I’m easing into this new year. Dipping my toe, testing the waters. I’m not ready to jump in just yet, and I’m at peace with that fact.

Eventually, the holiday will end and I’ll emerge from the cocoon that always seems to envelop me during these sacred nights of winter. But right now, I’m trying not to force anything. Instead, I’m soaking up every last second of this respite I’ve been so fortunate to enjoy.

Cautious optimism, is what I believe this is called.

PS: I just overheard my daughter tell her friend (via FaceTime) that her “favorite book by far is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” as if I could love that sweet girl of mine any more than I do already.