Thank you for this post. I like how even though you numbered and listed the 'suggestions' they still feel like invitations on rose scented paper, like nudges by the sweetest friend. My husband just retired and I am mostly retired, so I'm putting emphasis on spending my time in ways that bring me joy. And yes with a bit of productivity here and there. BOOKS: I'm reading for a third time Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen. And waiting in the wings is The Tattooist of Auschwitz. My sister in law recommended The Correspondent also. I have also enjoyed North Woods by Daniel Mason. An interesting book that centers on one place over a span of history, some very interesting characters, and I loved the ending.
Thank you, Susan for the wonderful art and tips to empower our quiet life! I don’t know whether it can be called a trend but NY resolution for some time already are no longer the universal approach - came across an article in which one ‘should’ go for what gives most pleasure and energy, amongst other outdoor activities, visiting or practicing (an) art, social contacts in person etc. - as postponing them until the to-do-list was empty would delay them endlessly. . . - what you wrote goes along similar lines and resonated strongly, especially, the idea that a quiet life was not safe. . . - maybe because I’m quick to avoid confrontation, difficult conversations etc. rather retract / avoid - which of course is one way of dealing but not necessarily the best. . .
With regard to reading, I decided to finally read Pride and Prejudice and although vaguely remembering the story from a film, I was absolutely captivated and enchanted - a perfect read for this time of year, amazing how well the inner musings of the elder Bennet daughters are described!
When writing in my daily journaling yesterday, the word okay came up. It came up in regards to how I will respond to some news I will eventually be given. If it's good news, great. If it's not the news I am hoping for, not so great. I have been playing out the scenario regarding my response to the not so good news and this is when "Okay" presented itself. And, I realized regardless of the news, I will be okay. End of story. So this year it is my hope that I will be a little more okay with my life, a little less afraid of the unknown or the things I can't control. Live life more loosely. To not try to have everything figured out. To not be so rigid about certain things. Be a bit more messy, lazy, unorganized, spontaneous, and curious, to name a few.
My Soul reflects the colors of the world, in other words, it's very color "full".
Also, book recommendation - Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers. Science fiction and particularly fitting to the Quiet Life world space. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, Chambers' first book, is a wonderful warm optimistic view of humans and other beings.
An Unnecessary Woman, by Rabih Allameddine beautifully depicts how a seemingly small exterior life can be incredibly rich in the interior. And, Lebanon!
Thanks for this post that helped me to slow down and reflect in this new year. I am noticing that when I can stay in the present moment, I have less fear and anxiety. When my attention is required beyond this, I then trust God knows what I need to hopefully avoid descending into fear and anxiety. And so my phrase for 2026, Be present and trust. My color—the rich earth of the garden, tilled and ready for planting
I wrote down "Would I still choose to do this, if no one knew?” in my journal. I am a little excited and a little apprehensive as to how this will apply to some of my thinking down the road.
I always feel like New Year's resolutions are a good way to mindfully start looking at my choices and how I spend my time instead of drifting a bit and wondering how I got through the year without accomplishing certain things. I have some vague ideas floating around in my head right now, so I think I should sit and process them and write them down though, but I like the rather gentle reflections Susan suggests here, so maybe I can apply this mindset to what I eventually write down.
As to book recommendations one thing I am proud of accomplishing last year was starting to attend a book club. Just being around people who enjoy reading gives me a sense of peace, so I hope to continue to do so this year.
I think the first book I read with the book club might resonate might resonate with some of our community. It's called The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi. The book description says, "....a magical photo studio, where people go after they die to view key moments from their life—and relive one precious memory before they pass into the afterlife." I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book wasn't depressing. (Something I tend t avoid in my reading) And was definitely thought provoking and heart warming but not too dense of a read. I recommend it. It made me feel like I am on the right track with trying a book club because it's not a book I might have picked up otherwise.
I too read fiction on vacation. I read Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood, 33 Place Brugmann by Alice Austen, and I Am, I Am, I Am (seventeen brushes with death) by Maggie O'Farrell and My Friends by Frederik Backman. This was a long and peaceful vacation.
I resolved to spend a minute or any amount of time to breathe and be present. Happy New Year!
Just bought a copy of The Correspondent yesterday. Can't wait to read based on a high recommendation from my sister and now you, Susan. Also reading Ian McEwan's book, What We Can Know. These rainy, grey days and nights in Northern California have provided the perfect environment for reading fiction. Oh, and a wonderful nonfiction read, Wintering by Katherine May. Looking forward to another year of the Quiet Life with this wonderfully sensitive, intelligent, depthful community.
“The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid.” Thanks, Susan, for sharing this quote. There's something about it that infers, at least to me, the oft-used phrase, "we're all in this together". It's caused me to pause and reflect on how important the communal "we" has become this past year, with my country on the brink. But I'll try not to be (too) afraid, because that never helps anything or anybody!
This Is Happiness, a novel by Niall Williams. Rich interior lives of very relatable characters, set in County Clare in the far west of Ireland. Detail-rich images. Breathtaking language. Plenty of quiet Irish humor or humour!
Thank you, Susan, for these excellent suggestions. I finally got a copy of your book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that can't stop Talking," and I am immersed in it. I am finally beginning to understand.
Book recommendations: anything by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner and John O'Donahue. Their writings provide inspiration, insights, and great meditation topics.
I have had to slow down due to an injury and have been reading more - just finished Three Rings by Daniel Mendelssohn which was really beautiful. Haven’t read a book like that in a long time.
