...quiet that voice in my head that says any food is too much food....are we twins separated by 20+ years? Your words hit me in that deep place of understanding every single time. It's good to not feel like the only one to feel such things. Thank you for having the courage to speak for all of us deep thinking, over thinking, wanting to melt into the floor, hopelessly hopeful ones.
I normally eschew unsolicited medical/nutrition advice (this is coming from someone with the palate of 5 year old) but I am also trying to up my protein this year. Best hack I’ve found is enjoying milk + chocolate protein powder hot chocolate. I shoot for 1 cup a day (usually in the evening as I am winding down) and it’s 32 grams of protein and delicious.
I literally just discovered chocolate protein powder. I've had a box of it for a while but was being stingy with it because chocolate feels indulgent to me and...wrong? But my nutritionist says, NO! Go for it! So I've been doing a cup of it every day the past week and it's helping me so much to reach the protein I need.
husband makes a smoothie every morning and has started tossing a handful of mixed nuts in addition to protein powder. WOW, can I tell a difference! This has been a struggle for me, as well.
I love this thoughtful reflection on 2023. I'm also glad the year is over, but I found this a helpful reminder to still see what good came out of it and what I've learned from it.
I already pre-ordered The Understory, but Swaboda's description has made me even more excited to read it!
"Part Berry, Peterson, and L'Engle" by Swaboda?! Pre-ordered and done. I can't wait to read it Lore. Especially in this year. What a gift. (I'm already planning on coping by re-watching The West Wing lol). And I'm challenged and encouraged by your Four Big Goals for the year, self care ❌️ self comfort, friendship inventory and knowing how you write best and sticking to it. This enneagram 9 needs to hear it. Thank you. 💛
I woke up this morning with your words from this post in my head, and thought, "I'm really proud of her." Felt like something you should hear for yourself. I'm proud of you, Lore.
I must tell you. Every time I get a notification that you've published an article here, I wait to read it until I'm in a time and place where I can truly savor it. And I can honestly say I'm never disappointed. Bless you for being who you are and sharing that with us. I'm so grateful.
Our library has a free puzzle exchange. Bring one or take one. 250-1000 pcs. It is housed in the library, but they aren't part of the library system. Maybe your local library would consider setting up a corner for a puzzle exchange. Also one of their tables usually has a puzzle going, and patrons can work on it while they are getting their books.
What a wonderful reflection post. I especially resonated with your thoughts on friendships. I have had to take inventory of mine this past year. This gives me courage and hope.
Thank you for a thoughtful round up of 2023. It’s nice to hear about areas that most people aren’t covering in their round ups of the year like our mental health and our relational health. I’ve already pre-ordered the understory and I am now super excited for my copy to come!
I really enjoyed your first two books so I just pre-ordered this one in blind faith and I’m glad I did after that blurb about it
My husband, Zack, and I are about a decade younger than you and Nate, but share a similar story: moves, infertility, childlessness, etc., and interests.
I'm really grateful for Substack because I find a glimmer of hope, beauty in your words/life. It's encouraging as a childless 32 year old to find a glimpse into a life with similar aspects as ours - we're the only ones in our circle without kids. I've had to come to terms also living without the dinner table chaos, but there's been much goodness surrounding our table I hardly think about it anymore. Thanks for sharing the puzzles/games recs. We love a good puzzle.
p.s. we're really hoping to come to your retreat this fall :)
So many good words about the complexities and joys of friendship, Lore ... and the relief and energy that's come with moving over to Substack after many years of traditional blogging.
Love receiving your writing! Especially your insights on friendships. Never found them easy and always felt a bit of a failure as a friend. As it’s my birthday on the 21st May I have pre-ordered your book. I also teach forest school, adore trees and love lessons from nature. Thank you x
“Are you still reading” YES and just read again! I love your freshness and authenticity. Thank you for being real and genuine!
Thank you so much for your words lore. Would it be possible to see the reflection/new years questions or have a link to it?
