Enough Over More
As the year wraps to a close I started focusing on what I want in 2026 and the usual things spilled out automatically like a child reciting times tables until I caught myself and circled back to the beginning, ready to try again with (I hate to say it) intention. It took a few tries but I eventually decided that for 2026 instead of traditional resolutions I’m choosing enough over more, appreciating what I have over the constant pressure to accumulate, achieve, flaunt, improve.
I can touch my toes and we live near a park. We have clean water and warm beds. I’ve learnt to make my perfect coffee and the dog’s favourite place is sitting by my feet. I can keep my home clean and I’ve stopped buying useless stuff to fill the endless void. I’ve got enough friends and am making plans for real life connection and celebration over the coming year.
I’ve largely deleted social media (my screen time is still horrific, working on it) and on the rare times I log back in the need to consume and show off rises back up like a tsunami, and jealousy for things I hadn’t even dreamed of wanting springs up behind me. Then I close it down and actively remind myself that I have more than past me ever dared hope for.
What would past you be amazed at now?
- Emily
P.S. Let’s be honest if I suddenly win the lottery all bets are off.
I am not rich. My forever husband of 12 years ( last night was our wedding anniversary ) and soulmate, moved to Italy almost 5 years ago because we couldn’t afford to live in my birth city, Seattle, WA in retirement. We rent a 500 year old house in a beautiful, small, but not a village, it is a town in Le Marche (50,000 people). It is safe, beautiful, full of culture and activities and near the sea and the mountains. We have made good friends here, walk everywhere, and have access to healthy local affordable food. Oh and let’s face the important facts for coffee lovers: the best coffee in the world. It is hard to get a bad coffee in Italy and it is affordable -everywhere. It is considered a human need and right and caffe time is sacred. (Sorry France -you excel at so much more- pastries, bread, flowers, aesthetics etc)… we miss our children, 5 grandchildren and friends but we have a lifestyle here that serves us better. I am grateful we were bold enough, brave enough to make this life changing move that sustains us so well.
Happy New Year to you all. Onward and upward in all things that are truly important.
I have a cozy house and a garden, lots of books including yours and a kitchen that works even if it is tiny by American standards. Hopefully, I can come to Paris in the New Year (I have been intimidated by the crowds I’ve seen in everyone’s posts). I love the title of this newsletter and feel the same.