Hello.
I’ve been quiet for a while, not because I’m at a loss for words–rather, I’ve been purposely choosing not to add to the noise in the world. And, well– I also needed more fantastic sandwiches in my life. Let me explain.
Upon return to the U.S. last year, I hit the ground running with a slew of speaking engagements, leadership seminars, and podcasts, then met a bucket list milestone of becoming a best-selling author while sorting through a basement full of storage boxes we hadn’t seen in a decade. Once our overseas shipment was settled, we fostered a Great Pyrenees to further cultivate home and build community, and I got caught up in the spin cycle of busyness as teen and dog mom, wife, and entrepreneur. And frankly? I became as tired and uninspired as a soggy sandwich.
Nothing was wrong that I could pinpoint–I’m in good health and blessed with an amazing husband and son. Admittedly, living in the DC area under this administration has been trying, and our third-culture son was navigating a rocky transition into 8th grade as a kid who looks American, but doesn’t culturally feel like one. (For example, Ramsay crushed his test on European and Asian Geography, but was unsure about the location of Kansas). There are frequent “American” discoveries for him, like when I ran the garbage disposal and he tore down the stairs, yelling, “Mom! What’s wrong? What was that?!” (Raised overseas, he’d never heard one). Like most foreign service kids, he continues to overcome, adapt, and persevere, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Overall, things were falling into place, so, why the soggy sandwich feeling? Perhaps it was midlife creeping in, or my nervous system resetting after years of being in survival mode overseas, but I knew intuitively that whatever it was, I needed to honor a season of slowing down to refuel the energy reserves and coffers of inspiration.
Have you ever moved through your days on auto-pilot until something spurs the desire for more oomph, more wow factor–more “fantastic sandwiches” in your life? I don’t mean a mediocre deli sandwich, but a finger-licking good sandwich that is deeply satisfying with the bread toasted just right, a thin slice of unblemished avocado, crisp lettuce, perfectly grilled protein, and a dressing that sings…the kind of sandwich that makes you say the word delicious out loud even if no one else is around.
As anthropologist Zora Neal Hurston said, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” I had more questions than answers and I wanted to stop, sit quietly, and assess to see what clues the universe had in store for me. Like an off-season hibernation, I spent late spring and summer retreating and turning inward whenever possible, creating sanctuary (both mentally and inside our home) through walks beneath towering trees, creating cozy recipes, practicing yoga, devouring library books (most recently, Frederik Backman’s “My Friends”), collaging with mixed-media art supplies, and journaling.
When school released last summer, Ramsay and I went road-tripping 1980’s style (Brad flew in to meet us when he could) and had a blast, soaking up sunshine, swimming, and moving through our days at a slower pace. Highlights were traditional camps, time with Mama, family, and friends, and an Atlanta Braves Game on the 4th with incredible fireworks. Also, we sought out folk art galleries, took surf lessons, stopped on a whim to take photographs, and discovered new places, like Lake Chatuge, where we fished with glowing night crawlers then witnessed a full, red moon rise over the water.
The week before High School, Rams wrapped up a basketball camp and asked to visit to NYC to see Hamilton and friends living there, so we made a last-minute trip on Amtrak.
Turns out, sometimes, we just need to give ourselves permission to take a break and recalibrate. (Why is that so challenging for some of us)? No one can operate long-term on full-tilt. As my friend Shari says, “In mid-life, like a pilot tweaking the dials in the cockpit, we just need to listen and adjust as needed,” and wisely, “how you start your morning sets the tone for your days.”
After a fun summer with plenty of introspection and rest (and a full medical physical), there were no big revelations––I just needed more self-care and mindfulness, starting with a better morning routine. I now wake up and stretch before reaching for my phone and drink hot tea with two hands–not while multi-tasking– but sitting quietly with intention, even if for just a few minutes. I am also making more careful choices about the food and information I’m consuming, which has made a positive, impactful difference in my body and mind.
Now, with autumn afternoons marked by crisp blue skies and gold and garnet-tinged trees whose leaves whisper to the ground, we await the announcement of our next country assignment. In the interim, I’m working on my fiction novel, making more fantastic sandwiches, and sipping hot tea before strategizing about what’s next. Stayed tuned!
Do you give yourself permission to rest? I’d love to hear about what kind of “fantastic sandwich” moments you factor into your life to bring you joy. Please comment below.
Peace & Light,
Tracy
Not unlike many Foreign Service families, we traveled this summer to soak up quality time with loved ones. Wanting to take advantage of being back in the states, we stayed busy. Days were full of celebrating with yummy meals, museum visits, outdoor activities, creative pursuits, exploration, and play dates.
I made my favorite French tea, pasted a few images into a vision board, and read pages of Rachel Hollis’ book, “Girl, Wash Your Face,“in which she emphasized the importance of showing up and keeping commitments for ourselves as we do for others. She asked, “would you keep hanging out with a friend always flaking out on you?” To summarize the response: no, you wouldn’t. Commit to your dreams and goals and treat yourself as well as you do everyone else in your orbit. Good reminder, I thought.
I had recently signed up for, but not completed, Meghan Genge’s “Magical Morning” E-Course. When I opened her email (nine days after it arrived), her message was clear: “Continue to show up for yourself. Every morning. Because magic will start to happen when you start your day mindfully.” Hmmm. Twice I’ve heard this today. I worked out what my morning ritual would be: light a candle, tap a singing bowl, set priorities for the day, write in my journal, and stretch. 
