Wow — what an extraordinary year. In just 15 months I celebrated two Bar Mitzvahs (one for each of my beloved boys), finished building a new house, and published a new book, Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry. I wouldn’t recommend trying to cram all of that into such a short period to anyone. It was incredibly rewarding and also completely exhausting.
First, the Bar Mitzvahs. The boys were remarkable, chanting Hebrew for hours in front of more than 100 people at each ceremony. It was a proud, emotional accomplishment and a true mazal. We hosted several gluten-free events and gatherings across a festive weekend for friends and family (no, I did not cook for the 100+ guests who attended each celebration) and had a marvelous time with our closest loved ones. As much as those large gatherings were joyful, I’m relieved they’re behind us — they were wonderful but undeniably stressful.
That same year was largely devoted to renovating and rebuilding our historic 1912 house. We took it down to the studs and essentially created a new, green home within an old shell. We installed non-toxic, recycled blue denim insulation for soundproofing, added geothermal heating and cooling, and integrated many other eco-friendly features. I was deeply involved in every detail of the project and felt like I was steering everything until we finally moved in — and then I had a complete meltdown (I recovered quickly). The timing didn’t help: my younger son’s Bar Mitzvah, the move, and the release of my book all fell within about six weeks of each other. Construction timelines are notoriously flexible, and our plans to space things out didn’t pan out, so stress levels soared.
It was good stress in many ways, but I try to treat stress like I treat food: too much of anything is unhealthy. Even beneficial activities have a limit, and it’s important to stop before you reach it. Still, the momentum of 2013 carried me forward and there was no slowing that train.
Next came the release of my book, Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry. You might wonder why I chose to publish a book in the middle of two Bar Mitzvahs and a major renovation. Being a stay-at-home parent is a complex experience for me. I’m grateful to be present when my children come home from school — that presence matters deeply — but if I’m not also engaged in creative or professional work, I can start to feel like a kept woman or a Stepford wife, and neither of those feelings sit well with me. I need projects and purpose. I’ve been working since I started my first small business at age eight, and this book was my way of carving out a bit of myself in an overwhelmingly busy year.
So am I okay? Yes. After a period of deep exhaustion I rested more this fall and have been recovering nicely. I’m planning a quieter, health-focused year ahead with lots of reading, research, and rest — three of my favorite things.
In the coming months I’ll be sharing healthy dinner recipes, lifestyle ideas, and exercise tips with you, my cherished online community. Happy New Year to my lovely readers — I hope 2013 treated you well and that 2014 brings rest, renewal, and joy.
How was your 2013? I’d love to hear — please leave a comment and tell me about it.