Friday Thoughts: Catching Up, Reflections, and New Beginnings

Welcome back to another edition of Friday Thoughts! It’s a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and share a candid update on the many threads we’ve been weaving together in our lives. Today, I’m excited to dive into some lingering topics from previous Friday Thoughts posts, alongside a sprinkle of fresh observations and unexpected adventures that have recently crossed my mind. Think of it as a friendly check-in, a digital coffee chat where we can simply be ourselves and connect.

Life, as always, is full of surprises, challenges, and moments of pure joy. And sometimes, our reactions to it all can feel a bit… spirited. (Honestly, I feel like Henry the Polish Hen perfectly encapsulates my state of mind when looking back at 2021 so far – a mix of wide-eyed wonder and perhaps a touch of bewildered charm!)

1. Life Updates and Personal Triumphs

Let’s kick things off with a well-deserved catch-up on some of the discussions we’ve had. It’s always rewarding to see how initial ideas or challenges evolve over time, leading to new insights and experiences.

• The Boys in the Boat: A Gripping Tale of Resilience

  I recently had the pleasure of finally listening to The Boys in the Boat, and I must say, it was an incredibly compelling and inspiring experience. This powerful narrative, set against the backdrop of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, tells the remarkable true story of nine American working-class young men and their epic quest for Olympic gold in rowing. The themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the triumph of the human spirit resonated deeply with me. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through sheer grit and unwavering determination, even when facing immense odds and personal struggles. The book beautifully illustrates how a group of individuals can coalesce into an unstoppable force, demonstrating the profound power of collaboration and shared purpose. As a family, we further enriched this historical journey by watching the PBS documentaryBoys of ’36, which provided a fascinating visual complement to the book. It sparked wonderful discussions about history, sportsmanship, the socio-political climate of the time, and the enduring importance of camaraderie, making it a truly educational and engaging experience for everyone.

• Embracing Yoga: A Journey from Skepticism to Serenity

  You might recall my rather emphatic declaration in a previous post about my distinct dislike for yoga. Well, prepare for a plot twist! After receiving dozens upon dozens of encouraging suggestions from many of you, I decided to bravely give Yoga with Adriene a try. And, to my surprise (though perhaps not yours, given your collective wisdom!), you were absolutely right. Adriene is truly exceptional. Her approach is incredibly welcoming, non-judgmental, and makes yoga accessible to everyone, even stubborn skeptics like myself. Her focus on “Find What Feels Good” transforms the practice from a rigid discipline into a personal journey of self-discovery and gentle movement. I’ve been diligently practicing her shorter videos, typically 10-20 minutes, several times a week. The most significant revelation? My persistent hip pain, which had been a nagging discomfort, has become remarkably manageable, allowing for greater comfort and mobility in my daily life. Furthermore, I can confidently say that my initial aversion to yoga has significantly diminished, replaced by a genuine appreciation for its physical and mental benefits. In fact, I’ve even managed to convert a few friends to the Adriene fan club, sharing the positive impact her sessions have had. It feels like nothing short of a miracle to have gained such a positive ‘testimony’ for yoga, transforming my initial resistance into genuine appreciation for its profound calming and strengthening effects on both body and mind.

• Fostering Cultural Awareness: Our Elementary School Book Project

  I’m thrilled to report that our humble cultural outreach book project has finally reached its joyful conclusion – at least for this phase! Due to various COVID-19 protocols, securing access for visitors and donations at the elementary school proved to be a lengthy process. Navigating the evolving health guidelines and scheduling logistics required patience and persistence. However, the wait was absolutely worth it. We were finally able to deliver a wonderful collection of diverse books, carefully selected to broaden horizons and foster understanding among young readers. It was such a fulfilling moment to see these books find their new home in the school library, knowing they will provide windows into different cultures and experiences for countless children. For those interested in expanding their own diverse libraries or supporting similar initiatives, here is a comprehensive list of the books we proudly donated. We sourced most of these fantastic titles from EyeSeeMe bookstore, a truly wonderful and dedicated resource for culturally rich and inclusive literature. My vision for this project extends beyond a single donation; I sincerely hope to continue this cultural awareness and literacy initiative in the coming years, actively engaging our wider community and other families in this incredibly important endeavor. It’s about more than just providing books; it’s about opening minds, cultivating empathy, and building a more inclusive future for our youngest generations.

