The holiday days are coming to an end, and in the midst of all the celebration I feel a quiet longing for everyday life. Not because anything has been wrong – but because simplicity is drawing me in more now. Ordinary days, without extra everything. A cup of tea, a lit candle, and a gentle pace that is enough.
Read this post in Swedish->Längtan efter vardagen – när det enkla räcker
When celebration turns into fullness
A day of celebration is done.
The little one has been celebrated and is now a year older.
Food has been cooked, the food has been eaten – and now it’s time to clear out the fridge and eat what’s left, to make room for what comes next.
Now only New Year’s remains.
Then everyday life awaits again.
And I notice how much I miss it.
Longing for everyday life – ordinary days without extra everything
Ordinary days.
Days without planning.
Without expectations.
And without demands.
Comfort has become simpler now.
A completely ordinary cup of tea.
A lit candle.
That is enough.
I still like roast beef and a little extra everything – but I don’t need it anymore.
I don’t need more extra.
I need what is ordinary.
This longing for everyday life has grown slowly, as a need to stay in what doesn’t have to shine.
When the wallet also wants to rest
At the same time, the wallet doesn’t need anything extravagant right now.
Not because it’s empty – but because it needs a period of rest.
Or maybe it’s me who needs a break from shopping itself.
From filling up.
Filling out.
Filling in.
Sometimes, not buying anything can be just as much an act of care as treating yourself.
Body, water, and presence
Today, the swimming pool awaits.
The little one and I are going swimming.
My niece is coming along, and so is my daughter with her family.
My husband said a firm no, because swimming is not relaxing for him.
For me, it’s something else.
I will swim a few lengths, breathe, let my body speak – and relax in the best way I know.
For me, this is a way of treating myself: warm water, sauna, and a few hours of play and presence.
When something ends – and something begins
Gradually, it’s time for the final touch on The Winged Horse.
After New Year, The Winged Horse will take its place and be completed.
That last gentle stroke, before it sets off on its own journey.
Another book.
With my name on it.
In addition, the final 25 percent of my education is waiting.
But I’ll take that on after my birthday.
Then it will be time for the final exam.
A few questions for you who are reading
Do you recognize that sense of fullness after holidays and celebrations?
Do you sometimes long more for everyday life than for festivities?
What is “a completely ordinary cup of tea” for you – what is enough right now?
Is there something in your life that could also benefit from a period of rest?
Further reading
I’ve written more about everyday life, presence, and how calm can take space here:
Everyday ADHD and Presence
https://malix.se
There are also texts about how simplicity and a slower pace affect our well-being, for example at Mindful:
https://www.mindful.org
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Between the lines – my voice
This is not a text about having too little.
It is a text about having had enough.
About sensing when something is complete.
When there is no longer a need for more impressions, more things, or more plans.
Just space.
It is also a voice that says everyday life is not something in between highlights.
It is life itself.
AHA – between the lines
Longing for everyday life is not boredom.
It is a sign of safety.
When you no longer need to escape what is ordinary,
you have found something to rest in.
Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Yesterday has already settled into history.
Tomorrow is waiting further ahead.
But right now – this is where life happens.
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