Savoring vacation and setting intentions for 2025

Today I am writing from an Amtrak train heading to New York City where I will meet my dear college friend, Susie. It is 7:20 am and my heart is full as the sun rises and reveals the beauty of the Hudson River. I love this train ride along Hudson. It has been a consistent part of my adult life. When I was fresh out of college and lived in NYC, it carried me to the Albany train station where I met my dad, who voluntarily made the two hour drive from Rutland, VT to take me the rest of the way home. Now that I live upstate, this train connects me to dear friends and a city I love, not to mention that it has become a preferred way to get to JFK (you can easily pick up the LIRR and AirTran in Penn Station).  

It’s December 26th and thus begins a week-long vacation from school. I savor this week each year as a time for self-care and reflection. In addition to seeing Susie, I’ll spend time with my mom, go to dinner with my partner, catch up with friends, go to yoga, read and write. My daughters will be with me for half of this vacation (they are with their dad now). When they are home, I’ll plot to spend time with them in any form they’ll accept (parents of teenagers, you know what I’m talking about). 

I’ll celebrate my adventures from this year and set intentions for the next. Speaking of, I have decided on my OLW (One Little Word) for 2025. For those of you who are not familiar, OLW is a word that represents an intention that you would like to manifest in your life. This year’s word is simply “BE”.

It came to me the other night while I was writing in my notebook about my oldest daughter’s recent upset with her sport’s team. The most difficult part of parenting is seeing your child suffer and feeling like you can’t do anything about it. I had words of comfort but my daughter was not ready to hear them.

While I did not play sports, I have experienced the sting of feeling overlooked. When I was a teenager, I spent 4 nights of the week (plus weekend- long rehearsals) in the dance studio. I know the feeling of dedication, putting pressure on oneself, and not achieving the desired results. As I kept writing, I remembered one particularly upsetting night when I sat in our dark family living room processing the news that I was not chosen for any lead roles in that year’s production of the Nutcracker. I remember my dad entering the room and sitting beside me. I don’t remember what he said but I do remember him listening as I expressed my feelings and contemplated whether or not dance was right for me. This memory reminded me that my daughter may not want my advice, but she does want me to be present for her. 

As a parent now, I see dad’s example for being present. From being there for my teenage upsets to picking me up at the train station so he could spend 2 hours in a car with me, my dad taught me what children need most. And so, it is in his spirit that I set this year’s intention. 

I wish you all a restful, invigorating and joyful vacation. Happy New Year!