Yes, I am one of those people who celebrates her “birthday weekend,” and the last few days I’ve let myself listen to my body and do — well, pretty much whatever I felt like doing. And staying off my phone as much as possible. Needed a work break? I powered down my computer and got outside. Tired? Propped my feet up on the couch. Felt hungry? Ate a yummy snack – in this case, cold watermelon sprinkled with sea salt, feta, and fresh basil. This mindset of listening to my body and going with my gut is something I want to carry with me into this new year of life. As someone who can be disciplined to a fault, I have to be very intentional about not letting my own self-imposed structure get in the way of enjoying life and living it to the fullest.
One of my favorite things about my mom is that she’ll occasionally have dessert for dinner. Not because it’s healthy, not because she’s starved herself all day, but just because she wants to. Because every once in awhile, a banana split for dinner makes her really, really happy.
In the coming year as we continue navigating a weird new normal, I want to find joy in the little things, whether that’s skipping a workout to lay in a hammock with a good book, or treating myself to a glass of cold rosé at 3pm on a weekday. And really tasting it, savoring it, fully inhabiting the moment. And yes – staying healthy is important, honoring our commitments is important, giving our days structure makes us productive members of society. But we don’t have to do it at the expense of spontaneity and finding joy in our senses. It’s a balance, and one thing this “great pause” has taught me is that I’m surprised how much I love the Slower Life.
**I also wanted to acknowledge what’s happening in our country right now. In addition to personal moments of peace over the weekend, there was also stress, tension, and sadness over the protests happening in cities across the US. I met with friends of color via phone and social distanced coffee to talk about what’s happening, how we can learn more, and how we can do better in our own journey towards bringing more diversity and representation to Camille Styles. This is something that I don’t want to limit to our conversation this week when it’s in the news; this is a long-term commitment, and I ask for your patience as we work to make these changes. Much more to come, including an article on taking allyship a step further in the next couple days. I’d love any of your feedback on how we can continue this conversation and support our black brothers and sisters. If you have constructive ideas to share, please email me at [email protected].**
Scroll on for my favorite reads from around the web this week! xo
On designing a better life – with less.
Very into the idea of adding “joy triggers” to my daily routine.
I’ve never been an opera person, but the Met Opera’s new nightly livestream is making me a convert. I’m planning to turn it up while I cook dinner this week.
Speaking of dinner, trying out this vegetarian recipe tonight. Will report back.
Thanks for all your thoughtful comments on this post yesterday. One of you turned me on to this list of anti-racism resources for white people, and I’m excited to dive in.
If you’re a content creator, here are some ways to make “slowing down” a strength.
The best exercise to treat afternoon brain fog.
Loved this podcast episode – and now very much back into the enneagram.
Have you been having weird dreams too?
And some good stuff you may have missed!
5 pieces of advice I’d tell my younger self.
How to recreate these stunning patio ideas – on a budget.
Hair treatments to try when you desperately need a haircut.
These are the at-home workouts our editors are loving right now.
