Choose MY Happy Place Blog

December can feel like a whirlwind, but the real magic happens in the quiet moments. It’s about finding little pockets of peace amid the busyness—whether it’s a 10-minute walk outside, your first sip of morning coffee, or finally reading that book you’ve been meaning to start (just 14 minutes—1% of your day!).

Taking a break isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. So, this season, give yourself the gift of quiet. The holidays will still be there when you return.

In a world full of texts and emails, a handwritten note feels like gold. There’s something timeless about putting pen to paper, sending a thoughtful message to someone special. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few lines to say, “I’m thinking of you.”

This December, instead of firing off another text, try writing a quick note. It might just be the best gift they receive. Personally, I like to add little doodles to mine—because why not?

And the other perk is that it brightens your day to write too.

Thanksgiving often comes with the pressure to make everything perfect—the meal, the décor, the gathering. But let’s be honest: none of us are Martha Stewart. The real beauty is in the imperfections, the mishaps that turn into laughter and stories for years to come.

• A Less-Than-Perfect Meal: The turkey’s dry, the pie crust’s tough—but no one remembers the perfect dishes. They remember the laugh about how the potatoes disappeared and calling it a “new tradition.”

• Family Quirks on Display: We all have that family member with the same story or a dish no one touches. Those quirks are what make your family your family.

• A Messy Kitchen: A post-feast kitchen explosion? That’s the sign of a meal well made, conversations shared, and memories in the making.

Next week, on Thanksgiving, let go of the need for perfection. The mess and chaos? That’s where the magic happens.

There’s a night each month when the world feels just a little brighter—the full moon. Simple and steady, it’s been showing up forever, reminding us to pause and take a breath. There’s something about its glow that stirs our imagination and invites us to reflect. Tonight, Friday, November 15, is one such night.

The full moon gives us a quiet chance to reconnect with ourselves. Here are a few ways to soak in its magic:

• Write Under the Moonlight: Find a quiet spot with your notebook and let the moon’s glow guide your thoughts. Write down what’s on your mind or set a small intention for the month ahead.

• Let Go of What’s Weighing You Down: Use this time to release anything you’re ready to leave behind—an old worry, doubt, or habit. Sometimes, all it takes is writing it down, tearing it up, and moving forward.

• Take a Moonlit Walk: Step outside, even just for a few minutes. Under the full moon, even familiar places can feel different—calm, quiet, and filled with fresh perspective.

In a world that never stops, the full moon is our reminder to slow down and simply be. It’s a small gift, waiting for us to look up and take it in.

The picture above is my view through the bedroom window at last month’s full moon. The woods are hard to see, but the scene is still enchanting.

Life can pull us in so many directions, and sometimes we lose touch with friends we truly cherish. But here’s a gentle reminder, especially for the introverts out there: no one is holding the time against you. If you haven’t spoken in a while, it doesn’t mean anyone dislikes you. More often than not, reconnecting will be met with delight and warmth.

Here are a few low-key ways to rekindle those connections:

• Send a Simple Message: A text that says “Hey, I was just thinking about you and wanted to say hi!” can mean a lot. Sometimes, just letting someone know they crossed your mind opens up the space for a meaningful catch-up.

• Plan a Casual Coffee or Walk: If both of you have the time, a casual meetup like coffee or a quick walk can be a great way to ease back into connection without the pressure of a big event.

• Share a Memory: Reminisce about a shared experience or an inside joke. A message like, “Remember when we…” can bring back all the good memories and remind you both of the bond you share.

Reconnecting doesn’t have to feel like an obligation or an event. It’s simply opening the door to bring a little more warmth and familiarity back into each other’s lives.

In a world that’s always rushing forward, slow mornings can feel like a rare luxury. But starting the day quietly, with a little more ease, can set the tone for everything that follows. Slow mornings are our chance to pause, breathe, and connect with ourselves before the busyness kicks in.

Even if it means getting up just a little earlier, it’s a joy—a quiet moment that’s entirely yours.

Here are a few ways to create that gentle start:

• Savor Your First Sip: Whether it’s coffee or tea, take a few extra moments to appreciate it. Notice the warmth, the aroma, and the way it feels to hold the mug in your hands.

• Try a Simple Yoga Pose: As you get out of bed, stretch into a gentle pose like child’s pose or a simple forward fold. It’s an easy way to wake up the body and start the day with calm energy.

• Take a Morning Stroll: A quick walk, even just around the block, can help us feel grounded and connected. Notice the small changes in your neighborhood—the trees, the light, or even the familiar faces out for their morning routine.

• Set a Gentle Intention for the Day: Take a few breaths and think about one thing you’d like to focus on. It doesn’t have to be big—maybe it’s kindness, patience, or creativity. Just a simple intention to carry through the day.

• And of course your morning pages!

