Well, hello, and Happy New Year!
I’m writing this from the comfort of my couch, binge-watching 9-1-1 while clutching my Mucinex and cough drops as I fight off this lingering cold. To say I started the year strong—hitting the gym every day and eating the healthiest meals—would be far from the truth. I didn’t deep clean my apartment, complete a vision board (I did later on), or have black-eyed peas, cornbread, and greens simmering on the stove for New Year’s, as tradition calls for in many African American households.
I always think of my mom when I think about slowing down yet still being productive. She’s an early riser, often starting her day before sunrise by cleaning up, prepping meals, and watering her plants. Seeing her care for her plants reminds me of the importance of having hobbies. Whether tending to her plants or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, she always makes time for things that bring her peace. Hobbies aren’t just about keeping busy; they’re about creating balance and finding moments of calm and joy in life’s busyness. They give us something to nurture and look forward to, helping us recharge mentally and emotionally. Watching my mom engage in her daily routines with intention has inspired me to create space for the things that fill my life with meaning.
In contrast, my life has looked quite different lately. Instead of early mornings and structured routines, it has revolved around my 600 sq. ft. apartment, where I’ve been lounging in pajamas, resting and relaxing in the living room with a cup of hot green tea (a new ritual I’m warming up to), and diving into Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan—a great read I highly recommend, which I finished (today!). Although I started it last year and haven’t read much in what feels like forever, one of my goals for 2025 is to read more fiction. I’ve been a self-help girlie previously (Atomic Habits, Think Like a Monk, The Spiritual Laws of Success, etc.), and it’s time I read something different. Rediscovering the joy of reading feels like a small but meaningful step toward something better.
Inspired by the idea of creating balance and finding joy in simple things, I’ve also been turning cooking into a creative practice. Lately, I’ve been working on a little project called “Clearing Out My Pantry,” which means making magic with the food I already have in my kitchen. Last month—and most of last year—I went to the grocery store weekly, even though I already had plenty of food at home. I’d get new ideas or change my mind about what I wanted to cook, leading to unnecessary waste.
One of my winter favorites has been cooking cozy, comforting meals. I made tomato soup from scratch for the first time, paired with a classic grilled cheese. Using what I had on hand reminded me how our mamas always made things work with whatever was in the kitchen. I recreated my mama’s chili and my friend’s chicken stew recipe, both made entirely from ingredients I already had. There was something so grounding about preparing these meals while watching the new season of Virgin River on Netflix.
I’ve found that slowly starting the year has been exactly what I needed, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to ease into things. Coming from a small town and living in a fast-paced city can sometimes feel overwhelming. Recently, I came across a TikTok where someone shared a powerful reminder: “It’s not a race but merely preparation.” It resonated with me, especially in a world that often makes us feel we must keep up or rush to achieve certain milestones. Life doesn’t have to be a race; it can also be about preparing, growing intentionally, and building a solid foundation for future opportunities.
I also saw a video with Tyler James Williams (who plays Gregory Eddie on Abbott Elementary) where he pointed out how we’re so focused on getting to where we want to be that we miss the present moments—the very moments we’ll one day look back on and miss. Both messages put things into perspective, reminding me to appreciate this time of preparation instead of rushing through it. It’s about trusting the process, being present, and giving myself grace as I navigate my journey.
Reflecting on these first few weeks of 2025, I’ve realized that starting slow is okay. There’s a lot of pressure to hit the ground running at the start of a new year, but easing into things has been precisely what I needed—and maybe it’s what you need, too. Progress doesn’t have to be grand or immediate; sometimes, it looks like resting when your body needs it, savoring a quiet moment, or finding comfort in a simple homemade meal.
This season has shown me the value of slowing down and embracing the present. There’s no need to rush—we don’t have to have everything figured out all at once. It’s about giving ourselves the grace to move at a pace that feels right, taking time to prepare, and finding joy in where we are right now. As I continue this journey, I’m excited to share more big and small moments with you here on Living Life Vividly.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and I hope this year brings you peace, joy, and the space to grow gently. Stay safe, stay cozy, and I’ll see you in the next post.
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