On slowing down & being selfish

We had a quiet New Year's Eve this year. Hunkered down at home with my sister and a few close friends. We counted down and watched another fireworks show from the window. Dashiell was asleep by 8:30 and didn't wake up again until well after midnight. Party animal.

I woke up early on New Year's Day and spent a few minutes to myself, reflecting on what I wanted to bring to 2012, when I came across this article in the NY Times on The Joy of Quiet. It talks about how nothing can make you feel calmer, clearer, and happier than unplugging and being present in the things you enjoy. It's a sort of joy that is purely selfish.

Where does the noise in your life come from? What is stopping you from losing yourself in the things that bring you joy? Find it, and filter it out.

The timing is perfect for us. We've taken time off of work to grow our family and our passions. So here we go into 2012, to seek that kind of happiness that doesn't depend on what happens.



Beach picnic, first sunset of the year.