Friday Thoughts: Navigating January’s Journey and Embracing Life’s Unfolding Chapters

As the final days of January gently fade, I find myself reflecting on a month that has been nothing short of extraordinary. “What a month” feels like a profound understatement, encompassing a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected turns.

Before we dive deeper, I genuinely want to pause and ask you, dear reader: How are you, truly? This isn’t just a casual greeting; it’s a question loaded with empathy, especially after the tumultuous start to the year many of us have experienced. Your stories and insights in the comments of these “Friday Thoughts” posts are what make them so incredibly meaningful to me, creating a vibrant space for connection and shared humanity.

It’s been a little while since my last Friday Thoughts entry, and given how much I cherish these candid conversations – largely fueled by the incredible community you all foster – I felt a strong pull, a need even, to share some reflections today. Even if the clock has ticked just past midnight into Saturday, in the spirit of these posts, we’re wholeheartedly calling this a Friday Thoughts piece! Let’s unpack some of what January brought, and what’s currently on my mind.

1. New Year’s Resolutions: Shifting Focus from Pressure to Presence

I know, I know, we’re practically knocking on February’s door, but it’s still timely to check in: how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up for you?

Here’s a little confession from my corner: I no longer set them. Years ago, I realized that the traditional New Year’s resolution framework often left me feeling burdened by guilt, immense pressure, and ultimately, a sense of failure. While I deeply value intentional goal-setting throughout the year, the arbitrary demand to declare ‘all-the-goals’ on January 1st simply doesn’t resonate with my personal rhythm anymore. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace a more flexible, season-by-season approach to personal growth and aspirations, allowing room for life’s inevitable detours.

Ironically, this year began with a burst of renewed energy and boundless optimism. I envisioned finally dedicating time to writing that cookbook I’ve dreamed about, alongside tackling several other exciting projects, both blog-related and personal. The ink was almost dry on a cookbook contract when January truly began to unfold in ways no one could have predicted. Without delving into excessive detail, suffice it to say that 2022 has presented my family and me with perhaps the most challenging start to a year in recent memory.

We’ve navigated a series of unexpected illnesses, unforeseen job losses, sudden commitments, and moments that demanded profound deep breaths while simultaneously searching for flickers of blessings. It’s been a period marked by deep-reaching, soul-searching (and at times, soul-sucking) challenges that seemed to emerge at every turn. Each day brought a new layer of complexity, testing our resilience and our ability to adapt.

Consequently, I’ve had to gently recalibrate my expectations and truly lean into the timeless wisdom that declares: “there is a time and season for everything.” In this particular season, on this 28th day of January, my primary focus has simply been to navigate each day with grace and perseverance. And that, I wholeheartedly believe, is a goal I can achieve. This shift from rigid resolutions to a more compassionate self-understanding has been invaluable.

So, with all sincerity, how is 2022 unfolding for you so far? I am genuinely eager to hear your experiences and insights.

2. Microblading: Seeking Wisdom for Thyroid-Related Eyebrow Challenges

Now for a question that might seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, but it’s one that has been weighing on my mind: eyebrow microblading? Have you embarked on this beauty journey? And if so, do you wholeheartedly recommend it?

For context, I have a long history with thyroid disease. I was diagnosed with both Hashimoto’s Disease and thyroid cancer back in 2008, an experience that led to surgery, radiation, and a persistent, ongoing struggle to regulate my thyroid hormones ever since. The impact of thyroid conditions extends far beyond what many might imagine, affecting countless facets of daily life.

Among the many areas this chronic condition touches, my eyebrows have become a particular point of frustration. While it might sound unusual, the correlation between thyroid dysfunction and eyebrow thinning or hair loss is remarkably common. It’s a subtle but nagging annoyance, chipping away at my confidence in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

In the past year, the sparseness of my eyebrows has become more pronounced, prompting me to seriously consider microblading. However, I must admit, I’m quite “skeered” of the process and the potential outcome! My sister, who shares many of my thyroid-related challenges, has had microblading done, and her results are wonderfully natural and truly amazing. Yet, despite her positive experience, a nagging apprehension remains. I have a vivid, irrational fear of emerging from the procedure looking distinctly like Bert from Sesame Street – no offense to Bert, of course, who remains a beloved character!

So, I’m turning to you, my wise community: what are your thoughts? Do you have any advice or insights into microblading? What are the key pros and cons I should consider?

Beyond microblading, I’m also open to any other eyebrow tips you might have. I tend to favor a minimal makeup routine, and honestly, the thought of meticulously penciling in my eyebrows with various “tools” feels even more daunting than the microblading itself! Any wisdom you can share on this front would be deeply appreciated.

3. A Trio of Delights: My Current Obsessions

Amidst life’s complexities, it’s the little joys that often provide the most comfort and delight. Here are a few things I’ve been absolutely loving lately:

First, there’s this charming Gurgle Pot {affiliate link} that my mom gave me for Christmas. Honestly, it’s one of the most clever and unexpectedly fun gifts I’ve ever received. The magic lies in its delightful gurgling sound as you pour water – a quirky gluggety-glug that, astonishingly, never seems to lose its charm for my kids. I’m convinced they’ve consumed more water in the past month than ever before, simply for the joy of the sound! I have a pristine white one, but you can find a beautiful array of colors online, both here and easily by searching “gurgle pot” on Amazon. It’s a simple pleasure that brings a smile to my face every day.

