I just kept nodding in agreement while reading this, Annelise. I love the idea of moving towards a virtue instead of reaching for an ultimate end goal. Learning to love the process is something that's been on my heart lately, as well, and you've captured it so beautifully here.
I so enjoyed reading this! It’s great to hear about your process and focus more on the becoming than the outcome. And gosh, the “is it worth it because we might move in x months?” question is near and dear for me. I’ve never spent more than 5 consecutive years in the same house, ever. And mostly no more than 2. It’s exhausting. Well done for doing it with small children!
I absolutely love this essay! The kudzu metaphor is feeling particularly timely for me. I have a lot of work in front of me that I know will produce fruit if I keep going. But I’m weary and sometimes want to give up. If I do, the tasks and the sin will grow a foot each day at least. Reminding myself what things would look like if I gave up is definitely helpful!
I am so thankful we don’t have to do this in our own strength- I definitely couldn’t manage that!
Also, if you use coconut yogurt for the dressing and pine nuts instead of walnuts, this salad that I rave about in #3 meets all your requirements. It's a great dinner salad with shredded chicken. https://bythesea.substack.com/p/parings-02
I enjoyed reading this! I don't know if you've tried the 21 Day Vegan kickstart app from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, but all of their recipes are vegan (whole food plant based no oil), and you can search for gluten-free and nut-free, too. I can't vouch for all of their recipes, but I've liked several things I've tried from there. I'm also slowly trying to get back into doing some school-type things with my 5 year old. January is rough.
I LOVE your point about setting big picture goals...in some ways this becomes more important to me than the daily to-Dos...at least in the sense that those overarching goals really inform and guide/shape the daily ones. Great article, Annelise!
Decided to put ham in my lunch of champions (mashed potatoes) today because i know how much better i function with protein in my system. This was such a real and lovely reflection. Here’s to growing in virtue through the chaos!
This was so good and I feel so seen. I'm post partum and my main NY resolution was to get back to basics - eat well, exercise, sleep, less screen time, more devotions and reading time. But I love the little goals you set! Will definitely be taking inspiration from you! Also that Galatians text is my fav parenting/motherhood text. So encouraging!
"Working towards greater virtue provides a framework for repetition that is not insulting. We are able to put our best effort towards repetitive tasks without succumbing to the lie that tells us they are pointless."
As I've been learning more about Classical/home education, this has really stood out. All of the virtues and habits I am stumbling towards in these little years are not entirely disconnected from a lifelong education that is meant to cultivate virtue. All the faithfullness in boring stuff, and the diligence in taking time for truth, goodness, beauty (not very utilitarian stuff!) ......it all matters in forming us into virtuous, whole people who love God and neighbor. It all matters.
I just kept nodding in agreement while reading this, Annelise. I love the idea of moving towards a virtue instead of reaching for an ultimate end goal. Learning to love the process is something that's been on my heart lately, as well, and you've captured it so beautifully here.
I so enjoyed reading this! It’s great to hear about your process and focus more on the becoming than the outcome. And gosh, the “is it worth it because we might move in x months?” question is near and dear for me. I’ve never spent more than 5 consecutive years in the same house, ever. And mostly no more than 2. It’s exhausting. Well done for doing it with small children!
“If you do not give up.” You nailed it. Thanks for the perspective-giving on living the long game.
I absolutely love this essay! The kudzu metaphor is feeling particularly timely for me. I have a lot of work in front of me that I know will produce fruit if I keep going. But I’m weary and sometimes want to give up. If I do, the tasks and the sin will grow a foot each day at least. Reminding myself what things would look like if I gave up is definitely helpful!
I am so thankful we don’t have to do this in our own strength- I definitely couldn’t manage that!
Also, if you use coconut yogurt for the dressing and pine nuts instead of walnuts, this salad that I rave about in #3 meets all your requirements. It's a great dinner salad with shredded chicken. https://bythesea.substack.com/p/parings-02
I enjoyed reading this! I don't know if you've tried the 21 Day Vegan kickstart app from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, but all of their recipes are vegan (whole food plant based no oil), and you can search for gluten-free and nut-free, too. I can't vouch for all of their recipes, but I've liked several things I've tried from there. I'm also slowly trying to get back into doing some school-type things with my 5 year old. January is rough.
I LOVE your point about setting big picture goals...in some ways this becomes more important to me than the daily to-Dos...at least in the sense that those overarching goals really inform and guide/shape the daily ones. Great article, Annelise!
We are so alike! I was exactly the same with resolutions as a kid! I love the powersheets idea of a monthly / weekly goal. :)
Decided to put ham in my lunch of champions (mashed potatoes) today because i know how much better i function with protein in my system. This was such a real and lovely reflection. Here’s to growing in virtue through the chaos!
This is helpful! I don't suppose you'd be up for sharing a picture of your basic page layout, would you?
I love your new resolutions. Are you familiar with the idea of a "rule of life"? @TshOxenrider has developed a tool to teach this.
Um ... where were you 40 years ago when my little ones were running circles around my life?
I'm here for any gluten/dairy/egg free recipes you find! I'm newly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and struggling with the diet thing...
This was so good and I feel so seen. I'm post partum and my main NY resolution was to get back to basics - eat well, exercise, sleep, less screen time, more devotions and reading time. But I love the little goals you set! Will definitely be taking inspiration from you! Also that Galatians text is my fav parenting/motherhood text. So encouraging!
All of this - Amen amen amen
"Working towards greater virtue provides a framework for repetition that is not insulting. We are able to put our best effort towards repetitive tasks without succumbing to the lie that tells us they are pointless."
As I've been learning more about Classical/home education, this has really stood out. All of the virtues and habits I am stumbling towards in these little years are not entirely disconnected from a lifelong education that is meant to cultivate virtue. All the faithfullness in boring stuff, and the diligence in taking time for truth, goodness, beauty (not very utilitarian stuff!) ......it all matters in forming us into virtuous, whole people who love God and neighbor. It all matters.