Below the surface thoughts to lift you up
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.
I’ve been keeping something from you. The whole reason I started writing publicly about My January Rest (MJR) was to … More
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biggest win? I am OUT of an 11 day isolation (after COVID if you missed previous post)! Even better, my … More
Last year I wrote that God had been talking to me about making room (in my heart and life) and … More
My creative spirit and sense of adventure kicked in and I put some water in the blender, hit the button, and whirled it hot! I then triumphantly proceeded to pour the hot water on the ice cream to melt it. I am quite sure this wasn’t an efficient use of my time, but I did amuse myself and learned to use my blender better in the process!
My January Rest is a fun and challenging tradition. Last post, I shared that my biggest win and biggest failure, … More
Words. Words are powerful. If I say puppy or kitten, most people will have some kind of thought and feeling … More
What is My January Rest? For anyone new, read the next couple of introductory paragraphs. If you know what My … More
One more victory for The Rest. This situation made me slow down, and think about what I do (eat or not eat) and why. I chose to cheat out of love!
I’ve been consumed with the affairs of my father, and that has left little time for reflection. That is what The Rest is about: stealing minutes, carving out time, focusing on who and what matters most.
While I don’t know about you, I’ve learned that starting something new comes with its share of challenges. My January Rest is no different. And, each year presents a different set of unique circumstances in which to attempt The Rest.
Uncovered 