By Susannah Richardson

Graphic by @theillustratedshelf on Instagram

I had big plans for my close to two-month-long winter break…

Plans to ride my newly repaired bike all around to my favorite spots in Raleigh and to revisit some old gems at home in Charlotte. Plans to start a daily journal and reflect on what was undoubtedly the hardest season of my life thus far. Plans to read five books that I excitedly checked out from the library. Plans to do things that truly allowed for a reset before taking on a second online semester in a very unusual climate in all aspects of life. 

One thing that my brain always tricks me into believing is true is that “Plans should always be followed to reach the desired outcome. If you make a plan or have an idea, and you don’t follow through, something is bound to crash and burn.” While having a plan and following through is indeed often the way to reach your outcome, I also continue to learn that sometimes stumbling through with a loose grasp has the ability to turn out just fine. Sometimes the crash-and-burn is what leads you to what you pictured in the first place. All of this is to say that if you also had ideas about how to spend your time off that didn’t quite reach your expectations, I hear you, and I see you! 

While I didn’t finish all of the books I intended to delve into, I didn’t trek miles and miles on bike, and I didn’t do many of the things I pictured myself doing, I did have time to sit with my thoughts, truly hear myself think, and create a couple of new habits that honor my values and interests, and that can be continued into the semester. I’d love to share them with you in hopes that they offer inspiration and perhaps a space for you to look forward to small moments in your day that bring peace, curiosity, and opportunity for a flexible, fulfilling routine. 

Matcha 

I received some green tea matcha powder for Christmas and immediately welcomed making my own matcha drinks as a new and simple habit! There is something so rewarding about perfecting a drink once viewed as a delicacy from a coffee shop. Plus, it’s a mindless moment of my day where I can slow down and have a quiet second while whisking my matcha. Here’s the brand I’m using right now: 

https://golde.co/collections/all-products-excluding-route/products/new-pure-matcha  

Books 

The one book that I became wholly immersed in was a novel by Brit Bennett called The Vanishing Half. If you’re interested in a fiction work focusing on themes of coming-of-age, dynamic relationships and identities, and page-turning mystery, I recommend this book! This is an interview by Trevor Noah and the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smj3I8Co9cM

New places to visit in Raleigh 

I loved walking around NCSU’s Centennial campus and enjoying Lake Raleigh, even if only for a short walk to get some fresh air. Raleigh is home to many greenways and paths that I’m excited to discover more of. 

Father + Son and Trunk Show are two lovely vintage/antique stores perfect for an afternoon of nostalgia and curiosity! 

Podcasts 

Brene Brown’s “Unlocking Us” and “Dare to Lead” are my go-to’s for a dose of wisdom, empathy, and vulnerability. You will learn something in each episode and finish feeling seen and encouraged by the way Brene and her guests communicate our shared human experiences.