Six Ways I Found Calm in the Chaos this Week

The Sunday Pause 12/8/2024.

This week I solo parented for a few days, volunteered at my daughter’s basketball tournament, and had a follow-up at the hospital for my thyroid nodule (long-time readers will know this story—newer readers, I’m sure I’ll share more about that journey another time).

When my husband goes away, it’s not just the parenting that’s left to me—it’s double the long commutes to school, barn chores, and as life would have it, snow shovelling too!

But I managed it all and felt surprisingly balanced despite the crunch.

How?

Six Ways I Found Calm in the Chaos of the Week

1. I had the privilege of being able to work from home. When I spend a whole day out, the next day absolutely needs to be a home day. Non-negotiable. I do not double book myself unless absolutely necessary. Home is where I feel most supported and nourished. It’s where I anchor deeply into my routines, rhythms + rituals. Speaking of which, reviewing my calendar daily + meal planning were essential this week.

2. I spontaneously found a walk-in place and got a 30-minute Chinese massage + acupuncture session in between grocery shopping and picking one of my kid’s up for the dentist. I haven’t had a massage in a year. Seasonal body work is definitely going on my priority list for 2025!

3. I drank tea and kept up my GOLDENTIME journaling practice. Making space to be still and quiet is really hard for me. I am a fidgety, active do-er so holding space for rest doesn’t come naturally. Last week I cut coffee and set the intention to drink more tea. I do this every few months (usually at the turn of a season) to give my body and mind a little reset. I don’t cut caffeine completely. For me, tea is subtler and gives a gentler more sustained alertness than the sudden (although thrilling) jolt that coffee offers.

4. I did some listening for the soul. The Ffern podcast, As the Season Turns December episode fed me this week and I fell in love with a song featured in it: Carry Your Kin by The Breath.

5. Less time on social media. If you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed my post frequency is waning. This is a very natural part of the way I winter. The algorithm hates it, but I just can’t bring myself to post for the sake of of it. I don’t think it does me or you any service.

6. Early bedtime. I’ve been reading a couple of books before bed: Wintering by Katherine May and The Enchanted Life by Sharon Blackie. (Amazon links)

This week showed me that balance comes from small, thoughtful choices. By leaning into what nourishes me I found moments of peace amongst the fullness of it all. I hope these ideas and links inspire you to nurture the same in your life.

Meagan

PS. I’m running an hour long journalling sesh on Sunday, December 29th 3pm EST- Hearth and Heart: Setting Intentions for 2025- for paid subscribers. Learn more here; pop it in your calendar and I’ll send the zoom link closer to the date.