Still Healing, Still Creating, Still Abiding

pambooher

Jan 12

2 min read

My brain still feels a bit foggy these days… and honestly, that’s okay.

I’m learning to let life be slower, softer, and more real than I’m used to.

If this post feels gentle and unhurried, it’s because that’s exactly where I am right now.

This is a season of healing. Of listening to my body. Of noticing joy in small, quiet ways.

This photo was taken after my second haircut since surgery. It feels symbolic.

A fresh chapter… with uneven edges… and a whole lot of grace.

I’m learning to be gentle with myself when I look in the mirror. Some days I recognize myself easily. Other days I’m still getting reacquainted.

Healing doesn’t rush, and neither do I.

I’m choosing kindness toward myself in this season. And that feels like progress.

This has been one of my favorite places lately.

The fireplace, the glow, the warmth… especially during this cold weather.

And yes, my Christmas decorations are still up 🎄

I know it’s January. I know how this usually works.😂

But Christmas makes me happy… and happiness feels like a wise choice right now.

The lights remind me that warmth and beauty don’t have to disappear just because the calendar changed.

I’m allowing myself to linger where my heart feels safe and comforted.

This photo feels like such a true snapshot of my days lately.

I’ve been creating a lot of art. Working on a few different doodle books. Letting my hands speak when my words feel slow. Creativity has been a steady companion during recovery.

And in the background… football 🏈

So. Much. Football.

Chuck and I have been watching a lot of it together, and honestly, I love it. It’s cozy. It’s familiar. It’s us sitting together, laughing, cheering, and just being.

Healing doesn’t always look dramatic.

Sometimes it looks like art on a screen, a game on TV, and love on the couch.

My Word for the Year: ABIDE

As I step into this new year, my word is ABIDE.

Not strive.Not hurry.Not fix or rush healing along.

Just… abide.

To remain.

To stay close.

To rest where I am already loved.

This word feels especially tender in this season. When my brain feels foggy or my energy runs low, I’m reminded that I don’t have to earn God’s nearness.

I’m invited to simply stay.

The verse I’m holding close is this:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”John 15:4

This year isn’t about productivity or big plans.

It’s about connection.

About drawing life from the Vine.

About trusting that fruit will come in its time.

For now, I will abide by the fire,

abide in creativity,

abide in laughter,

abide in rest…and most of all, abide in Him 🤍