65. A quick roundup #10
The importance of guiding words, and an unexpectedly delightful school practice.
interlude
In the span of the last three weeks, I chaperoned a 4-day school trip, contracted (and recovered from) a cold, attended my 10-year college reunion, and celebrated my fiancé’s and mother’s birthdays. Whew! I’m exhausted just thinking about all that.
It’s nice to take a moment here to reflect on the practices and mindsets that have made this season a little easier. Hopefully these can help you as well.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2c0a8c57-1eef-4149-bfdd-efe2a35c8a87_2382x2934.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdf9fb16b-e038-4623-a04c-eff756858530_3313x2582.jpeg)
resources
Small, inexpensive upgrades to everyday items. I recently bought a new table runner from HomeSense for $20. The colour brightens up my dining table for spring:
This was inspired by the “cozy minimalist” Myquillyn Smith’s House Rule that “everything that sits out in your house is a decoration.” This perspective led me to realize that I have the resources (within reason) to make each object in my home intentional. Their placement and aesthetic actually makes a difference. When I look at the fun table runner, my day feels a bit brighter, and this is incentive to keep the table surface clean and tidy.
Every once in a while, it’s nice to reassess, and maybe implement a small change just because.
Having one word to guide life experiences. About two years ago, I realized I most enjoy activities and interactions that are wholesome. To me, wholesomeness involves any of the following qualities: childlike joy; mutual generosity; mutual appreciation; treasured traditions; and/or a “full circle” feeling. In practice, this means seeking out things like Zumba classes, pot luck brunches, and art hangs with friends. I feel most fulfilled on days when I have a wholesome experience.
Related to #2, communal meals. My school has an opt-in faculty/staff Soup Club for Monday lunch. Each week, one of seven people makes a meal comprised of “a soup, a side and a sweet” for themselves and the other six. This practice is certainly wholesome: knowing I have Monday lunch covered takes all the pressure out of Sunday evenings. Even the weeks when I’m on duty, it’s a joy to cook for others who will appreciate it.
I highly recommend finding a group activity like this, either in your family or workplace. I’m not the only teacher who’s said this is the best thing they’ve done this year!
What quality of aesthetic or feeling do you look for in life experiences – or in home decor? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider subscribing and telling your friends about Spirit :)