...quiet that voice in my head that says any food is too much food....are we twins separated by 20+ years? Your words hit me in that deep place of understanding every single time. It's good to not feel like the only one to feel such things. Thank you for having the courage to speak for all of us deep thinking, over thinking, wanting to melt into the floor, hopelessly hopeful ones.
I normally eschew unsolicited medical/nutrition advice (this is coming from someone with the palate of 5 year old) but I am also trying to up my protein this year. Best hack I’ve found is enjoying milk + chocolate protein powder hot chocolate. I shoot for 1 cup a day (usually in the evening as I am winding down) and it’s 32 grams of protein and delicious.
I literally just discovered chocolate protein powder. I've had a box of it for a while but was being stingy with it because chocolate feels indulgent to me and...wrong? But my nutritionist says, NO! Go for it! So I've been doing a cup of it every day the past week and it's helping me so much to reach the protein I need.
husband makes a smoothie every morning and has started tossing a handful of mixed nuts in addition to protein powder. WOW, can I tell a difference! This has been a struggle for me, as well.
I love this thoughtful reflection on 2023. I'm also glad the year is over, but I found this a helpful reminder to still see what good came out of it and what I've learned from it.
I already pre-ordered The Understory, but Swaboda's description has made me even more excited to read it!
"Part Berry, Peterson, and L'Engle" by Swaboda?! Pre-ordered and done. I can't wait to read it Lore. Especially in this year. What a gift. (I'm already planning on coping by re-watching The West Wing lol). And I'm challenged and encouraged by your Four Big Goals for the year, self care ❌️ self comfort, friendship inventory and knowing how you write best and sticking to it. This enneagram 9 needs to hear it. Thank you. 💛
I woke up this morning with your words from this post in my head, and thought, "I'm really proud of her." Felt like something you should hear for yourself. I'm proud of you, Lore.
I must tell you. Every time I get a notification that you've published an article here, I wait to read it until I'm in a time and place where I can truly savor it. And I can honestly say I'm never disappointed. Bless you for being who you are and sharing that with us. I'm so grateful.
Our library has a free puzzle exchange. Bring one or take one. 250-1000 pcs. It is housed in the library, but they aren't part of the library system. Maybe your local library would consider setting up a corner for a puzzle exchange. Also one of their tables usually has a puzzle going, and patrons can work on it while they are getting their books.
What a wonderful reflection post. I especially resonated with your thoughts on friendships. I have had to take inventory of mine this past year. This gives me courage and hope.
Thank you for a thoughtful round up of 2023. It’s nice to hear about areas that most people aren’t covering in their round ups of the year like our mental health and our relational health. I’ve already pre-ordered the understory and I am now super excited for my copy to come!
I really enjoyed your first two books so I just pre-ordered this one in blind faith and I’m glad I did after that blurb about it
This was beautiful, Lore, and so inspiring for me to continue to reflect on my 2023 and look ahead to 2024.
My husband, Zack, and I are about a decade younger than you and Nate, but share a similar story: moves, infertility, childlessness, etc., and interests.
I'm really grateful for Substack because I find a glimmer of hope, beauty in your words/life. It's encouraging as a childless 32 year old to find a glimpse into a life with similar aspects as ours - we're the only ones in our circle without kids. I've had to come to terms also living without the dinner table chaos, but there's been much goodness surrounding our table I hardly think about it anymore. Thanks for sharing the puzzles/games recs. We love a good puzzle.
p.s. we're really hoping to come to your retreat this fall :)
Come to the retreat! 💛😊 it would be great to meet you both!
So many good words about the complexities and joys of friendship, Lore ... and the relief and energy that's come with moving over to Substack after many years of traditional blogging.
Thanks for all of this.
Have you tried BlueKazoo puzzles? Unique designs, amazing quality.
And have you tried Azul? It's a tile game like Patchwork with the option of some dastardliness.
Love receiving your writing! Especially your insights on friendships. Never found them easy and always felt a bit of a failure as a friend. As it’s my birthday on the 21st May I have pre-ordered your book. I also teach forest school, adore trees and love lessons from nature. Thank you x