2. New Year, New Approach: Redefining Resolutions for Sustainable Growth

Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions. I hope we can still be friends after this confession, but I’m simply not one for extensive, ambitious goal-setting when the calendar flips to January 1st. The truth is, I almost always begin each new year feeling a tiny bit depleted from the holiday rush, and 2020 certainly escalated that feeling to an entirely new level. The festive season, while joyous, is often demanding, leaving little room for the mental energy required to embark on a complete life overhaul. Over the years, I’ve learned that presenting myself with a daunting list of new, often unrealistic, goals can feel incredibly overwhelming, often leading to burnout, frustration, and ultimately, abandonment rather than sustained progress. It’s a cycle I’ve actively chosen to break.

Instead, I find more success and genuine well-being in focusing on smaller, daily victories and consistent, gentle habits. Sometimes, my primary goal for the day is simply navigating it without succumbing to the allure of an entire bag of chocolate chips – a relatable struggle, I’m sure! Am I alone in this battle for mindful indulgence? I suspect not! When I do set intentions, I prioritize simplicity, achievability, and alignment with my personal values. For instance, my dedicated paper planner (yes, I’m proudly old school and cherish the tactile experience of pen on paper!) includes consistent time blocks for daily scripture reading and a couple of exercise sessions each week. These aren’t grand pronouncements of self-improvement; rather, they are consistent, gentle commitments that quietly support my spiritual and physical well-being without adding undue pressure or the weight of unrealistic expectations.

Beyond these micro-goals and daily rhythms, I have a couple of overarching “wishes” for myself this year that are more about cultivating inner peace and healthier boundaries. Firstly, I aim to gracefully shed a few non-essential projects that have accumulated, recognizing that “good” is often the enemy of “great,” and decluttering my commitments will free up precious mental and physical space. Secondly, and perhaps more challenging, I aspire to stop managing other people’s emotions – a journey towards setting healthier boundaries, cultivating emotional independence, and practicing self-preservation. This involves recognizing what is mine to carry and what belongs to others, a nuanced process that requires constant awareness and practice. Wish me luck with these! They are ongoing works in progress, requiring daily intention and reflection, but the commitment to a more peaceful and authentic existence is firmly there.

Are you a New Year’s resolution enthusiast, eagerly crafting ambitious plans, or do you prefer a different approach, perhaps focusing on smaller habits or ongoing evolution? What’s your style when it comes to setting intentions for a fresh start, and what strategies have you found most effective for sustainable growth? Share your insights and personal philosophies!

3. The Ultimate Holiday Game Find: Klask – A Family Favorite!

A huge shout-out to my wonderful, long-time blogging friend, Rachel R., for introducing me to what turned out to be the ultimate holiday gift winner this past season! She sent me this brilliant game idea just in time for Christmas, and it completely stole the show, captivating everyone from the youngest to the oldest members of our family. The game is called Klask {affiliate link}, and it is genuinely, unequivocally, so much fun! Its addictive nature meant I simply couldn’t wait until my typical end-of-year game gift guide to tell you all about it; the enthusiasm demanded immediate sharing. We’ve been playing it non-stop since it arrived, and the infectious energy and laughter it brings have not waned one bit.

Klask is a fast-paced, magnetic game that cleverly blends elements of air hockey and foosball, but with its own unique and incredibly addictive twists. Players use magnets beneath the board to control their playing pieces on the surface, aiming to score goals while avoiding obstacles and trying to make opponents pick up the three magnetic ‘biscuits’ in the middle. It’s incredibly engaging for all ages, promoting friendly competition, quick reflexes, and plenty of laughter. The tactile experience of manipulating the playing pieces with magnets from underneath the board is surprisingly satisfying and requires a good amount of dexterity and strategic thinking. I won’t lie, I’ve developed quite a knack for it – I’m pretty good! – though my 16-year-old is currently engaged in a heated debate with me over that particular fact, often attributing my wins to pure luck rather than skill! It’s quickly become a family favorite, proving that some of the best gifts are those that bring people together for shared moments of joy, friendly rivalry, and unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for a game that will instantly become a hit, Klask is definitely it!

