Entry 9 : Quiet New Years Eve
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
It’s only an hour until midnight, and I type these words by candlelight in a quiet house. My partner sleeps, as his body has needed ever since his surgery 3 days ago. My youngest fell asleep an hour ago and my oldest, who was fully committed to make midnight, fell asleep not too long after.
I felt the pressure to make tonight special for us, but found myself wandering why that pressure was even there? So instead, we did crafts together all day. We played catch and read books outside. We watched our favorite movies. And we made dinner and brownies together before both my children fell asleep in my arms. I admire my best friend who spends several hours every year calculating percentages around her goals, analyzing last years goals, and setting new ones (all of which are organized on a spreadsheet). I, however, lean into the winter-y mystics crew that tries to gently remind everyone that winter is a time that calls us to rest and so the Gregorian calendar New Year falls in the middle of a season not meant for starting fresh. So, there is not a list of goals in my journal or on my Notes App, but rather, a doodled on list of intentions I have been quietly holding near this winter.
-create more (this is an intention I’ve set regularly and this year, art was a part of nearly every single day as it’s become an afternoon ritual with my children. I am immensely grateful for this practice with them).
-connect to the wild
-care for my body through movement and nourishment better
-slow down
-be intentional with how I’m growing and who I’m becoming
-love more
So much of what matters to me falls into these categories. Do I have other goals? Absolutely. But as this new year comes in so quietly this year, I am reflective, quiet, grateful, empathetic, and hopeful. My daughter shared with me that she hopes in this new year, she will be able to plant a garden of wildflowers. As she sleeps near me, I wish that wildflowers will fill her dreams as I share her vision for 2026. May this year be about growing, loving, and giving for us all.
With love,
Holly
(P.S. here are a few of my recent watercolor daily paintings)