Next on my list of current loves are these incredible sugar cookies. They are, without exaggeration, next-level delicious. I’ve whipped up a batch for various events at least eight times in the last two weeks, and their allure simply doesn’t diminish. A dear friend recently described the experience of eating one as “taking a bite out of a fluffy cloud and a rainbow at the same time,” a description so perfect I had to dedicate an Instagram reel to it! If you’re looking for a treat that brings pure, unadulterated joy, these are an absolute must-try. Their soft texture and perfectly balanced sweetness make them irresistible.

Finally, I can’t talk about things I’m loving without mentioning this sweet and sour licorice {affiliate link}. I initially raved about it on Instagram last fall, and here I am, four months later, still happily “inhaling bag after bag.” Sweet and sour candy holds a special place in my heart, and these little nubbins of licorice, coated with their perfect tangy-sweet dust, are simply sublime. I typically order them in bulk – a dozen bags at a time from Amazon – and occasionally, if you’re lucky, I might even share a few. They’re the ideal pick-me-up for a quick burst of flavor and a moment of pure indulgence.

4. The Unexpected Christmas Gift Hit: Subscription Boxes for Teens and Tweens

Continuing our discussion of winning items, let me share what turned out to be the undisputed champion of Christmas gifts this year: subscription boxes for each of my children. It was, hands down, the unexpected big hit of the holiday season. It turns out, there’s something uniquely thrilling for kids of all ages when a package arrives in the mail specifically addressed with their name on it, rather than the usual daily Amazon Prime deliveries that, ahem, are invariably addressed to me!

For Jackson, our 17-year-old, a Ramen Noodle box was the perfect adventurous culinary journey. Walker, 16, received a SnackSack, bursting with unique and healthy treats. Our 14-year-old chef, Cade, was delighted by a Breakfast Club box, sparking his culinary creativity. Ty, 13, immersed himself in the inventive challenges of a Eureka Crate from Kiwi Co, designed for budding engineers. And for our youngest, Camryn, 9, the artistic projects within her Doodle Crate, also from Kiwi Co, were a dream come true.

We’re only one month into these three-month subscriptions, but every single box has been a resounding success, perfectly tailored to each child’s individual interests. The SnackSack, in particular, has been a source of incredible fun and unique (and undeniably yummy!) discoveries, introducing us to snacks we might never have found otherwise.

I’ll admit, one of the ramen flavors in Jackson’s box raised an eyebrow or two from me – a truly exotic aroma! – but he absolutely loved it, which is all that matters. The Kiwi crates, as always, kept the younger kids engaged and busy for hours, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Cade, our resident culinary enthusiast, was especially thrilled about his make-your-own breakfast components. Though, I perhaps should have anticipated that many of these boxes might include coffee. Since we don’t drink coffee (even though it’s one of my all-time favorite smells!), it looks like Cade will be enjoying the delightful experience of gifting the coffee blends to some of his favorite teachers at school, spreading a little extra warmth.

P.S. On the note of other Christmas triumphs, Brian’s homemade puzzle boxes for each of the kids, along with the universally beloved The Comfy blankets they received on Christmas Eve, were also massive hits. We’ve had to establish a few gentle guidelines about the appropriate times and places to wear said Comfys. Church, for instance, is not on the approved list, despite their immense comfort!

5. The Wordle Craze: A New Family Obsession

I almost hesitate to ask, but it’s too captivating not to: have you, like so many others, hopped on the Wordle train yet? This addictive daily word puzzle has taken the internet by storm, offering a delightful mental escape for millions.

Our family are relatively recent converts, but I personally became utterly obsessed within a day – I’ve always had a soft spot for word games and puzzles. While we’re not quite “those people” (haha) who regularly flood social media with our Wordle stats, largely because my teenagers don’t actually have social media accounts, we do keep a lively sharing dynamic going within our family group text. Each morning, there’s an eager anticipation to see who solved it, how many guesses it took, and to analyze each other’s strategies.

I have a strong premonition that our friendly competition is about to escalate significantly. It’s a fantastic way to engage our brains, share a common daily ritual, and perhaps, stoke a little good-natured rivalry. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend diving into this simple yet compelling daily brain teaser!

6. The Roar of the Crowd: Life as a Wrestling and Volleyball Family

In our household, we are unequivocally a wrestling family. This time of year, in particular, is a whirlwind of activity, dominated by the demanding schedule of high school wrestling. It’s a lifestyle that brings both immense pride and frequent moments of comedic chaos.

