Post # 49 - The Habit I’m Bringing into 2026 (And the One I’m Letting Go)

Posted under: Wellness & Habits | The Full Life Edit

Each new year brings an opportunity to reflect on what we want to carry forward — not just in accomplishments, but in daily life. Over the years, I’ve realized that growth isn’t about sweeping transformations. It’s about small, intentional habits that shape how I feel, think, and move through the world.

This year, I’ve chosen one habit to nurture and one habit to release. Together, they create balance — a push toward growth without self-criticism.

🌿 The Habit I’m Bringing In: Morning Mindfulness

After years of rushed mornings, I’ve discovered the quiet power of mindfulness at the start of the day. It doesn’t take long — just a few minutes — but it sets the tone for everything that follows.

My simple routine:

• Sit quietly for three minutes after waking.
• Take slow, deep breaths and notice my body.
• Set a small intention for the day: “Today, I will focus on presence” or “Today, I will be gentle with myself.”

These few moments of calm transform my mornings. Instead of immediately reacting to emails or schedules, I arrive at my day centered and intentional.

Why this habit matters:

• It reduces stress and prevents that frantic start-of-day feeling.
• It improves focus and decision-making throughout the morning.
• It reminds me that the most important relationship I have is with myself.

🌸 The Habit I’m Letting Go: Mindless Scrolling

Alongside building new habits, letting go is essential. For me, mindless scrolling — whether on social media or news feeds — has been a stealthy energy drain.

Why I’m releasing it:

• It fragments attention and steals mental space.
• It often triggers comparison or anxiety.
• It replaces moments of rest or creativity with distraction.

Instead of scrolling, I’m redirecting those minutes to:

• Reading a few pages of a book.
• Journaling thoughts or gratitude.
• Practicing a short mindfulness exercise.

Letting go of this habit doesn’t mean I never pick up my phone. It means I interact intentionally, not out of compulsion.

🧠 Lessons from Habit Shifts

Building one habit and releasing another is surprisingly enlightening. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Small changes ripple outward: A few minutes of mindfulness can influence my mood, productivity, and relationships.
• Intentionality is powerful: Choosing what I do and don’t do reinforces self-respect and control.
• Growth isn’t linear: Some days, I forget to meditate or pick up my phone too often. That’s okay — the habit exists in the long-term, not every single moment.
• Letting go creates space: Releasing mindless scrolling opens time and energy for things that truly matter.

🌱 Making It Sustainable

For habits to stick, I’ve found they must be:

1. Simple: If a habit takes too long or is complicated, it won’t last. Three minutes of morning mindfulness is enough.
2. Consistent: Even a small daily practice builds momentum.
3. Flexible: Life happens. Some days I sit for three minutes, some days five. Some days I pick up my phone unintentionally — that’s okay.
4. Reflective: I check in weekly to see how the habit affects my energy and mood.

Sustainable habits aren’t about perfection — they’re about alignment with values and well-being.

🌸 A Gentle Invitation

This year, instead of a long list of resolutions, consider choosing:

• One habit to bring in: Something small that supports your well-being or growth.
• One habit to release: Something that drains energy or distracts from what matters.

By narrowing the focus, you create space for meaningful change without overwhelm. Growth becomes less about pressure and more about intention.

💬 Tell me: What’s one habit you want to bring into 2026? One habit you want to release? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear your choices and maybe even try some of them myself.

– M.E

Post # 48 - The Winter Meals That Keep Me Grounded and Energized

Posted under: Food & Enjoyment | The Full Life Edit

Winter has a way of slowing everything down. The days are shorter, the air is crisp, and the urge to hibernate is strong. During this season, I’ve found that the meals I eat have more than just a nutritional role — they set the tone for my energy, mood, and overall sense of well-being.

This winter, I’m focusing on meals that are grounding, nourishing, and simple. They don’t require hours of prep, but they deliver warmth, comfort, and sustained energy.

🌿 Why Winter Meals Matter

In colder months, our bodies naturally crave food that warms, fills, and fuels us. Eating lightly or skipping meals can leave me drained, irritable, and unfocused. On the other hand, thoughtful winter meals:

• Provide energy for both work and daily routines.
• Support immune health with nutrient-rich ingredients.
• Bring comfort and joy, making the season feel cozy rather than bleak.

For me, food in winter isn’t just fuel — it’s a ritual that keeps me grounded.

🍲 My Go-To Winter Staples

1. Roasted Root Vegetables

Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips are my winter go-to. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and the process fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

How I make it simple:

• Chop vegetables into even chunks.
• Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary.
• Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

The result is earthy, comforting, and perfect alongside grains or protein.

2. Hearty Stews and Soups

A winter without a warming soup feels incomplete. I favor recipes that combine vegetables, legumes, or meat with rich spices and broths.

My favorite combo:

• Lentils, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes.
• Season with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon.
• Simmer until tender and aromatic.

These meals are satisfying, easy to make in batches, and ideal for both lunch and dinner.

3. Warm Breakfasts to Start the Day

Cold mornings call for breakfasts that fuel and comfort. I rotate between oatmeal, quinoa porridge, and scrambled eggs with sautéed greens.

Oatmeal ritual:

• Cook oats in milk or plant-based milk.
• Add a spoonful of nut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and fresh or dried fruit.
• Optional: drizzle of honey for warmth and sweetness.

Starting the day with a warm, nutrient-dense meal helps me stay energized until lunchtime.

🥣 Mindful Eating in Winter

Winter meals aren’t just about what we eat; they’re about how we eat. Sitting down, savoring each bite, and noticing the flavors makes even simple dishes feel luxurious.

• I avoid eating in front of screens whenever possible.
• I appreciate the textures, colors, and aromas of my food.
• I notice how different ingredients make me feel — more awake, calm, or satisfied.

This mindfulness keeps me connected to my body and the rhythm of the season.

🌸 Seasonal Joy in Cooking

Cooking in winter has its own kind of joy. There’s something grounding about chopping, stirring, and simmering while the cold wind blows outside. Even small rituals — tasting the stew, smelling the bread baking, adding a pinch of spice — make me feel present.

Sharing these meals with loved ones multiplies the joy. A warm bowl of soup or a roasted vegetable side is simple, but it nourishes not just the body, but the heart.

🌱 A Gentle Invitation

This winter, I encourage you to explore meals that warm, comfort, and sustain you. Choose dishes that feel grounding and joyful rather than complicated. Batch-cook stews for easy weekday meals. Roast seasonal vegetables. Start the day with a breakfast that fuels both body and spirit.

Food can be a tool for well-being, a moment of joy, and a connection to the rhythm of the season — all in one.

💬 Tell me: What are your favorite winter meals? Do you have recipes that make you feel grounded and energized? Share in the comments — I’d love to add them to my seasonal rotation.

– M.E