Did you stumble upon any incredible Christmas finds or gifts that brought immense joy and became instant family hits this past holiday season? I’d love to hear about them and perhaps add them to our own growing list of favorite games and traditions!

4. The Heartfelt Value of Homemade Gifts: A Cherished Christmas Tradition

This past Christmas, I initiated (or perhaps, more accurately, ‘dictated’!) a new tradition: the kids would craft homemade gifts for each other. While they’ve always drawn names for sibling gifts, this year the emphasis was squarely on intentionally thought-out, handcrafted creations. The only strict criteria were that each gift had to be genuinely homemade and demonstrate a level of effort beyond, say, a pair of hastily assembled popsicle stick binoculars. I wanted them to truly invest themselves in the process of creating something unique, personal, and meaningful, moving beyond store-bought convenience to the deeper value of thoughtful creation.

As you can imagine, the initial reactions were met with a symphony of moans and groans. The prospect of ‘work’ during the holidays wasn’t exactly met with enthusiasm. There were certainly some very last-minute pushes – I’m talking Christmas Eve frantic assembly, with glitter and glue still drying minutes before gift exchange – complete with a few moments of impatient mom-shouting (a reality I’m not proud of, but let’s be honest, it happens in the joyful chaos of family holidays!). Yet, despite the initial resistance, the creative challenges, and the occasional parental outburst, this homemade gift endeavor blossomed into one of the most cherished moments of our Christmas celebration. It wasn’t just about the gifts themselves, but the profound experience embedded within the making and receiving.

The pure delight on their faces as they unwrapped and discovered what their siblings had painstakingly created was truly heartwarming. What made it even more special was their genuine excitement and gratitude, stemming from the fact that each child had personally experienced the effort, thought, and love that goes into crafting a gift for someone else. This tangible understanding of the gift-giving process fostered a deeper appreciation for both the gift and the giver. We saw a beautiful range of creations: a lovingly crocheted scarf, a meticulously painted treasure box, a carefully hand-carved wooden sword, and a custom-made pillowcase, among other charming delights. The variety and personal touches in each gift were truly remarkable. I haven’t quite broken the news yet, but I’m already envisioning this becoming a treasured yearly tradition, one that enriches our holiday season with creativity, thoughtfulness, and heartfelt connection.

Adding a touch of humor to the memory, my 14-year-old, witnessing me type this very post, quipped, “In a million years, I never imagined I’d be able to sew anything.” He swiftly followed that with, “And I don’t plan to ever again,” delivered with a dramatic eye-roll. Then, with perfect teenage timing, he concluded, “Are you going to pay me for posting my picture on the internet?” His candid remarks perfectly capture the journey – the initial skepticism, the surprising accomplishment, and the ever-present negotiation with a teenager. It’s these real, unfiltered moments that truly define our family life and make these memories so vibrant and wonderfully imperfect.

5. The Labor of Love: Crocheted Blankets and the Tale of Arthritic Hands

Speaking of homemade gifts, I had to lead by example, despite the undeniable fact that our home literally cannot accommodate one more blanket (or stuffed animal, for that matter!). Our linen closets are bursting, and every couch has multiple throws already. Consequently, I decided to tackle a personal project of significant scale: crocheting each of the kids and Brian a cozy, personalized blanket for Christmas. It felt profoundly important not to be a hypocrite about the whole “make someone a homemade gift” philosophy I had so strongly advocated for the children.

I dusted off my incredibly rusty crocheting skills, which hadn’t seen much action in years, and embarked on a mission using a simple one-stitch pattern. This truly was the easiest pattern imaginable, making it perfect for a large-scale, somewhat ambitious project that needed to be completed quickly. The real magic, however, lay not just in the simplicity of the stitch but in the luxurious Bernat blanket yarn. Available at craft stores like JoAnn’s or Michaels (especially with those fantastic 40% off coupons!), this yarn transforms even the simplest pattern into an irresistibly soft, plush, and cuddly masterpiece. The resulting blankets are so addictively soft and comfortable that you just want to sink into them, providing instant warmth and coziness.