The beauty of a slow morning is that it doesn’t require a lot of extra time, just a little intention. It’s a quiet gift to ourselves—a reminder that not every moment needs to be hurried.

Curiosity doesn’t come with an age limit. It’s the quiet magic that lets us keep seeing life with fresh eyes, sparking little moments of wonder. As Albert Einstein put it, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is.” Lifelong learning is our way to choose the miracle, turning the everyday into something new.

Here are a few ways to invite that magic in:

• Try Something New: Baking, Tai Chi, Pickleball, or Walking Your Favorite Route in Reverse. Little acts like these keep us open to surprise and remind us there’s always more to explore, even close to home.

• Explore Your Own Area Like a Tourist: Wander your neighborhood with fresh eyes. Visit a local park or café like you’re seeing it for the first time. So often, we mean to check out places nearby and never get to them. We should—now, while we can.

• Read Outside Your Usual Topics: Pick up a book on something completely new. A small shift in perspective can open up whole new worlds.

Lifelong learning isn’t about achievements; it’s about keeping wonder alive in simple, everyday ways. And in those small discoveries, we often find the biggest rewards—little miracles tucked into the everyday.

In a world where we often connect online, there’s something uniquely powerful about showing up in person.

Seth Godin’s new book launch on 10/22/24 isn’t just a chance to hear big ideas; it’s a gathering of strangers, yet it feels like meeting a tribe. You might go not knowing a soul, but you leave feeling connected, inspired, and alive with fresh ideas.

These meetups are full of thought-provoking moments. You’re surrounded by people who see the world in unique ways, who are there to think differently and share that energy. It’s proof that, sometimes, the most meaningful connections start with a simple hello.

So, as Seth Godin might say, go to the talks, meet new faces, and say yes to these chances. Real life, in all its glorious imperfection, is where the magic happens.

To find a group near you go her https://www.oddcircles.com/groups and search for “Seth Godin” and your area and press Search to see what’s nearby. These meetups are all over the world. And I’d love to see you in Baltimore if you’re nearby.

Come make a ruckus.

Best wishes,

Rose

Today’s joy comes from a long-ago memory. When I was 12, I traveled to Germany with my grandparents. We visited a charming, upscale china shop where my grandmother and aunt admired every detail. I wandered, mildly intrigued, until I saw something that stopped me in my tracks: a vibrant, playful china pattern. It felt magical and elusive—colorful, cheery, a little over-the-top. I brought home a brochure but, in true childhood fashion, lost it almost immediately.

For years, that pattern lingered in my mind as a beautiful mystery, one I didn’t know how to describe or even articulate. Fast forward 35 years: I stumbled upon it on Etsy. It had a name—Acapulco—and suddenly, I had a way to find it. I favorited pieces and imagined bringing one home someday, but I hesitated. Why? It felt indulgent, maybe too posh. Do I even deserve such a thing? I thought of my husband’s likely grumbling over “more dishes.” I kept putting it off.

Until this week.

I received a contract, my largest in a while, and thought, I want to celebrate with this dream come true! So, I finally chose the teapot (or maybe it’s a coffee pot—hard to tell—and it doesn’t matter). It now sits in my office, reminding me daily:

Go make your dreams come true.

Stop waiting. Stop hesitating. Sometimes, the things we think are too frivolous are exactly the reminders we need to go take action.

Here’s to choosing our dreams, big or small, and to taking the next step.

Hello there,

I am thrilled to sit down and write to you again. My trip to the Mennonite wedding was delightful and I even smiled to see these dancing feet on a Seattle sidewalk (above).

 On the plane ride out, I read a profound book by Sean Tucker called The Meaning in the Making: The Why and How Behind Our Human Need to Create. Tucker describes how making things is a creative philosophy that helps carve order out of the inherent chaos of the universe. It’s a beautiful read. He began his journey as a priest, then transitioned to street photography, and in this book, he shares his quest for understanding and happiness. Through religion, science, rationality, and philosophy, he explores the search for meaning, but ultimately, he finds that creating—making—is the most powerful way to connect with deeper meaning for him.

While I’ve not yet explored his YouTube channel, it offers an overview of the book that I’m excited to dive into: Sean Tucker on YouTube. It is pretty, but I enjoyed the book more.

During my trip, I couldn’t help but capture an absurd amount of flower photos, each one a little piece of beauty amid the day’s chaos. Just as Tucker found solace and meaning in his photography, I found joy in these small acts of creation—each photo a reminder that even in the simplest moments, we can create something meaningful. As if I could capture up the joy of our trip and create a beautiful timeline.

And so my takeaway is to consider what small acts of creation bring you joy. For me it’s often creating something wonderful from the surprise collection of veggies in my community supported agriculture bag, writing, doodled notes with cartoons, or simply capturing a moment on the phone camera, there’s meaning to be found in the making.

I hope you’re creating and finding joy this week. 

Best wishes,

Rose