January 8, 2025
The new year is off to a quiet yet reflective start. Tomorrow, I’ll head back to the office for the first time this year, and snow is in the forecast—a fitting backdrop for new beginnings. Snow, with its blanketing hush and pristine beauty, always feels symbolic to me. It wipes the slate clean, giving everything a chance to feel fresh, unblemished, and full of possibility.
This past week, our house was full of life as my daughters and family visited for the holidays. Today, they started packing up and returning to their homes and school, leaving the familiar ache of an empty house. While I miss them already, I’m learning to embrace the rhythm of this stage of life. There’s a certain peace in quiet moments and a chance to appreciate what’s here in front of me.
One of my goals this year is to lean into contentment—to truly savor what I have instead of chasing what I don’t. Part of this is about gratitude, but it’s also practical. I’ve been inspired to waste less, especially when it comes to food. Over the holidays, I noticed how easy it is to let leftovers languish in the fridge or buy more than we really need. So, I’m trying something new: exploring recipes that make use of what’s already in my kitchen.
Cooking has become a creative outlet and a challenge in portion control. With just two of us at home now, I’m learning how to cook for two instead of a crowd. It’s not always easy; old habits die hard. But there’s something satisfying about adapting recipes, ensuring nothing goes to waste, and enjoying meals that are just enough for us. As I prepare for the year ahead, I feel a quiet determination. The snow, the slower pace, and the thoughtful changes in how I approach daily life all feel like part of a bigger shift. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly mine. Here’s to finding joy in simplicity, cherishing loved ones, and making the most of what we have—one recipe, one day, one snowy morning at a time.
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