Tiny Joys, Long Walks, and Putting My Phone in a Drawer

It’s late January — how on earth did we get here already? Somewhere between holiday leftovers and this year’s first ice storm, I found myself noticing small shifts — in sound, in habits, in how deeply I breathe when the world feels… loud.

🎧 On in the Background

Lately, it’s Hatch that’s been keeping me company at night. The Hatch device, my friend Lorrie gave me, is more than just an alarm clock. I’ve wrestled with insomnia on and off since my teens, and winter and, well, the world right now make it worse.

But Hatch? It brings the outside in — soft dawn light, nature sounds, a gentler wake-up when my husband and I both rise around 5 a.m. Night one sold me. And seriously: the sustainable packaging and thoughtful design? Big win. I suspect it will become my new sleep ritual — soft light, no doomscrolling, just rest.

📖 On My Nightstand

Not my phone! I’ve made a deal with myself to drop it in a drawer before bed. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

With everything going on politically and socially, it’s all too easy to open my eyes in the middle of the night and immediately spiral into worst-case scenarios and doomscrolling. My phone tucked away reminds me: trouble will still be there in the morning — and giving myself that mental space at night? It’s been saving both sleep and sanity.

🥾 On the Ground

Real life has been full — in a good way. The holidays were magical: all my kids home, plus the wonderful bonus kids who’ve joined our tribe. It was chaotic, loud, warm, and exactly what I needed.

Now that January is already winding down, I’m trying — key word — to slow down: reading more actual books, putting my phone to bed early, laughing with friends at trivia nights, and enjoying long calls with those who live far away. Small rituals, big comfort.

🕯 Inside the Tent

Field Trip HQ is weathering an ice storm, and suddenly all that camping gear isn’t just for weekend adventures — it’s practical prep. Extra supplies, warm layers, and a good camp stove mean we can stay cozy and fed even if the power decides to take a day (or several) off. (Still hoping it won’t, but feeling oh-so-grateful that we’re ready if it does.)

🪵 Kindling

A few tiny joys lighting up my days:

– Henry and Harry — my now‑wild squirrels who used to be rehab babies. Watching them thrive and nibble from the feeders feels like making a real, tiny difference.

– The morning quiet with a warm mug before the world wakes up.

– Friends who text out of the blue with a check‑in.

– A good book waiting to be opened after dinner.

🌍 On the Road: A Moment of Peace

One of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed recently was the Walk for Peace — a group of Buddhist monks walking over 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C. to spread a message of peace, compassion, and unity. They started their journey in October, crossing through states — including right here in South Carolina — all the way toward our nation’s capital. Along the way, they’ve drawn crowds, invited reflection, and reminded everyone they meet that peace is something you live, not just hope for.

There’s something grindingly hopeful in seeing people walk for peace — step by step, through heat and cold — reminding us that even in times when peace feels hard to come by, it’s still a path we can choose to walk.

🎒 Packing Out

Here’s the thought I’m carrying with me into the next month:

Peace isn’t a place you arrive at — it’s the way you walk.

Whether that’s a literal pilgrimage spanning thousands of miles, or the quieter walk from your bed to the coffee pot in the morning — it’s about intention, breath, and noticing what’s around you.

Thanks for sharing this corner of the year with me. Stay warm, stay curious, and take a moment tonight to notice something good — even if it’s just the glow of the moon as you settle in for sleep.