Comfort, Lately

What I've been leaning into

I’ve spent the last two and a half years reinventing my life completely.

I moved from Ohio to Florida.
Sold a home. Bought a home. Finished building a home. That’s a whole different post.
Sold things. Donated things.
Launched my daughter into college.
Became a widow.
Became a newlywed.

The list of old and new feels inexhaustible.

Then came last year.

My daughter spent the entire academic year abroad in Switzerland. While she was soaking up everything Europe had to offer, I found myself on my own unexpected study abroad experience. One I’m repeating and will share more about in the weeks to come.

There was wonder, yes.
But there was also the low-level vigilance any parent knows. The kind that wakes you up in the middle of the night, hoping and praying that life doesn’t suddenly turn into a Liam Neeson movie. If you know, you know.

When she came home, there was a collective exhale. Relief layered with gratitude.

At the same time, I was still running marathons.
Unexpectedly, and happily, engaged and planning a wedding.
Still moving at full speed.

And now, with all of that behind me, something has shifted.

My body is asking, almost demanding, for ease. In the most undeniable way.

So this is what I’m leaning into lately:

Gentle or yin yoga instead of power.
Nature walks instead of jogging. Those days are over.
A warm cup of tea instead of anything meant to keep me wired.

Early nights with a book.
Home-cooked dinners that feel like comfort. White chicken chili. Something warm on the stove.
Washing my hair and letting it air-dry.

Anything with an elastic waist instead of jeans.
Fuzzy Birkenstocks instead of loafers.
Tinted sunscreen instead of makeup.

Reading or writing instead of scrolling.
Early mornings instead of late nights.
Mocktails instead of cocktails.
Spa-filled trips instead of jam-packed adventures.

It’s not about slowing down for the sake of it.
It’s about listening to the pings, those intuitive guides, and honoring what steadies me now.

It feels liberating. Rejuvenating.
More importantly, it feels authentically me.

What are you craving?
Listen. Pause. Invite it in.

With Ease,

If you’re curious about the white chicken chili, message me for the recipe. It’s SO good!