All three of my high schoolers are currently immersed in the wrestling season. It truly is the best of times – I absolutely love watching them compete, witnessing their strength and determination, even if I often find myself cringing at the intensity of the matches. And yes, even after 12 years of being a dedicated wrestling mom, I still occasionally blurt out unhelpful phrases like “rip his arms off!!” despite their constant reminders that such advice is neither tactical nor appreciated, and that I should perhaps just watch quietly or stick to more conventional encouragements like “go for the half nelson!” Then there’s the worst of times – a season unfortunately plagued with injuries and the ever-present, undeniably potent aroma of well-used wrestling gear. The sheer volume of laundry is a challenge in itself!

Rest assured, despite their often-stoic facial expressions in photos, they are much more enthusiastic about their sport than they let on. (Side note: teenage boys and photos, am I right? Capturing genuine smiles can be a wrestling match in itself!)

For those who follow wrestling (and it’s perfectly fine if you don’t, I understand it’s a niche passion!), we have a 98-pounder, a 145-pounder, and a 120-pounder proudly representing their school. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring.

Watching them now brings a flood of nostalgic memories, transporting me back to their younger years. Back then, they had absolutely no qualms about running around our 950-square-foot house in northern Minnesota, proudly sporting their singlets all day long. Oh, wait – they still do! Again, I reiterate: TEENAGE BOYS, AM I RIGHT? Their boundless energy and comfort in their own skin (and gear!) is something to behold.

And since we’re currently on a delightful journey down memory lane with nostalgic wrestling pictures (this is my blog, after all, and today I’m fully embracing this wrestling rabbit hole, with no apologies!), I must share one of my all-time favorite photos. It’s from a few years ago, capturing a moment when all four of my boys were actively involved in the club wrestling season. I think I’ll make this my phone’s desktop wallpaper, a powerful reminder that even on the most challenging days of parenting and life, there have been, and continue to be, countless wonderful times filled with joy, effort, and familial bonds.

In other exciting news, our youngest daughter is embarking on her first-ever volleyball season, and she’s absolutely loving it! It’s a completely new experience for all of us, a refreshing change of pace from the wrestling world. Don’t worry, I’m keeping my mouth firmly shut on the sidelines, refraining from shouting any alarming phrases akin to my wrestling tournament outbursts. It’s been incredibly fun to witness her enthusiasm and growth in a new sport.

Adding to the joy, she gets to play on the very same team as her cousin, who coincidentally shares her exact birthday! In the adorable language of 9-year-old girls, this translates to: “ohmygoshthisisthebestthingeverrrrr!!!!” And I wholeheartedly concur; it truly is a wonderful thing, fostering not just athletic development but also precious family connections.

7. Navigating Grief: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Cherished Friend

Amidst the multifaceted tapestry of January, with its blend of highs and lows, our family experienced a profound sorrow this week. We lost our incredibly dear friend, next-door neighbor, and what we affectionately considered our “adopted grandmother.” Her passing leaves a💔 shaped void in our lives.

Many of you may remember Carol from her appearances here on the blog. She graced this cake post with her presence and was also featured in this previous Friday Thoughts entry, where we discussed her son, Jared, and his valiant battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (he sadly passed away last fall). Carol’s story, intertwined with her deep family love and resilience, touched many hearts.

For the past seven and a half years, since we first moved into our home, Carol has been an irreplaceable, integral part of our daily lives. Her presence was a constant source of comfort, wisdom, and genuine kindness.

Her loss was both sudden and entirely unexpected. As I write this, my eyes are teary and glazed, making it hard to form coherent thoughts. It still doesn’t feel real, and the unfairness of it all weighs heavily on my heart. Carol was truly one of the wisest and most compassionate women I’ve ever known. Over the years, she evolved from a wonderful neighbor into a treasured friend and confidante, offering quiet strength and unwavering support. I will miss her beyond measure, as will our entire family, especially Camryn. Our youngest daughter frequently walked over to Carol’s back deck, where they would spend countless afternoons chatting about kittens, school adventures, and strategies for dealing with pestering older brothers.

Her family was her universe: twelve children, over seventy grandchildren, and more than ten great-grandchildren. Her life was a testament to love, family, and boundless generosity. I can only hope to emulate her grace, wisdom, and spirit as I navigate my own journey through life. She was, without a doubt, a remarkable woman, and her fierce absence will be felt profoundly by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

8. Fill in the Blank: A Moment of Reflection and Wishing

To conclude these thoughts, I invite you to join me in a moment of personal reflection. How would you complete this statement, if you were to speak from the heart right now?

I WISH ________________________________

For myself, in this very moment, two wishes immediately come to mind:

I wish I could cultivate the self-discipline to consistently get myself to bed before midnight, reclaiming those precious hours of restorative sleep that seem to elude me.

And, on a deeper, more emotional level, I wish I possessed the power to alleviate the pain and injustices that afflict this world, especially for those I hold dear. The recent loss of Carol, coupled with the other challenges January brought, underscores this profound desire to shield loved ones from sorrow.

Thank you for joining me on this rather extended Friday Thoughts post. If you’ve journeyed with me all the way to the very end… well, as I always say, you truly deserve a special reward. Perhaps a delicious cookie. Or even better, a baker’s dozen: twelve and a half cookies! Your presence, your engagement, and your willingness to share in these reflections mean the world to me. I appreciate you, so very much, and look forward to hearing your thoughts.