Friends, thank you so much for your warm support in my last post, which was now two weeks ago if you can believe it. I am still feeling quite overwhelmed with all of the holiday brouhaha, the state of American politics, and my responsibilities at home, but I’ve desperately missed connecting with all of you and spending time with my blog. So this weekend I decided to figure out how to squeeze in small bits of time at my desk during the week. I expect my blogging time will be short this morning, but I just wanted to share a few things that have been helping me lately.
The time change is always difficult for the little ones in my home. Colton doesn’t sleep well under the best circumstances, but this time change has seen him consistently awake around 3:30 and then mad when it takes longer for the day to really get going. Mornings are when I typically have the opportunity to tackle a little writing for this space and they’ve been especially busy the last few weeks. But I’ve been working hard to try to change his sleep patterns and saw a little success this weekend. I’m hoping that carries through this week. Time at my desk always helps me feel better — crossing my fingers that it works out!
My (nearly) daily walk has been the biggest boost over the last couple of weeks. My step count has never been higher than it was in November! I usually feel guilty ducking out in the middle of the day to hit a nearby trail: I could be doing school with the kids, baking a treat, folding laundry, mopping the floors, scrubbing the tub, and a million other tasks. But I’ve prioritized this walk and it has felt good. I’m hoping I have the fortitude to continue through the winter months; December, especially, looks pretty cold so I’m planning to bundle up as best I can. I’m also in the market for some new winter boots, so please feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments!
And books, of course. I have been reading and listening to audiobooks a ton over the last couple of weeks. I’ve also been thinking about 2025 reading goals and plans, as well as an essay or two that I’ve been wanting to write for my substack. I’ll be sharing those details with all of you soon!
Thank you for letting me just pop back in here and break the ice again! The first post back after a hiatus of any length is always hard, so it feels good to get it over with. How was November for you? What helped you survive? Are you excited about the new year that’s just around the corner? Let’s catch up!
The Cozy Burrow 
Your walk looks lovely and I am a big subscriber to making that a priority. Good for you! And definitely looking forward to the start of a new year. (If I could leapfrog right over the holidays I would.) I’m cheering for Colton’s sleep and your steps…and warm hands and feet for your winter walking.
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Thank you, Jordy! We should use our magic wands to skip the holidays!
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Pop in whenever time allows. I am also more and more impacted by the time changes. I told my husband that we should have chickens because I am up well before the sun and could be out feeding them 🤦🏼♀️
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Yikes! I hope your body adjusts to the time change soon and that you’re able to get up when you want to! Although, chickens are a lovely addition to a family 🙂
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The time change is always hard on me, so I can imagine how difficult it is for Colton (and, consequently, for the rest of you). I am glad you are prioritizing your walks, though, because you can’t take care of everyone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself, and those walks are important for your self-care. I hope you can find small ways to calm this busy time!
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Thank you, Sarah! Colton never really readjusted to the change in the fall last year (yikes!) but I’m hoping we’re able to make some changes that help him this year.
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I don’t give enough priority to walking and you are so right about how much it helps. This Autumn has just disappeared as far as I’m concerned, so much drama! Hoping to chill out after the mad rush of the coming three weeks, ready to start January all bright eyed and bushy tailed.
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The autumn flew by for me too! I hope you have a relatively easy December and that you’re ready to greet January when it arrives!
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Time change is always hard for me. Maybe just now i am adjusting. Will be sending you light, love, and energy for those walks which definitely are a priority for me. If I could I would fly over the holidays into the new year which I am feeling very hopeful about. Do take care.
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Thank you, Linda! I am also feeling hopeful about the new year. Here’s to a lovely December!
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What a beautiful walking spot! ❤️ As far as winter boots: I indulged in a pair of LLBean Duck Boots several years ago (4?) and have not regretted that decision for a minute. They were extremely comfortable straight out of the box, and keep me feets nice and warm – while also feeling very stable and secure when Mr. and I go roaming through the woods.