Thank you for this post. I like how even though you numbered and listed the 'suggestions' they still feel like invitations on rose scented paper, like nudges by the sweetest friend. My husband just retired and I am mostly retired, so I'm putting emphasis on spending my time in ways that bring me joy. And yes with a bit of productivity here and there. BOOKS: I'm reading for a third time Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen. And waiting in the wings is The Tattooist of Auschwitz. My sister in law recommended The Correspondent also. I have also enjoyed North Woods by Daniel Mason. An interesting book that centers on one place over a span of history, some very interesting characters, and I loved the ending.
Thanks for the wonderful post and happy new year everyone!
I love to recommend A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. So beautifully written.
Thank you, Susan for the wonderful art and tips to empower our quiet life! I don’t know whether it can be called a trend but NY resolution for some time already are no longer the universal approach - came across an article in which one ‘should’ go for what gives most pleasure and energy, amongst other outdoor activities, visiting or practicing (an) art, social contacts in person etc. - as postponing them until the to-do-list was empty would delay them endlessly. . . - what you wrote goes along similar lines and resonated strongly, especially, the idea that a quiet life was not safe. . . - maybe because I’m quick to avoid confrontation, difficult conversations etc. rather retract / avoid - which of course is one way of dealing but not necessarily the best. . .
With regard to reading, I decided to finally read Pride and Prejudice and although vaguely remembering the story from a film, I was absolutely captivated and enchanted - a perfect read for this time of year, amazing how well the inner musings of the elder Bennet daughters are described!
When writing in my daily journaling yesterday, the word okay came up. It came up in regards to how I will respond to some news I will eventually be given. If it's good news, great. If it's not the news I am hoping for, not so great. I have been playing out the scenario regarding my response to the not so good news and this is when "Okay" presented itself. And, I realized regardless of the news, I will be okay. End of story. So this year it is my hope that I will be a little more okay with my life, a little less afraid of the unknown or the things I can't control. Live life more loosely. To not try to have everything figured out. To not be so rigid about certain things. Be a bit more messy, lazy, unorganized, spontaneous, and curious, to name a few.
My Soul reflects the colors of the world, in other words, it's very color "full".
I just read/listened to The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland. A wonderful fiction
Also A Murmur of Bees by Sophia Segovia. A tender thoughtful book.
An amazing book that has stayed with me is The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope. By Rhonda Riley.
Also, book recommendation - Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers. Science fiction and particularly fitting to the Quiet Life world space. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, Chambers' first book, is a wonderful warm optimistic view of humans and other beings.
An Unnecessary Woman, by Rabih Allameddine beautifully depicts how a seemingly small exterior life can be incredibly rich in the interior. And, Lebanon!
Thanks for this post that helped me to slow down and reflect in this new year. I am noticing that when I can stay in the present moment, I have less fear and anxiety. When my attention is required beyond this, I then trust God knows what I need to hopefully avoid descending into fear and anxiety. And so my phrase for 2026, Be present and trust. My color—the rich earth of the garden, tilled and ready for planting
I wrote down "Would I still choose to do this, if no one knew?” in my journal. I am a little excited and a little apprehensive as to how this will apply to some of my thinking down the road.
I always feel like New Year's resolutions are a good way to mindfully start looking at my choices and how I spend my time instead of drifting a bit and wondering how I got through the year without accomplishing certain things. I have some vague ideas floating around in my head right now, so I think I should sit and process them and write them down though, but I like the rather gentle reflections Susan suggests here, so maybe I can apply this mindset to what I eventually write down.
As to book recommendations one thing I am proud of accomplishing last year was starting to attend a book club. Just being around people who enjoy reading gives me a sense of peace, so I hope to continue to do so this year.
I think the first book I read with the book club might resonate might resonate with some of our community. It's called The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi. The book description says, "....a magical photo studio, where people go after they die to view key moments from their life—and relive one precious memory before they pass into the afterlife." I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book wasn't depressing. (Something I tend t avoid in my reading) And was definitely thought provoking and heart warming but not too dense of a read. I recommend it. It made me feel like I am on the right track with trying a book club because it's not a book I might have picked up otherwise.
I too read fiction on vacation. I read Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood, 33 Place Brugmann by Alice Austen, and I Am, I Am, I Am (seventeen brushes with death) by Maggie O'Farrell and My Friends by Frederik Backman. This was a long and peaceful vacation.
I resolved to spend a minute or any amount of time to breathe and be present. Happy New Year!
Just bought a copy of The Correspondent yesterday. Can't wait to read based on a high recommendation from my sister and now you, Susan. Also reading Ian McEwan's book, What We Can Know. These rainy, grey days and nights in Northern California have provided the perfect environment for reading fiction. Oh, and a wonderful nonfiction read, Wintering by Katherine May. Looking forward to another year of the Quiet Life with this wonderfully sensitive, intelligent, depthful community.
“The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid.” Thanks, Susan, for sharing this quote. There's something about it that infers, at least to me, the oft-used phrase, "we're all in this together". It's caused me to pause and reflect on how important the communal "we" has become this past year, with my country on the brink. But I'll try not to be (too) afraid, because that never helps anything or anybody!
This Is Happiness, a novel by Niall Williams. Rich interior lives of very relatable characters, set in County Clare in the far west of Ireland. Detail-rich images. Breathtaking language. Plenty of quiet Irish humor or humour!
Thank you, Susan, for these excellent suggestions. I finally got a copy of your book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that can't stop Talking," and I am immersed in it. I am finally beginning to understand.
Book recommendations: anything by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner and John O'Donahue. Their writings provide inspiration, insights, and great meditation topics.
I have had to slow down due to an injury and have been reading more - just finished Three Rings by Daniel Mendelssohn which was really beautiful. Haven’t read a book like that in a long time.