Nothing can bring you peace...

 

...but yourself. 

I read the most amazing quote last night in a book I've been reading by Lori Gottlieb, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. 

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." 

I wrote the following paragraph two weeks ago, before ever reading the quote above. 

In 2026, my 53rd year, I'm focusing on peace. I want to find my peace, protect my peace, cultivate my peace. This year's word of the year has strong ties to last year's word, relax. Relax is more of a temporary state of being or an activity that reduces stress. I did an okay job of being more relaxed last year, but I still found myself feeling anxious and worried about the little and big things, more than I liked. Peace, on the other hand, is more of a state of being. I hope to embrace peace in my heart and mind. Peace can be deep, stable, and persistent. That even if there is chaos around me, I can have peace internally. I want to be able to feel calm even in crisis, level-headed in chaos, and firm in my decisions. I wish to feel peace, a deep quiet, in my mind and body. A stillness. 

Coming across that quote last night (at 2:00 a.m. while reading in bed because I couldn't sleep) was the confirmation I needed to realize I am on the right track.

This is my first blog post of the year. I had almost decided that blogging was out, and for the most part, I had lost my readers. But Lorelei said she wanted me to keep writing so that she can continue to look back on this blog. I have tried in the past to post monthly, but that hasn't been happening as much in the last few years. Maybe it can be more seasonal. Especially since I am wrapping up my Spring break. 

This was a weird Spring break since I was technically the only one off. Savannah didn't have classes, but she still had to work in the lab. I managed to spend time with the kids, friends, and my mom. Lorelei, Jonas, and Bailey have Spring break next week. 

So far this year, I've been finding my peace in most of the same places I always have. 

At home...

Let me start by saying, my house is not a picture-perfect, Pinterest-worthy home. But it's cute, cozy, messy, cluttered, but probably still one of my favorite places ever. 

The mountain laurels are blooming.  

The kids still hang out and play made-up games.

I can put my feet up in my very peaceful reading room at the end of the day. 

It's a landing place for rest. 

And it has the very best views out my front door. 

And some really great spaces for snuggling up.

The most peaceful times are the rare ones now, when all four kids are home and hanging out together. 

My last night of 52! I am definitely at peace with who I am! 

It was a fun-filled day at school and at home. 

We also celebrated my dad's and mom's birthdays. 

We've had quite a few family outings. 

One of my favorite events was in February, when Lorelei and I got to support and be part of Jonas' first marathon! He ran the Austin marathon in just over 4:00 hours. He was a total rock star! What an accomplishment.

We started out before the sun was even up. It was a chilly morning too. 

We volunteered to help with water cups for the racers. That was a cool experience.

He did it!

We haven't seen Jonas much this semester due to his Texas 4000 training and obligations. He's hard at work as the ride leader. He's hoping to at least come home for the weekend this Spring Break. 

We've enjoyed a lot of time with friends. I love hanging out with these kids! We are always up to something...church, eating out, hiking, shopping, or just hanging out. I even manage some time with friends my own age! 

One of my favorite things this year is having Lorelei come to school with me most Fridays. Since she doesn't have class on Fridays, she comes home every weekend. My kids LOVE her so much. Sometimes I think more than they love me. 

I've gone to campus with her several times too. 

This week, I took Madi to see her and Addison on campus. We spent a beautiful day at Sewell Park. The weather was glorious!

Today she left with some friends for the beach. 

Spring break beach memories are the best! 

I feel a great sense of peace knowing our year is off to a magical start. I hope you all find your peace in your everyday life. I'm looking forward to finding and keeping my peace throughout the rest of this Spring. 

Wishing you all love and peace.