It's still Sunday
The list version of this Substack.
We’ve landed firmly in the busy season, with a weekend visit from my parents, the school’s Winter Faire (our last with kids in the school), a visit to The Grotto (our first), two nights of basketball try-outs, a cross country season awards ceremony — and it doesn’t slow down from here til the new year.
Here are some things that help me feel more grounded when I’m struggling to keep up:
Taking a walk outside first thing in the morning — before coffee, before looking at my phone. Having those first 5 - 45 minutes outdoors has made such a difference to the flow of my day.
Keeping a couple gallon bags of this chicken soup at the ready in the freezer, for when colds come on or holiday indulgences catch up with us. It’s from my favorite cookbook, and I’ve been making it for almost a decade.
Being still long enough for my cat to come sit on me — once she does, its the law in our house that everyone else must wait on me (bring coffee, pass the remote), because Clara on your lap is sacred.
Listening to sounds frequencies that help me chill out or focus, like this Solfeggio for Clarity. Sometimes while taking a 15 minute catnap.
Having my meal plans and recipes organized in AnyList, which I started using about 6 months ago and love how it keeps everything in one place — including grocery lists. I use the app on my phone, which makes ticking things off at the grocery a breeze.
Separately (and relatedly), when I start to feel paralyzed by overwhelm, I try to focus on the things I can do, actively and immediately.
Right now, that looks like contributing as I can to organizations like The World Central Kitchen, which engages local resources and a network of global food workers to get hot meals on the front lines of where they’re needed most. There are so many places with immediate, desperate need — including Gaza and Mexico (which is still in recovery from Hurricane Otis).
And remembering consistency and sustainability over perfection. Every damn day.
If you’re reading this in your inbox, you can find a shareable version online here. I’m on Instagram here, and you can reach me at chelseaslaven@gmail.com.