My biggest challenge, as always, was time. I didn’t give myself ample lead-up for five substantial blankets, which meant that throughout most of December, I found myself crocheting late into the night – often stretching into the very early hours of the morning. It was a true labor of love, a testament to my commitment to seeing these gifts through to completion. I finished by the skin of my teeth, with the last stitches woven just hours before Christmas morning. However, this dedication came with some physical repercussions: gnarled, sore, and distinctly arthritic hands, coupled with perpetually bloodshot eyes. It was a testament to dedication, but also a stark reminder of the physical toll of sustained, repetitive effort. Every stitch was a small act of love, but my hands certainly felt the price!

Now, with all the family blankets complete, my next goal is a deeply personal one: to create a blanket for myself. This way, I won’t have to constantly ‘borrow’ Brian’s or the kids’ blankets during our family movie nights, which, I confess, happens more often than I’d like to admit! My still-aching hands are hopeful they can complete this final project before 2025 rolls around. It’s a small indulgence after such a significant effort, and one I’m very much looking forward to – a cozy reward for a truly handmade Christmas.

6. Reaching New Heights: Our Family’s Rock Climbing Adventure

We’ve recently embarked on an exhilarating new family hobby: rock climbing! This exciting venture was made possible thanks to an incredibly thoughtful gift from Brian’s parents – a two-month membership to a local climbing gym. It’s been an absolute blast, challenging us both physically and mentally, and proving to be an activity that truly brings us together, fostering teamwork and individual growth. Most of us have successfully achieved our belay certifications, which is a significant milestone, allowing us to manage the ropes and ensure each other’s safety as we ascend.

And let me tell you, there’s an interesting psychological component to this. There’s a unique sense of trust – and sometimes a little bit of anxiety – involved when you’re literally putting your ultimate safety in the hands of one of your children as they manage the belay rope while you scale what feels like a freakishly tall wall. It’s a powerful lesson in communication, responsibility, and mutual reliance within the family dynamic. You learn to give clear commands, listen intently, and trust implicitly. It definitely adds an extra layer of intensity and connection to the experience, strengthening bonds in unexpected ways!

When I say “scale up a freakishly tall wall,” I’m referring to my personal attempts, which often involve getting about five and a half feet off the ground before my arms and legs decide they’ve had enough, and I make an immediate demand to be lowered. The exhaustion is real, and my upper body strength is clearly a work in progress! My children, however, are a completely different story. Their natural agility, fearless attitudes, and relentless determination have consistently amazed me as they tackle challenging routes with the spirit of billy goats, effortlessly conquering walls that seem impossible to me. They seem to intuitively understand the foot placements and handholds, making their way up with a grace I can only aspire to. Their progress and fearlessness have been truly inspiring to watch, making this new family pursuit an adventure in shared learning, individual triumphs, and a healthy dose of parental pride.

7. The Holy Grail of Hair Care: Discovering the Best Dry Shampoo

While I may not claim expertise in every area of life, there are two things I genuinely feel qualified to discuss with absolute confidence: the art of baking the perfect chocolate chip cookies, and the science of finding an effective dry shampoo. Over the years, I’ve likely experimented with no fewer than 384 different brands of dry shampoo, navigating the aisles, reading countless reviews, and subjecting my hair to rigorous testing in search of that elusive product that truly delivers on its promises. And after extensive research and countless trials, I can confidently declare that this particular brand {affiliate link} is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best stuff ever. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking to extend their hair’s freshness between washes.

Yes, it’s undeniably pricier than many other options on the market. Let’s not sugarcoat that fact. However, can you truly put a price tag on the freedom and confidence that comes with being able to extend your hair wash cycle for a shocking number of days – sometimes four or five! – without looking like a complete greaseball? I argue, emphatically, no, you cannot! The sheer effectiveness of this product is simply unparalleled. It absorbs oil and refreshes hair so thoroughly, adding volume and a clean feel, that you end up using significantly less product compared to other brands that require multiple applications. This makes the higher initial cost a worthwhile investment in the long run, as a single can lasts considerably longer. For anyone with a busy lifestyle, early mornings, or simply a desire to reduce their hair washing frequency, this dry shampoo is an absolute essential in your beauty routine. It’s a small luxury that yields immense dividends in time saved and confidence gained.

