of a road trip is her “girls” eggs. Every time I crack one open, they bring me joy. They’re beautiful, they’re tasty, they’re nutritious, and they make me think of her. You could say I love them!
MJR: Food Free-For-All
When we rest from meeting our own needs/wants, it gives someone else a chance to meet them.
My January Rest: The 2023 List
What is My January Rest? It is a terrific time for reflection, and not the kind where I wonder who is that person in the mirror. I mean the kind of reflection that acts as a catalyst for beautiful things to grow on the inside so much that they show on the outside.
A “Crowded” Thanksgiving Table
Moms want a crowded table for Thanksgiving, especially with their children. The song Crowded Table speaks of the heart of moms and I’ve been blessed to be invited to the table of many, when I had no home of my own.
My 2022 January Rest Review – It’s About Time!
Before I say goodbye to you and this Year’s Rest, I’m including some photos (below) from MJR that I didn’t manage to write about. That was perhaps my biggest failure. I love to share along the way. Next year I’m going to set a schedule and write more briefer posts.
My January Rest 2022: Secrets
I’ve been keeping something from you. The whole reason I started writing publicly about My January Rest (MJR) was to…
My January Rest: 01.16.22 Lit for Food!
Since I’ve been practicing MJR for over a decade, I was truly surprised by this new Rest Point that I’ll now call slow meals. I have a lot of practicing to do! It is easier to do with friends, less so with my husband, and even more difficult to do on my own. I’ve decided that while every meal need not be an event, taking time to sit, breath, and eat is something I think has value.
My January Rest 2022: The List
I created My January Rest, to refocus my appetite, replenish my budget and re-establish my margins. December’s focus is often on consuming, January refocused by my ‘appetites’ by resting from some things for the month of January.
Unprecedented
We’ve recently seen the hateful crowds get carried away: I fear I would have been one in the crowd carried away crying, “Crucify Him!” I pray I would have been like Mary at His feet.
My 2021 January Rest Review
This year had its own specific circumstances. Our overall spending was already down, because we were eating out less, and driving less: my husband worked from home, our daughter schooled remotely. What this meant was that things within our home had already changed substantially. I was cooking more, but I was over-indulging myself more with movies, online games, and eating all that I was cooking. But I also was seeking outside adventures, reading, and studying things that I love.
YETIs and Reminders
They remind me of what I believe, when I’ve grown weary of the fight. They remind me to fight, when I’ve grown weary and they remind me that they are there, and that they are not going anywhere. Friendships provide the power to stand firm, let go, aim high, and bow low.
2021 MJR: Winning, Whining, Confessions, and Concessions
While I have done awesome with not snacking, early on I ate a bit of bacon as I was waiting for supper. No snacking makes this girl hungry, and it was in my mouth before I even thought about it! As time went on, I caught on and I didn’t mindlessly snack, absentmindedly snack, or even sneak snack!
I’m Fine Until I’m Not
After the storm I walked day after day, and watched the changing landscape, I saw damage, but looked for beauty. Beauty of this broken world points to an unbroken beauty that awaits us.