Midlife Sarah

When my kids were little, I wanted to create a tradition that felt uniquely ours. That may sound like a strange thing to simply decide one day, but since childhood I’ve delighted in making little pockets of magic out of the ordinary. Whether it’s sitting close to a window with a book, a blanket, and a coffee on a rainy day or apple cider donuts in the crisp autumn air at sunrise, few things bring me as much giddy joy as planning a special moment. I mentioned my tradition idea to the family and, after throwing around a few options, we eventually landed on having a big weekend dinner—with candles, our fancy dishes, and a themed menu. Thrilled, the kids piled on ideas: we could dress up, play music, decorate.  Then came the question: “What should we call it?”  I said, “How about…Saturdinner?”  They were all in, but to eliminate any pressure we decided the only real requirement was the feast; the rest was optional. It didn't even have to take place on a Saturday. Still, once ...

Historically I have viewed August as our last chance to enjoy summer and packed it so full of trips, house projects, and plans that I ended up worn down and raggedy by the end of the month. And actually, the past two years I rolled into September with a dislocated rib and whole-body hives--two weird ways my body tells me to slow down. Consequently, the fall months of midlife have been punctuated with chiropractor appointments and steroids; heating pads and ice packs. Plus a resolution to do things differently next year (which I never do).  But this year's health reconstruction project changed the way I mapped out this August. I determined to take it easier, and here's how I did it: *I donated our extra garden harvests to the chickens. That meant no peeling, chopping, canning, blanching, freezing, or organizing, freeing up a tremendous amount of time and eliminating hurry and pressure. A surprising amount of time and a surprising amount of pressure, really. (That realization has...

July was a month of transition for me. Different from the previous seven months where I stayed low, slow and quiet, in July I felt the presence of extra coal in my supply of energy. I felt a little more pep in my step and noticed that my body was needing less sleep. What was I to do with my extra coal? Throw some on the fire and get to living, I guessed. But I did so cautiously.  I said to myself, "You don't want to throw yourself back into everything and end up where you were last year. Slow and steady." Taking this approach, I was still more productive and made some very happy memories last month. Here are a few:  I got a haircut. Why did I wait so long? Why are you waiting so long? Go get a haircut and enjoy the happiness boost! (But only if you want to. Don't let me boss you around. It's just that I feel lighter post-haircut and want that for everyone!) I helped my son find and purchase his first car, accomplishing my goal of helping each of my children to pu...