-
The Last Semester
I know I have already written a lot over the past few months about midlife, our next season, and upcoming parenting transitions. Perhaps I have even written from the perspective that it’s all already here. In some ways, this time does feel presently upon us, but in other, very tangible ways, it isn’t here quite Continue reading
-
Yes, And…(My Empty Nest Metaphor)
A few weeks ago, I mentioned an idea I was workshopping. That is, coming up with my own phrase for what I’m calling the soon-upon-us Empty Nest stage of life. I’ve heard authors and podcasters I follow discuss at length the somewhat negative and depressing connotation of using the words “empty” to describe the nest. Continue reading
-
Reflecting on Holiday Rhythms & Traditions
Earlier this week, I devoted my outdoor walk to some brain space to reflect upon the wrap-up of our 2025-2026 holiday break and celebrations. Kendra Adachi, the Lazy Genius, notes that it is important to have opening and closing ceremonies for life events, and in some small way, I wanted to close out this season Continue reading
-
Essentializing: A Six-Part Series
2026 is a big year of transition. In February, I’ll turn 49, my last year in my forties. In May, Thomas, our oldest, will graduate from college and officially be “off our books.” Kate, our youngest, will graduate from high school and soon after begin college away from us. Mae, our middle, is likely switching Continue reading
-
26 for 2026 and My OLW
After adequately recapping and reviewing 2025 and talking a bit about the why behind goal setting, it’s time to talk about 2026. I really debated on taking on the Gretchen Rubin approach for 2026 because 26 is a lot of intentions to measure and manage, but once I got started sketching out some personal aspirations Continue reading
-
In Defense of Setting Annual Goals
Now that I’ve sufficiently checked in and thoroughly reflected upon 2025, it’s time to turn my focus to 2026. I know goal-setting isn’t for everyone, and there have certainly been years that, for a variety of reasons, it just hasn’t felt right to set goals. I always think about a huge vision-board crafting night I Continue reading
-
2025 Year in Review
Well, the time has come to sit down with my thoughts and process some of the highs, lows, key moments, and lasting impressions of 2025. Leading up to this, I’ve taken my 25 for 2025 goals and written the following check-in posts: Check-in #1 Check-in #2 Check-in #3 Check-in #4 Check-in #5 Those posts went Continue reading
-
2025 Goal Check-in #5
As we begin to wind down 2025, I wanted to spread out my 25 for 2025 goal check-ins and address five at a time in five different posts, ahead of late December when I’ll turn my attention to new inspiration for a new year. Here are updates on the last five of my goals: Prepare for 25th Continue reading
-
Christmas, Consumerism, and Conflict
As we are squarely in the middle of this Christmas season, I cannot help but find myself in a bit of a uncomfortable situation. I love Christmas. As a Christian, I embrace the longing and waiting brought on by the season of Advent. Secularly, I love the sights, sounds, smells, and overall cheerfulness and expectation Continue reading
-
2025 Goal Check-in #4
As we begin to wind down 2025, I wanted to spread out my 25 for 2025 goal check-ins and address five at a time in five different posts, ahead of late December when I’ll turn my attention to new inspiration for a new year. Here are updates on five of my goals: Read Status: Ongoing 25 Minutes Continue reading
elizabeth Claire Wood 