Tiny Anchors

In my 36 Things I’ve Done by 37 post, I noted that I identified my “tiny anchors” (See: #31) – i.e., the things that ground me, like my coffee routine. Since going through a lifestyle upheaval that comes with having a child, I’ve found it even more vital to know and be able to call upon these tiny anchors when it comes to maintaining my sanity and sense of self. I highly recommend figuring out and activating those comforting rituals – whatever yours may be. Here are mine:

That coffee routine. As a caffeine addict, I need coffee each day to keep me functioning, but it also just makes me happy. I love the smell and the taste. I love how it warms me all the way through (or sometimes helps me nurse a hangover). I get satisfaction from pushing the plunger of my French press and watching the milk swirl. And I love how most Saturday mornings my beau brings my special coffee shop coffee directly to me under a blanket on the couch as the sweetest treat. (Or, at least he did before a kid complicated things.)
The chapter (minimum) I read before bed. I sleep better now that a screen isn’t the last thing I see before going to sleep. Also, reading has always been an escape for me so building it into a daily routine means I’m guaranteed that mental break.
Taco Tuesday. I think we’ve perhaps missed four Taco Tuesdays in a decade. Knowing the general theme of one of the meals makes weekly menu planning much easier. And since we try to do a different type of taco each week, it pushes me to get creative in the kitchen.
Summer Movie Night. I always loved going to outdoor movie screenings. Those are harder to do with a kid, but we started an at-home version during COVID that we can still do, even if we don’t get a babysitter. We each put our picks in a hat and then blindly choose. Sometimes we theme the options and/or accompanying menu. Similar to our resolution to have at least one date night per month, it differentiates the evening and the full summer season.
Meat and Cheese Boards. Assembling a cheese plate is my love language. It’s how I show people I care. I have so much fun putting them together and even more fun eating them. I love how celebratory it feels.
Annual Photo Album. I started making an April-March photo album each year on our first anniversary. What began as a gift to my husband has become something I look forward to each year. And I love celebrating our anniversary by reviewing it together.
Fresh Flowers. I try to have fresh flowers for the coffee table each week. It brings me joy to see some bright life around the home.
Workout Classes. Working out really helps me clear my mind and has helped me work through some sad times. I particularly love classes like Peloton and being able to give myself over to a motivational trainer and killer playlist. I’ve realized I feel “off” when I’m unable to carve out time for workout classes.
Playing Sweet & Sour. We don’t say grace, but the first thing we do when we sit down for supper at home is say our high and low of the day. It’s a tradition that puts everything into perspective.
Shower Podcasts. I find it difficult to listen to anything while I work, and I typically like to read on my subway commute so I look forward to my shower as a time to listen to podcasts. I can learn something or feel like I’m in the middle of a gossip sesh all while getting totally relaxed by a hot shower.
Climbing into a freshly made bed with wet hair. There is nothing more relaxing.