8. A Transformative Perspective: Intuitive Eating and Body Image Resilience

As we navigate the start of a new year, there’s often an intensified societal focus on healthy eating, rigorous fitness goals, and various resolutions related to physical appearance. In this pervasive atmosphere, I’ve been profoundly reminded, and felt immense gratitude for, a complete and utterly life-changing shift in my perspective that occurred after reading the foundational book Intuitive Eating {affiliate link} and diligently following the empowering work of Beauty Redefined (their website and vibrant Instagram account). Without a single shred of hyperbole, I can confidently state that the wisdom contained within this book and the empowering, evidence-based messages from Beauty Redefined have been nothing short of life-changing for me, revolutionizing my relationship with food, my body, and myself.

This transformative journey has been instrumental in my ongoing efforts to develop robust body image resilience, not just for myself, but crucially, to instill these vital principles in my children from a young age. It’s a core value and a guiding philosophy in our home, creating a safe space for healthy self-perception. Now, I only need to begin saying the phrase, “Your body is…”, before my kids enthusiastically chime in with the powerful, resonant mantra: “…an instrument, not an ornament!” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates a paradigm shift away from societal pressures that often reduce bodies to mere objects of aesthetic evaluation, instead celebrating their incredible capabilities and functions.

I recognize that discussing topics like diet culture, body image, and societal ideals can be akin to venturing into political debates – they often elicit a multitude of strong, deeply held opinions. However, I feel incredibly passionate and convicted about the ideas and insights I’ve absorbed over the years, as they have brought me so much peace and freedom. Once I allowed myself to get truly angry – profoundly, righteously angry – at the pervasive diet culture and society’s utterly irrational ideals and relentless demands for women to defy the natural process of aging (insert a colossal eye roll and a metaphorical throat punch here, because truly, it’s an absurdity!), something profound shifted within me. I stopped internalizing those harmful messages and started questioning their origins and purpose.

This righteous anger served as a catalyst, freeing me from many of the confining, self-critical thoughts I had unknowingly harbored about my own body, nutrition, and indeed, many other aspects of my existence that were tethered to external validation. The liberation from these mental constraints has led to an immeasurable increase in my overall happiness and well-being. It’s a journey of self-acceptance, empowerment, and genuine contentment that I wish for everyone, particularly in a world that constantly bombards us with unrealistic and often harmful messages about how we “should” look or be. Embracing our bodies for what they can do, rather than how they appear, is a powerful act of defiance and self-love.

Ultimately, let’s strive to be kinder to ourselves, okay? In a world that often demands perfection and constantly pushes us to achieve more, extending grace and compassion to ourselves is not just an act of kindness, but a revolutionary act of self-preservation and well-being. Thank you for joining me here today, for reading these reflections, and for being such an integral and supportive part of this wonderful online community. A special reward goes out to those of you who made it all the way to the very end of this comprehensive post – your dedication and engagement are truly appreciated!

Now, I’m genuinely eager to hear YOUR thoughts – any and all of them! Whether it’s about your own approaches to resolutions, exciting new hobbies you’ve discovered, heartwarming family projects, or profound insights you’ve gained recently, please share your perspectives. Your input enriches this space for everyone.

I deeply value and appreciate when you share the “real” aspects of your lives – the good, the challenging, and the outright hard moments. Over the years, I’ve gleaned so much wisdom, comfort, and a profound sense of connection from all of you. Personally, I grapple with many, many things, with anxiety often topping that list (as I’ve mentioned before in previous posts). And while, lucky for you, I don’t always outline every single struggle here in vivid detail, it’s crucial to remember that daily life encompasses so much more depth, complexity, and nuanced reality than what we simply read in carefully curated blog posts or glimpse in those perfectly filtered little square snapshots on Instagram. The highlight reels rarely show the whole story, and that’s okay, but it’s important to keep in mind.

Sometimes, simply knowing that we aren’t alone – neither in our moments of joy and triumph nor in our moments of struggle and quiet despair – can be incredibly helpful, validating, and profoundly comforting. It’s a reminder that we’re all navigating this intricate journey called life, often with shared experiences, doubts, and aspirations. So, let’s continue to build this space of authenticity, vulnerability, and mutual support, knowing that our collective experiences make us stronger. Love your guts, truly.

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