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Thank you for the boot recommendation! It’s hard to go wrong with LL Bean in New England! I have a pair from them that treated me well for quite a while, but the heel collapsed and they’ve become pretty uncomfortable. But maybe a new pair is just the ticket? I need to try them on again and try to remember how supportive they feel. I have high arches and have plantar fasciitis flair-ups if I wear shoes without support, so I get so nervous nowadays!
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When I was utilizing public transit to work eons ago, I picked up a nice pair of Keens that had a wool felt lining. They were mighty warm but Michigan does not get super cold… so there’s that. I think Carole swears by Sorrel’s… which I think might be “just right” for your New England cold winters!
I hope that your tweaks to your schedule work for everyone! XO
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Thank you for the boot ideas, Kat! I will look into Keenes and Sorrels! I need boots with lots of support because I’m worried about my plantar fasciitis flairing up when I have to switch out of my sneakers for the winter.
I hope your December is going well so far!
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Getting outside is the best medicine for so many things … two of my Advent devotions suggested going for a walk and paying attention to nature. I think that’s sound advice (but only when it’s light outside)! I hope you get some good advice about boots and can follow it up with a purchase. I can walk in sneakers 99% of the time here (and the 1% where I can’t, it’s uggs and a VERY quick turn around the block with Lucy).
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Thank you, Mary. I am deep into boot research right now, especially with my fear of a plantar fasciitis flair up. My hokas have been fine so far but soon there will be snow and ice on the ground and I will need more protection!
And YES to getting outside and paying attention to nature! We can (finally!) safely put out bird seed again and I’m so excited to welcome the little birds back to our windows!
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Hooray for walking! I’m determined to take more walks this winter. Nature always makes me feel better.
I hope everyone’s sleep patterns settle down and you can get more rest. Sending you good thoughts!
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I hope you find ways to get out there, Laila. I’m doing my best to keep going too 🙂 I thought we were over the hump with sleeping schedules, but they’re all such a mess. I think I’m going to have to figure out how to accept this as my life!!!
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Katie, if you can do one thing that will help you for the rest of your life, keep walking. Make it a priority. I started making it important in May, 1989. I was working full time, we had two teenage daughters (with lots of drama), husband, money worries……..a normal life. I sometimes would come home from work just overwhelmed. I started taking my dogs for a daily walk. I had tried before, but never kept at it. This time I did. We went the moment I came home from work, or if I had the day off, we would go as soon as I got up & dressed in the morning. Even though at the start it was for physical health, it actually turned out better for my mental health. It was my time to decompress, to think things out, I talked (to myself & the dogs), some days I cried, I worked through problems. I came home ready to meet lifes challenges. Over the years, the girls, my husband, friends, would ask to come with me. Many, many talks. It’s easier when you are walking side by side to have some conversations. And then there’s the fresh air. And the animals. And nature. Stars and pink sunrises for me now. It’s my time. I whine a lot in bad weather, or if I’m busy (or lazy). But I go anyway. If it’s cold, I really bundle up (and complain about the time it takes to put so many clothes on). If it’s raining, I go. I know not everyone has a dog, but that has always saved me. I have made it a habit with all my dogs over the years, so they depend on it. That way I can’t say no. And I don’t. Some walks are longer than others. Our standard is two miles. But we have done longer and much shorter. The hardest part is getting out the door, but within 10 minutes, I already feel better. I am now 70 years old, and I just want to pass along a little advice now. Make time for yourself……….keep walking.
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Peg, thank you so much for this message! Such a fabulous reminder. I have been trying to keep going!! And I will keep reporting back with my efforts 🙂 Take good care!
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When you can manage it, walking is so good. It always improves my mental health. Pop in whenever you can. When I was working in special education, the time change was hard for all of us. I hope your strategies for Colton are paying benefits. It’s challenging so hand in there. Right now I’ve fallen back on the things that help me maintain an inner calm – walking, writing, handwork, reading, reaching out to loved ones. Although the pesky chores like cleaning, laundry, cooking do take time too.
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Thank you for the encouragement, Jane! We’ll find a new normal and all will settle down into SOMETHING, even if it’s not what I’m visualizing!
I’m glad you have so many ways to settle in. And yes, those pesky chores are always lurking!
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